[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

No, we both got the point, and you make our point for us as well. What you are doing is READING the play. If the most likely play is at second, you don't continuing all the way to first; if you get indication the runner is not stopping at second, you take a different path/vantage point. Furthermore, you also know where the ball is coming from: from Right Center, you are more tight to the base; closer to the RF line, you are wider.

I'm wider! You callin' me fat? Actually, my point was that just because I'm on the inside, I, nor any umpire, should need to be looking over the shoulder for anything and can keep every element in front of me that you can from the outside.

Our point is that ASA lacks this in their training by not allowing the umpire options.

I'm still talking NCAA, but I would use it regardless of the game.

How about this: I stay outside on this play, how many times will I lose any element? Answer: none. If I come inside, and you have seen this, how many time do we see umpires duck out in the last minute? Answer: often.

Yes, just like I have in NCAA Super regionals when the umpire was so intent on getting a 90 she stepped right into the path of a possible throw. Saw this twice in the same series.

But, as I previously noted, I'm going to have the ball in sight, so why would I have a need to duck, I'm not going to be in the ball's path. Then again, if you want to talk about bad mechanics, this is going to turn into one long, long thread.

There is a multi-faceted solution to this and it involves more than just staying outside or moving inside. It can be done inside, but you have to use your brain.

Now it is stupid? Fat and stupid? Really?

Look, it isn't that hard. I prefer the inside because no matter what happens, I can get a good angle no matter what happens whether it is one runner or three. Yes, it is a standardized mechanic. That doesn't mean it does not work.

Don't go spreading that rumor. I've put a few orthopod's kids through college. And young? Hell, I lived through the Reagan years (ok, I was not eligible to vote for Ronnie either time).

And I voted for Nixon

Yes, yes and yes. It actually takes a lot more energy to do this inside than outside. That's rather paradoxical, in that ASA requires the mechanic with the most effort to those with the least talent.

I did say you can, but there is greater risk for missing something.

And I don't think there is any risk of missing anything if executed properly