Whether there are runners in scoring position or nobody on base, the 6-foot, 170-pound utilityman never hesitates to drop down a bunt. It’s become a regular occurrence since the Red Sox called up Ciriaco on July 6.
But there’s a method to his madness. While Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine occasionally directs him to bunt, Ciriaco says he typically follows his own instincts because, frankly, it’s the best way he can survive in the majors.
“There’s a bunch of pitchers that are pretty tough to hit, so if I can drop a bunt down that’ll at least help my cause,” Ciriaco said. “I’ve been bunting a lot the past few years, but especially this year, to try and put the ball in play more often because that’ll help my style of play.”
Considering Ciriaco only had 40 MLB plate appearances in 31 games heading into this season, there’s still a noticeable learning curve. So bunting is the 26-year-old’s way of adjusting to the talent gap in pitching from Triple-A to the majors.
It’s a philosophy that Ciriaco adopted in the Diamondbacks’ farm system. When he signed as a free agent in 2003, the infielder said then-hitting instructor Brett Butler spent extra time teaching him the art of bunting.
“I’m a player that needs to be on base and put myself in position to steal bases since that’s part of my game,” Ciriaco said. “I’m not a guy that’s going to hit 20 to 30 home runs, so I need to find ways to contribute with the basic fundamentals. Fortunately, I’ve been consistent and bunting is becoming a bigger part of my game.”
Take last Saturday’s home game against the Blue Jays. Up 3-1 in third inning with nobody on, Ciriaco laid down a gentle bunt against Toronto pitcher Carlos Villanueva and legged out an infield single. It was a simple play.
Other times, Ciriaco’s bunts — mixed with his speed — have proven to be troublesome for opposing infielders, resulting in fielding errors that have sparked Boston’s offense.
“He’s a good bunter,” Valentine said. “One of his tools is the fact that he can bunt for a base hit. You know, he sets it early and makes a good bunt. On a good bunt, you can’t throw him out. If he does that 10 times and he’s successful four of 10, he’s a .400 hitter. That’s pretty good.”
But it’s also a testament to Ciriaco’s batting practice sessions. Unlike most of his counterparts, he attempts “two to three” bunts in each round of BP to develop a rhythm before the game.
“This year, I’ve made more of a conscious effort to [bunt],” Ciriaco said. “In years past, I’ve bunted, but not as often as I am now. Now, I’ve finally learned that bunts can turn into two, three or even four infield hits. It keeps the infield on their feet.”
It may be a small play, but it’s helping Ciriaco keep his roster spot.
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