2-Man crew loophole?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by w_sohl

Wouldn't this be a good pregame discussion? Seems like it might be possible for the U1 to take the runner at 3rd and let the UIC switch responsibility, as far as tagging, to the runner at 1st and the catch.

Sure -- but an umpire should always know what his partner(s) are watching and look to help. Another example: R1 only. Trouble ball to center. R1 goes 2/3 of the way to second. Just at the time of the catch/no-catch, BR reaches first. Who should watch BR touch? By pure mechanics, it's U1. But, U1 is "busy" and UIC has nothing to do. So, UIC should help out and watch the touch.