Runner stealing 3rd

[GarthB]

Robert:

Remember that your first duty remains the pitcher. You need to keep watching him, his delivery, and what happens to ball.

With this in mind, if I am in C and I KNOW that R2 is breaking for third and that there "might" be a play at third (Pitcher pick-off, Catcher throw, batted ball and subsequent throw) I move "straight ahead" first, in the general direction of home while watching the pitcher and the ball. This opens up the angle to third and puts me near the working area in case of a batted ball. Also by moving straight ahead, F6 can more easily work around me.

If the pitcher moves to third or pitches and the ball is not batted,(potential catcher pick-off try) I then move to close the distance between me and third to make the call. By now I have an excellent angle and somewhat better distance than before.

If the ball is batted, I am still watching it and can easily avoid being hit. Also, I am near enough to the working area to slide in any direction necessary for a play and subsequent call.