[midamumpire]

Tim:

I'm not disagreeing with you about when to use the mechanic. I think that some umpires do take the mechanic too far in a "look at me" sort of way. To give the mechanic on a pitch down the middle that is tipped is pretty ridiculous.

However, I think you need to take into consideration that if the ball either skips in the dirt or is caught cleanly.

I feel you need to give the mechanic so your partner(s) know you have something and if they know that the ball hit the ground before the catcher caught it, then they can let you know that it is a foul ball, not a foul tip. They need to know that you have contact because they cannot hear the tip, but they can see if it was caught or not. Confusion can set in quickly - runner stealing on the play, dropped 3rd strike/foul ball - if the information is not relayed. While these scenarios don't happen often they do happen and giving the mechanic can prevent having to get together later to change the call and having a s••thouse mess on your hands.

I guess what I'm saying is this is another scenario that needs to be added to your list of advantageous times.