I hate to say it, but I think this is one where the analytics aren't the main culprit. I hate sacrifice bunting, but firmly believe there are limited situations where it makes sense. The 11th inning last night was one of them with 7-8-9 coming up with all of them having a platoon disadvantage.
The problem is simply that the majority of today's players are poor bunters. My eyes tell me that way more bunt attempts get popped up than they did 20-30 years ago. Outside of speed players who train to ambush bunt for hits, very few guys seem competent at it, and I think this affects decision making.
The worst thing in the world is to voluntarily give away an out AND get nothing for it.
The problem is simply that the majority of today's players are poor bunters. My eyes tell me that way more bunt attempts get popped up than they did 20-30 years ago. Outside of speed players who train to ambush bunt for hits, very few guys seem competent at it, and I think this affects decision making.
The worst thing in the world is to voluntarily give away an out AND get nothing for it.