Here’s the situation. The Texas Rangers trail the Kansas City Royals, 9-5, in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Rangers have two outs and runners on first and second bases. The count is full. Is there any advantage to having the runners moving on the pitch? If so, what is it? My friend Hawk says there is, but he can’t articulate it. I say there isn’t, since not only must both runners score for the game to continue, but so must the batter.

Addendum: It’s important that you keep the situation in mind. Unless the batter reaches base, the game is over. It’s therefore essential that the on-deck batter come to the plate. So my question is this: How does moving the runners help to bring the on-deck batter to the plate? If it doesn’t, then there is no advantage to moving them. I’m not saying there is a disadvantage. I’m saying there is no advantage.

Addendum 2: Thanks for the comments. I’m persuaded that there is an advantage to moving the runners in that situation. That answers my question. The next question is whether there are any disadvantages, and, if so, whether they outweigh the advantages. Mark listed one disadvantage (a runner being struck by a batted ball). Are there any others?