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Originally Posted by EsqUmp
If the ball is hit down the right field line, then the umpire's face has a tendency to be facing away from the ball when the umpire is inside the diamond. Yes, a competent umpire can look over his shoulder to see the ball.
If the umpire is inside the diamond, the runner has just rounded 2nd base and the right fielder is picking the ball up near the line, it is IMPOSSIBLE to see all of the elements at one time once the runner nears the shortstop area.
My point is that if the umpire stays outside the diamond, he is always facing the ball. Rather than finding the ball, it is always there in front of him.
All things being equal, I'd rather the ball be in front of my rather than look back to it.
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Talk about changing the parameters to suit an argument. I'm saying your perception of how I would cover this is wrong. Why would I need to turn my body away from the ball coming inside from 3B? Are you under the impression that I'm going to sprint to a location between the circle and 2B and just plant myself there? If so, I would like to know what I offered to give you that perception.
I'm coming inside the diamond and unless there is the obvious possibility of a play at 2B (which you are stating there will not be), I'm probably going to remain in the area closer to the 3BL. If it DOES seem possible the runner will check up at 2B or just beyond 3B, I'm just a couple strides from a 45 to 2B and can close as the play continues. If not, I will be facing the ball while in flight, all the way to 3B. Once it becomes obvious that any play will be at 3B, I will turn with the ball and maybe even sidle a couple steps toward the 3BL to get a view down the inside edge of the base. During the entire play, the ball will never see my back.
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Changing the play again, let's say there is a play at 2nd base and the umpire properly stayed outside in the NCAA game. Great - take two or three steps in and make the call. However, I don't buy that nonsense that you can't predict where the play is. That's what umpires do all the time. I can tell you there won't be a play at 2nd base if the right fielder dove for a ball on the line, missed it and it ends up against the outfield fence. Either the runner is going to 3rd base or she is the so inept that she is stopping at 2nd base with no play.
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So, you admit that it is possible that the runner could stop at 2B and there could be a play? You know, **** happens and no, the umpire or anyone else KNOWS it is going to happen. Runners sometimes do stupid things, from misreading a base coach to tripping over the base, it happens. There are also some players who wouldn't get to 2B on the play you described. Not everyone is Natasha Whatley.
Whether that umpire can get an angle with 2-3 steps depends a lot on the area from where the throw originates and the approach the runner takes toward the base. May work for him/her, may not. We can what if this until the cows come home, you have a prescribed NCAA mechanic base on probabilities and I have my preferred mechanic based on possibilities. I feel I will be more comfortable and flexible where I go and have less "oh, ****!" moments when a play breaks down
