You are right about what we do with two men crews. However, I have long crewed with guys on our three man crews that say, "If I'm inside (B/C), don't come to me." personally, I think that I can make the call, but these guys are pretty awesome and I've picked up that habit. 99% of the time we will be in the position to ask for and receive the appeal. I have encountered coaches that love and hate the way that we wok that mechanic. Most of them understand and cut us a little slack because we are on top of everything.
I think Sal said it before. Most of the guys at the D1 and 2 levels are pretty good balls and strikes guys. They have great plate presence and sell their calls. Because they see the play so well, the check swing is rung up without the need to go for help. When it does occur, you are right Atl, you need to ask - it hurts nothing and usually reinforces our original call.
I just saw Triple H's reply when I posted this, so rather than add another, I'll just edit this.
PLEASE READ WHAT I'VE WRITTEN. It has long been an unwritten rule...
I never quoted any book, since I don't have them in front of me. It was a rule of thumb that has guided us for a long time. Don't take any glee in thinking I slipped up. If you read what I said, you'll find that I almost always grant the appeal. (2 man with the field ump in C and a right hander checks his swing...good luck selling that when you have no angle!) So, I'm not sure how I am dead wrong. Most pro crews have 4 men and terrific angles. In Rookie, Class A and AA Ball we got killed on this same call all of the time. We had to appeal and we were rarely in position to make an absolute call.
[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Oct 21st, 2004 at 03:03 PM]
|