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Originally Posted by pastordoug
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Since everyone was so helpful on the last post about mechanics I have a few more..... This is what the State Manual says:
Runner on 1st....Ground ball rolling up the third base line, the PU comes out from behind the plate to make fair/foul call... HERE IS WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND?
"If PU point’s the ball fair and the ball is then thrown to first base, he will then continue up the third base line towards third base and assume responsibility of the runner coming from first to third".
Can anyone give me a reason for this? Again, being the new kid in town I don’t want to stir up anything but just want to know why these mechanics are done this way and cannot get a straight answer except “that’s the way we do it down here”… So my approach is trying to put together reasonable reasons to look at making changes that would be better for putting us in the best position to make calls
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In FED, whenever we have R1 and the ball is hit in the infield, for the most part the BU is on his her/own on a play at first base. In other words do not expect any help from the PU.
Why!
In FED they have the FPSR and it's the responsibility of the PU to watch for a possible violation of that rule should the defense throw to second base. Therefore, whenever the ball is hit in the infield the PU will come out and get in the best possible position to view a possible FPSR violation.
Reason being: The BU is turning away from the play as soon as F4/F6 releases the ball to make the call at first base and therefore, will not be in position or see any possible interference on the part of R1 UNLESS it happens right in front of him.
In your OP we had a slow roller up the thrid base line and the PU following the ball to call Fair / Foul, Therefore, the PU is
"right there" should there be a play at third base. If there is an overthrow the PU can adjust rather easily.
In summary the mechanic makes sense.
Also, FWIW I wish they would do away with "the PU should be ready in case of a pulled foot / swipe tag"
BU's should make THEIR own calls PERIOD. The PU already has enough responsibilities and the BU should be able to make THEIR own calls. Also, some BU's use this as a "crutch" way too much.
Pete Booth