[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

I would not agree with calling home plate the priority in that situation. I think that 3rd base is the priority.

Which one puts a number on the board? Where is a missed call going to cause a greater effect on the score? Certainly not 3B.

Let's take care of 3rd base before we pour all of our energy into standing around home plate for a "maybe" call.

As opposed to the BU standing in the middle of the field waiting on the very likely event that the runner will stop and return to 2nd?

If there was an additional runner on 3rd base, obviously this would change my opinion.

No kidding. If there was a runner on 3rd, we wouldn't be discussing this mechanic.

Realistically speaking, if R2 is in a "tagging up" position, the odds on R2 scoring are poor.

I would prefer to have the base umpire get a good position to watch the tag and have the plate umpire be up the line in foul territory awaiting the throw. Should the play develop, the plate umpire can step into the calling position and make the call. If the plate umpire sees that the play won't develop (either no throw or an obviously errant throw), then the plate umpire can retreat to home plate. The plate umpire retreats in a similar fashion when there are runners on 1st and 2nd on the same type of play, so I don't accept "we don't want the plate umpire to have to run back home" to be a valid explanation.

You making up ASA's interpretation as you go along? Who said anything about not wanting the umpire to return to the plate? Obviously, that is going to happen at some point, just as any umpire may have to reverse field when there are fewer umpires than bases. To the best of my knowledge, it has always been ASA's stand to get an umpire a base ahead when possible. In this case, it is possible.

I know that this is not what ASA has taught over the years. After years of using this mechanic in non-ASA games, I've found it to be beneficial and a better use of both umpires. It's at least worth some consideration.

Well, I believe that would also include NFHS & ISF.

I don't see the problem with the BU covering 3rd unless s/he isn't capable and if that's the case, s/he shouldn't be on the field which isn't that big to start.

You remind me of an umpire I worked with at a National in Lakeland who, after finishing a clinic go out and tell us (his crew), that we didn't need to rotate on the 3 umpire system. After all, he was a UIC somewhere (according to him) and he knew better than the UIC. We basically told him to do whatever he wanted, we were working the game by the book.