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Originally Posted by topper
How is the back side 90 behind the play? Where do you make a call from on a steal of 2nd?
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Often from directly behind 2B, since the 90 across the front of the base isn't always, in sme areas rarely, the location of the tag. But I would always prefer to have an inside look at a tag play than have to make a call from the backside where you may not actually see a tag or lose a dropped ball.
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I don't know about you IRISH, but from the C slot with a runner on 2nd, on a base hit, I'm busting it over to pick up the BR as he/she rounds 1st. So, are you saying that you can be inside, following the runner to 2nd, seeing the play at home and the throw back to 2nd, moving to the SS side of 2nd to get the best view of the play while staying out of the throwing lane? Please.
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Hell, that's easy. Why do you think you have to "bust" inside. Once SS clears, I simply move just inside the diamond, watch the BR touch 1st and am set to follow that player into 2B and almost be in a 90 looking across the front of the base and on the same side as the ball and player making a tag. If a throw is coming from the OF, I'm right there. If the throw is coming from 3B, I'm inside the diamond out of the throwing lane. If the throw is coming from home, I'm still to the catcher's left and she has a clear throwing lane.
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Of course, the only way I could see all of this take place from the field is by being outside to begin with. I thought the we were talking about which position was more advantageous to keeping things in front of us. Right?
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I disagree. Being on the outside of a play is no more advantageous since it will often place the runner between the umpire and the ball.
But lets talk about keeping everything in front of you. IMO, this really isn't going to happen in any more cases from the outside than from the inside. Why are people worried about keeping a ball rolling to the fence in front of you. Big deal, you turn your head to watch the BR hit 1B, you have to do that from the outside, also, unless you are working in foul territory and, unless you are in a 3-umpire format and preparing to rotate home, you shouldn't be there on a ball to the OF.
I have no problem with qualified umpires working the system when the situation fits. I do have a problem with people who act like this is some type of super-mechanic that is the greatest thing since sliced bread.