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Hmmm,
Steve:
IF one gives the "Time Play" signal do they give it every time there are multiple runners and one out?
You have the exact same possibilities as you have with one runner and two outs.
I have never seen any umpire give the "Time Play" signal with less than two outs.
In my opinion this imperical research shows that the sign is useless and unnecessary. The only thing it accomplishes is to "remind" an umpire to keep his head in the game. Umpires are not taught to make calls, faster, louder, or more demonstrative because of the signal.
Steve, the advice I give on umpire boards is just that . . . advice.
If I was "told" to use the foul tip or time play signal it would be up to me if I wanted to use them or not. My personal decision would be to "not" use the sign and if that cost me assignments that's my tough cookies.
Umpiring needs to join the 21st century. We all know how hard it is to instigate change in umpiring and while I am not trying to do that by ignoring these signals it IS my opinion they are wasteful.
In closing:
About 95% of the items we talk about on internet umpire boards are not only interesting to umpires they are only noticed by umpires (and evaluators). No one (except the above mentioned) notices an under shirt color, a shade of grey pant, a Carlucci protector or even if an umpire wears patent leather shoes -- I am all for communication between crew mates but I would suggest (and teach) that there are important things that need communicated and extraneous items that needn't be done.
Regards,
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