Quote:
Originally posted by Steve M
Standard mechanics have the PU trailing the batter-runner about 1/3 of the way to 1B and then moving diagonally to the 3B line, move to a holding area which will allow PU to then move back to Home for a play there. Standard mechanics cover the plays that history shows are likely to happen. Using standard mechanics all the time is one tools that allows us to work with partners that we do not necessarily know. Wanting to stay in foul territory, drifting toward 3B is not a mechanic that an experienced umpire would normally choose to use. My "vote" goes with the instructor at your clinic.
Steve M
|
Cannot speak for Fed. ASA does not have PU trailing BR with any runner starting past 1B. Let's run through the scenario as prescribed above.
Both runners off on contact. First throw to 2B for one out then to 1B for second out. Meanwhile, R1 doesn't hesitate at 3B and is heading home. If PU trailed BR then came across to cover 3B, to follow R1, s/he must siddle back toward HP, but if not careful, they can walk right into the play with their back to the throw. Same scenario, but this time F4 sees the R1 rounding 3B and doesn't go to 1B, but home. Now PU is right in the middle of the play.
Point here is that the PU is "inside" on an inside play and that is not the place to be. I would instruct the PU to go to a holding zone not quite halfway up 3B line in foul ground. That covers 3B & home.
I'm basing this on the assumpation that when Steve notes the umpire should move diagonally across to a holding zone near 3B, he does not mean crossing the runner's basepath to get to foul ground. If so, that may be another problem you may run into. Some umpires can make that move, others cannot without possibly getting in the way of the runner or catcher.