Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy
I, also was taught to ask your partner first before making the call and this is the method I prefer. I know that Mike doesn't like it, but I have never worked with him either! 
If you choose to do this, it must be done judiciously, as your PU partner will have other responsibilities and there may be other runners moving around second and third base. Almost all of the umpires that I work with have been trained to hold near the plate to see the play at first before releasing to third for any potential call there. However, I have seen some PUs immediately release to third when the ball is hit and are not in any position to offer help. Most of the time, any other runners will have advanced one base or be holding at a base since the ball has remained in the infield on this play and the PU will be able to help. |
Andy, for what it is worth, I have a problem with any "standard" mechanic which needs to be done judiciously. It is either the standard mechanic (to be done whenever that situation arises), or NOT the standard mechanic.
If it has that many holes that it can't or shouldn't be used sometimes, then it shouldn't be the standard.