[MNBlue]

This is from the document that was drafted to 'support' the mechanic.

POSITIVES:
Foul Line
1. Can cover the first base foul line beyond the base umpire.
2. Could help on F/F from plate to umpire if needed (see negative #3).
3. Can see the foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate better.
4. Better look at check swing.
Slot
1. More field coverage.
2. Already in the diamond, no decision to go in or stay out.
3. Better position for base hit or line drive to right with possible throw to first.
4. Already in the diamond for overthrow at first from right field.
5. Base hit to left or center can stay outside the diamond and allows you to keep the four elements in front of you (with button hook you take eyes off the ball and turn back to the ball).
6. Better tendency to cover or chase fly balls in base umpire’s responsibility area.
7. On fly balls the slot allows you to track the ball without immediately making a decision to go in or out.
8. Better look at the bunt near home plate from inside the diamond. (Let the second baseman clear and follow into position at first).
9. Moving toward the play at first instead of away from it.
10. Away from the first base coach, which prevents socializing between umpire and coach and cuts down on the base coach being nitpicky about the opponent’s pitcher.
NEGATIVES:
Foul Line
1. Must go into foul territory for ball hit to right for possible play at first and balls hit between the first and second baseman.
2. Umpires have a tendency not to cover any fly balls since fly balls as a standard have always been the plate umpire’s responsibility.
3. Base umpire (as a general rule) will bail out on bounding balls down the line or pop ups in the vicinity of first base to the out of play area. (That is why we went from the base umpire not covering the line on bounding balls, to covering from the base and beyond and now back to not covering the line on bounding balls).
4. Most umpires, because they have been indoctrinated to do so, button hook into the diamond on all balls that leave the infield even though on balls hit to left or center it is better coverage to stay outside the diamond (allows you to keep the four elements in front of you). With the buttonhook you take your eyes off the ball and turn your back to the ball.
Slot
1. Can provide very little or no help on the first base/right field foul line on fly balls.
2. Can provide no help on the first base foul line on bounding balls.
3. Cannot see the front edge of the pitchers plate or the back edge if the pitcher’s foot is minutely off the plate.