[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE=BigUmp56]I thought this excerpt from one of Carls articles is worthy of some discussion.


"That’s why some umpires are moving to the C side of the diamond with a runner on first only. They have a far easier time calling the steal of second; in addition, studies seem to show the angle for the first-base pick-off play is better in C than in B. Lots of umpires resist that innovation, though, because the coaches claim C is too far away. But isn’t that the tail wagging the dog?"

The "B" "C" Preference will almost always generate good discussion. IMO, the point of Papa C's article is that some umpires do not want to change mechanics simply because they are worried about what the coach is going to say, hence the phrase the tail wagging the dog.
One of the reasons for doing Pre-Season games is not only to get comfortable with the zone (we have been off for a while) but to try new things. Be open minded and try it and see if you like it.

As for me, I'm in "C" with R2 or R2/R3 LESS than 2 outs because the tag-up at second belongs to the BU and I can line myself up better in the "C" position. If there are 2 outs I go to "B" unless we only have R2.

With R1 or R1/R3 I prefer "B" because of the DP. For me I can get in much better position from the "B" slot for the back end of the DP which is usually a banger than from the C position.

Botton Line in Pre-Season Experiment with things such as a new plate stance. "B" Position vs. "C" position, etc.

IMO, the point of Papa C's article was that "Coaches should not govern where we position ourselves". That's up to our evaluator.

Pete Booth