Quote:
Originally Posted by bossman72
I was asked a question about positioning last weekend- "Why with R3 only are we in C position?" I didn't have a good answer and I mentioned something about 'playing the percentages.' He then came back with "Well, why don't we go to B when there's 2 outs since the percentages say that the play is going to be at first?" Once again, I had no answer.
So, I defer my answers for this guy to you guys  Why are we in the positions mandated by our mechanics books? |
It's not only the "percentages," it's the time to move, and the type of call.
On a pick to third, the umpire will not have much time to move, already has an angle, and closer will be better for seeing (or at least selling) the tag play -- and most of these will be "close".
On a grounder with a throw to first, the umpire has plenty of time to move, sometimes the play will not be close, and distance doesn't matter as much on a "force play" (sic).