Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
Which are you expecting a pick-off attempt at first (B) or a steal of 2nd (C)?
I think C is the better choice.
Childress presents a good discussion of this positioning on the officiating.com home page. (Down along the left side of the page there is a link to his library of topics.)
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With R1 only Position B is, indeed, the "prescribed" mechanic. I prefer C, where I am when there are runners on the corner. Since we're taught to go to C "sometimes" with R1, objections to being in C with a runner on first sound a little hollow.
Here's the point, for those who -- for one reason or another -- don't go to Officiating.com: In B the umpire cannot cheat up very much toward the pitcher to get a good angle on the pick-off. That's because he has to back pedal to second to cover the steal, and he will be too far from his destination.
But in C, he can move far forward, such that he might reach out and touch the dirt at the mound. Being that "high" gives a great angle. At the same time, to get into position for the steal at second, he simply pivots and he's looking directly between the runner and the base. A couple of crossover steps to his left, and he's in the best position possible.
Of course, the umpire in High C "looks" too far from first for the pick-off and too far from second for the steal. Still, if we're forced by our mechanics to be in C (R1/R3), why not go there with R1 only?
We know that angle is more important than distance. I've used C (R1 only) for nearly 15 years. My reputation as a base umpire has improved every year, so much so that LAST YEAR (after five years of retirement from high school ball), I was specifically picked for the playoffs to umpire the bases!