Mechanics And Positioning

[RoyGardner]

A question on mechanics to our brother baseball officials. As a football official we're always stressing the need to "keep the play in front of you" and to pay close attention to the various angles in your positioning to avoid angles where you're "blocked out" of a play.

I saw for the 2nd time in 2 days during a MLB game (Phillies @ Red Sox) where the 2nd base umpire who was positioned in the infield got straightlined on a steal play at 2nd and missed an out call. What is the rationale for positioning the umpire inside (vs on the outfield side)? It would seem that the chances of being screened out of a call and/or having trouble picking up the ball as it comes from behind you (via catcher's throw) would be significantly less if the 2nd base umpire was located in a position to see runner, fielder and ball all coming to the base at the same time. When the replay was shown (closeup) runner was clearly out, but on 2nd replay from a home plate area camera, player applying tag was directly between the U and the runner where U had virtually no chance of seeing the tag. Would have had perfect view (at least on this play) if in same relative location on the outfield side of the basepath.