Should base umpire ever be in Position B?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by tibear

I've been an umpire for many years now and mostly working in two man systems. Baseball Canada, where I live, and most other umpire associations require base umpires to position themselves in Position B, between first and second base with a runner only on first base.

Most seasoned umpires will agree that angle is better than distance and if so I contend that Position C, between second and third base provides much better angles then Position B.

From position C there are no sliding runners to look through on pickoffs at first or steals at second. You have a full view of second base on steals and the angle to first is far superior from C than B.

What do the rest of you think? Is angle really better than distance or do you agree that base umpires should remain in Position B to be closer to the action?

If you are truly in B I don't see why a step would not give you a good look at the pick at 1B. If your are nimble a drift back with the throw to 2B puts you in deep B with a good look at the most prevelant swipe tag at 2B and also good look at the front of the bag if it's a tag to the bag.