Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake26
From pages 258-259 of the 2012 ASA Umpires Manual:
Runner on Second Base Only - Fast Pitch
Fly Ball to the Outfield:
P - ... Responsible for ... any play on the lead runner at 3B ... . [Italics added.]
B - ... Responsible for the tag up at 2B, any play at 1B or 2B and the last runner to 3B.
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There have been some issues with ASA getting the manual consistent with the DVD. The interpretation has been that in order for there to be a "lead runner" there must also be a "trail runner." When there is only one runner, there is, by definition, neither a "trail" nor a "lead."
REGARDLESS of who (plate or base) takes the call at 3rd, what is the advantage to the base umpire coming inside the diamond on a routine pop up to right of center field? It actually cuts down the angle/peripheral to see both the runner and the catch. If the base umpire does take R2 to 3rd base, it also puts him in a position where he has to look over his shoulder to see the ball (either thrown directly to 3rd base by the outfielder or by the cutoff) and puts him in the line of fire for the actual play at 3rd. Should R2 get in a rundown, you'll then also have two umpires on the inside of the rundown, rather than boxing R2.
Some may illogically argue "but what if the ball falls and there is a play on BR at 1st base?" You ought to be able to judge the level of play. If the ball does fall, the play isn't going to 1st base anyway. The play is going to 3rd base. If for some godforsaken reason it does go to 1st, who cares? R2 is going to 3rd, so let her pass and then cut in the infield if necessary.
The best thing to do is open up, turn toward the outfield and watch the play and runner. NOT sprint into the infield in order to do the same exact thing and have a worse peripheral and a worse position for a call at 3rd (assuming the base ump takes R2 to 3rd).