Too Much of a Sacrifice?; While Old Guard Stands by Bunt, 'Moneyball' Crowd Says It Comes Up Short From: The Washington Post | Date: August 28, 2005| Author: Dave Sheinin | Copyright 2005 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post.Copyright information

The sacrifice bunt is evil, say the sabermetricians with their numbers and charts and spreadsheets. The cost of the out given up is greater than the value of the base gained, and they can prove it mathematically. Offer to elaborate about this to Washington Nationals Manager Frank Robinson, to show him the charts and spreadsheets, and a big hand emerges from below his desk and jabs -- palm out, fingers spread -- at the air in front of your face: Stop. Put your charts away, son.

"I d...