LA Times: Angels try a subtle shift in defensive strategy

[AngelsWin.com]

The Angels compile data in a new-age approach to the issue of positioning fielders where the ball is most likely to be hit. It's 'far more shading than shifting,' Manager Mike Scioscia says.

As the Angels prepared for the 2002 World Series, bench coach Joe Maddon looked at the spray charts and came to a radical conclusion: If the Angels wanted to align their defense based on where Barry Bonds most commonly hit the ball, they should play three infielders and four outfielders.

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