NOt any more than the umpire in the same position with a two-umpire crew.

EMD -- the positioning of BU (2-umpire) and U3 (3-umpire) is the same with R2 -- "regular" C, not Deep C. Deep C, or Deep B is used with R1 only.

Jerry -- The CCA does not suggest changing positions based on the number of outs. Some books do suggest this, however. Also, I'm curious as to which published book recommends going to the umpire on the line for a check swing. I don't recall reading this (although I've heard of it).

Yes, we may also be blocking the shortstop's view of the plate. I position myself where I feel I need to be and if I'm blocking the runner or the SS view, I will take a step or two in either direction so that "everyone is happy"

Bob,
Our Instructions to Umpires packet for the Northern League listed this mechanic. I believe Afilliated ball uses the same mechanic at the AA and AAA levels.

Please show me this in the CCA manual. Not saying there isn't more than one way to do things, but your post suggests that (just as mine may have, as well).

[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Aug 3rd, 2005 at 07:48 PM]

Please show me this in the CCA manual. Not saying there isn't more than one way to do things, but your post suggests that (just as mine may have, as well).
[/QUOTE]

Rich,
I don't mean to speak for Jerry but judging from his posts, he seems to follow the PRO 3 Man Mechanics, not CCA (College Mechanics). As someone pointed our previously, CCA does not change its positioning according to outs/count etc.

I saw a AA game last night, and U3 was in deep B every time for R1 only. Looked a little weird to me, all the umpires on one side of the diamond.

MB,
With R1 only, I prefer deep B as well because it gives you an angle for steal play swipe tags. The only time I will move to deep C with R1 only is when there are two outs and a 3-2 count. In this particular situation, the PU signals he's staying home and the base umpires signal reverse rotation. Moving over to deep C helps me stay ahead of R1 in case he goes from first to third on a base hit.

Let me stress that this is a PRO 3 man mechanic and NOT a CCA mechanic.

The higher the level of baseball, the more likely I am to work in deep B with R1 only. The swipe tag advantage, mentioned by Sal (and I think Bob Jenkins and I have talked about it) is undeniable.

Looks strange, i guess, but the coverages are completely unchanged.

Sounds right to me. But some people feel the need to reinvent the wheel.. lol

With R2 and R3 having U2 in A makes no sense. If something were to happen, U2 in B makes better sense as then all bases and runners are covered in the event of something wierd happening. You have 2 runners "surrounded by 3 blues. Much better situation.

I also do not care for adjusting based on out/batter. U2 should be in either A or B and U3 in either C or D depending on the situation.

To Rich and Sal:

You're correct, Sal. You and I are talking PBUC (Pro) mechanics. (Regarding where the field umpires are positioned, which is "situational" dependent. Also for going to the "man on the line" for checked swings.)

I understand that CCA and FED have somewhat different mechanics for their officials. So, not to be argumentative,it really depends on what level of ball you're officiating and what Umpire Manual you're referring to when speaking of mechanics and positioning.

The WBUA (www.wbua.org)utilizes the PBUC mechanics, and is what we teach our officials.

Jerry

Personally, I'm happier with CCA mechanics with lower level ball. More "stuff" happens on the bases, even with 2 outs, and it makes more sense to have the umpires in B and D with R2+R3 than A and C.

As long as we are all (on the same crew, that is) singing from the same hymnsheet....

Jim,
Nobody here is reinventing the wheel. Jerry and I are talking about two different types of 3 man mechanics.

1. PBUC or PRO 3 Man - Situational mechanics with more advanced rotations. Ideal for higher levels of baseball with more experienced umpires who perhaps work the three man system throughout the year or are assigned with the same partners/crew for the season

2. CCA or College 3 Man - Standandized mechanics with basic positioning and rotations. Ideal for all levels of amateur baseball and for umpires that mainly work the two man system except for post season tournaments/playoff type assignments or who have different partners with varying degrees of experience

Both systems are excellent however, I would recommend most umpires learn the CCA 3 Man Mechanics first before trying any of the PRO 3 Man variations. Just my opinion

This is the way I learned it. I call this "1st base preferred". I work one tournament a year with a group of umpires who learned it differently, and I call their method "3rd base preferred". They like to call it "keeping an umpire ahead of the runner".

No runners or R3 only -- A/D
R1 only -- A/deep C
R1+R2 -- B/D
R1+R2+R3 -- B/D
R2 only -- deep B/D
R2+R3 -- deep B/D

It's a subtle difference, but I adjust because it's easier for me to adjust than for them to do so (six of us working two fields over 4 days).

I know what you are saying Sal. Was just being kind of sarcastic in the reinventing the wheel comment. Rereading it, it didnot come off to well that way.. As said before Lah Meh..
I prefer the CCA mechanics myself. Fun part is we have a league around here that uses 3 man for the end of season City Championships. This is a little kid league. You should see the 3 man mechanics trying to be used when calling 3rd grade with the "no leading off, cannot come off the bag until ball leaves pitchers hand or else you are out" rule. I get a headache just thinking about it.

Hmmm,
 

So Jerry, your "upper level of ball", does that occur at your fantasy camps or in the baseball games played by women?

I think it is great that you teach NAPBL mechanics but how many umpires are in your group?





[Edited by Tim C on Aug 5th, 2005 at 09:49 AM]