Smitty Time!

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by mick

Would it be too much trouble to explain why "B" is better than "C"

Is it because the next routine call is likely to be at 1B ?

Actually it's because the most likely play will be at either first or second and you've split the difference on making a call at either base. With R1 & R2 it's not very often that you'll see either a steal of third or a play at third on a ball hit to the infield. You can make the call at first just as well as you can from C, but to me it's more comfortable to make the call from B.


Tim.

[waltjp]

Tuss, whether to talk to your assignor or not depends on how much capital you've built up with him over the years. If you've only worked a handful of games then it's probably best to keep quiet. On the other hand, if you've worked 2 full seasons or more, enough for him to get some positive feedback on you, then you could probably speak up.

[mick]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Actually it's because the most likely play will be at either first or second and you've split the difference on making a call at either base. With R1 & R2 it's not very often that you'll see either a steal of third or a play at third on a ball hit to the infield. You can make the call at first just as well as you can from C, but to me it's more comfortable to make the call from B.


Tim.

Thanks again, Tim.
I can do that, but I will worry about the surprise play, the double steal, with a close play at 3B and how I may wish for that other 20 feet toward the play.

[TussAgee11]

What I meant by the saddle was a working position behind the rubber to where I could get to anywhere quickly.

I started the play in B. R1 advanced to 3rd on the play, so I had to respect the idea that we could have a play at 3rd. I also realized that B/R rounded 1st a bit too far, and they could throw behind them there. So, not knowing where the play would be, I ended up in the saddle, the working area behind the pitcher.

When I realized that the play was going to first, a took a couple of steps to get an angle and close a bit of distance down, stopped, and was ready to make the call.

2 man mechanics, a system of compromise. Heck, even 4 man would have this play a bit abandoned if the bases were full.

[mick]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

What I meant by the saddle was a working position behind the rubber to where I could get to anywhere quickly.

I started the play in B. R1 advanced to 3rd on the play, so I had to respect the idea that we could have a play at 3rd. I also realized that B/R rounded 1st a bit too far, and they could throw behind them there. So, not knowing where the play would be, I ended up in the saddle, the working area behind the pitcher.

When I realized that the play was going to first, a took a couple of steps to get an angle and close a bit of distance down, stopped, and was ready to make the call.

2 man mechanics, a system of compromise. Heck, even 4 man would have this play a bit abandoned if the bases were full.

Thanks for new term, Tuss.
Yeah, I've found myself there from time to time during a play. It's a tough place to be. And stoopid wrong-way infielders can make me look stoopider.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Tuss,

If this guy is terrible, your assignor needs to know. If you explain it to him from a knowledgable standpoint, explain your knowledge of positioning, appearance, mechanics, etc., then he should respect your opinion of ol' Smitty. You sure can't tell these old timers anything knew, they'll just blow you off and tell you that's the way they do it and that's that.

You have every right to scratch this dude off your assignment roster. I've scratched a few over the years, and a few people had me scratched as well. Sometimes it's just a matter of personality clashes, and other times it's a crappy partner. But you've been around long enough to have enough pull as to get rid of an undesirable partner. Hopefully, he will get enough complaints from other umpires to where someone will sit him down and straighten a few things out.

[TussAgee11]

SDS:

This is the 2nd season I've been taking games from this guy... are we sure that is enough time put in?

And, did I mention that he called an IFF on a soft line drive?

[socalblue1]

Tuss,

From what you described this guy should not be working anyplace. Perhaps you were the last one standing that has NOT black listed him?

Do the world a favor & call your assignor.

[umpduck11]

If there is a veteran in the association with whom you have a good relationship, talk with him. He will know the assignor better, and may have previous experience working with Smitty. Also, if Smitty and the assignor are friends, speaking with the vet may save you from throwing yourself under the bus.

[RPatrino]

Tuss, I feel your pain. We have an individual who works in all 3 associations I work in who is very much like the person you describe. This gentleman is very likeable, but IMHO, his best umpiring days have passed him by a long time ago. We can all tell stories about him, and we have all talked to our assignors on numerous occasions. He will umpire as long as he wants to.

I mention this because he is the father-in-law of one of our associations prominant umpires. So, before you make any comments to anyone, be sure of who this individual is and what the political ramifactions are of saying something.