DO you follow the ball to the base???

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by sargee7

Bob, Be careful with getting ahead of the ball. Especially if you have multiple runner. If you are expecting a throw to 1B, as an example, you could have a fielder, i.e. 2B, intercept the ball and attempt a play at 3B while you are watching 1B. Now you have someone looking for a call that is yours and you didn't see it. Let the ball take you all the way in, that way you won't get fooled.

Sargee, you are right. I was thinking only of a single runner and a steal when I made my statement.

Multiple runners and a cut-off near the base at which a play might be made is difficult to hanlde with just two (or even one) umpires. If you stay with the ball or watch the cut-off, you will have no time to react to the play if the ball goes through. If you go the (anticipated) play, you will be late if the ball is cut-off. Still, the cut-off allows more time to react, so I'd err on the side of being ready for the initial play.