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Well,
Matthew:
Nothing you are talking about hasn't been done before.
Starting in the 1970's both professional and high school mechanics have flipped on this mechanic.
For years the "Advanced mechanic" was the the PU to rotate to third for the second call. The "standard" mechanic was for the BU to take the second call.
Sometime around 1980 those designations were reversed. Someone decided that one was easier than the other so they flopped.
In a discussion with NAPL the following was conveyed to me:
"Plate Umpires were found to be leaving the BR activities too soon.
"It was found that in order for the PU to release to head to third they were giving up basic responsibilites of fair/foul, running box issues and even swipe tags and the pull of a foot.
"IF the NAPL believes, as we teach, that we support "angle over distance" then it is only correct that the BU make the original call at first and the second call at third.
"In advanced two man crews we allow the team to select the process. Most have selected to stay with the BU making both calls."
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Now I am not trying to poach your thread but we also have a difficulty with the following play in two man mechanics.
Play:
R2 only with BU in "C".
Batter squares to bunt and misses the pitch.
F2 throws to second to try to pick R2 off.
As balls heads for second base R2 takes off for third.
So what we have is the BU turning into the diamond as the catcher's throw passes him. As he squares to second he then recognizes the runner has taken off for third. (Remember "most" BU's will have also taken a couple of cross over steps heading to cover the pick-off attempt.)
Now the BU must continue to pivot until he faces third base and is, most likely, straight lined after his movement to second for the initial play.
The only answer, by the manual, is to quickly attempt to gain angle by moving towards a point half way on the base line of third and home, square up and hope you see something.
Following the "Old Style" mechanics (much like your original thread starter) the PU could be sitting there waiting for the play.
We know there are compromises in the two man mechanic system.
Communication and teamwork can simplifiy issues. But sometime you just have to umpire.
Good question.
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