[Jim Porter]

Ranger,

I can agree in theory with just about everything you said, except one.

"Be careful to keep a good distance. If you get your nose right down in there, as Porter suggests, you will be too close."

With force plays, distance is the key. 15 feet is not unheard of for a force play. Sometimes even more distance is needed.

But tag plays require the umpire to be closer. Ten feet, as far as I'm concerned, is about as far away as you want to be for a tag play.

I'm reminded of a play at second base that occurred during the World Series this year. The details escape me (I believe it was Posada trying to pick-off a runner who was off second a bit too far.) But basically U2 would have been blocked out if he hadn't have "put his nose right down in there." He had to adjust, move around the play, and then stick his nose in it to see that the runner was safe.

From the camera angle, I couldn't believe U2's call. From the crowd's reaction, no one could believe U2's call. But upon further replay review, U2 made the right call. It wasn't even all that close. And if he hadn't have adjusted and stuck his nose right in there, he wouldn't have gotten the call right.

Your post is excellent, however. We do disagree on distance relative to a tag play. Now I'm not suggesting we be in the middle of the play. I am saying that, when a tag occurs, we'd better see it.