Theory behind B and C positions

[bossman72]

I was asked a question about positioning last weekend- "Why with R3 only are we in C position?" I didn't have a good answer and I mentioned something about 'playing the percentages.' He then came back with "Well, why don't we go to B when there's 2 outs since the percentages say that the play is going to be at first?" Once again, I had no answer.

So, I defer my answers for this guy to you guys Why are we in the positions mandated by our mechanics books?

[Kevin Finnerty]

Most of the guys I work with choose between the two based on what we think is most likely to happen, just like your question described.

We go against the book at times.

[zm1283]

I'm only in B with runners on first, first and third, or bases loaded. Everything else is C with runners on. Personally, I don't have a problem making a call on a play at first when I start in C. Just gain some ground toward first and get a good angle and you're fine. I did notice tonight that if a ball is hit to F6 and he has to charge it, you had better be ready to move if you're in C if he is going to throw to first.

[David B]

Originally Posted by bossman72

I was asked a question about positioning last weekend- "Why with R3 only are we in C position?" I didn't have a good answer and I mentioned something about 'playing the percentages.' He then came back with "Well, why don't we go to B when there's 2 outs since the percentages say that the play is going to be at first?" Once again, I had no answer.

So, I defer my answers for this guy to you guys Why are we in the positions mandated by our mechanics books?

Sometimes we have to do what the books request, but most of the time, our groups go with whatever we prefer. I like to stay in B most all of the time.
Some prefer C, but like you stated, I like to be close to the play.

But, I've worked with other groups who mandate move to C.

Playing percentages, what is it, less than 5% of plays at 3rd, so why do we spend so much time worrying about 3rd??

Thanks
David

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by David B

Playing percentages, what is it, less than 5% of plays at 3rd, so why do we spend so much time worrying about 3rd??

Thanks
David

I do not know if the percentages are right, but the reason I have been taught for a long time to be in the B position most of the time. That being said, our mechanics from our state have us in the B position with a runner on third. If I am not mistaken, that is also what the CCA Books says.

Peace

[jkumpire]

I hate to be so old now, I remember "old school stuff"....

The old timers taught me that "being ahead of the runner" is the important thing, that is why many people are in C even with R3. You may say that you can't be ahead of the runner in C, but many times that run is the important runner in the game, and if there is a play on him at #B, it can be a significant play in the game.

The concepts that are so important in teaching mechanics today, like "angle over distance" and "cover the money play" were not as emphasized as they are now. when I went to school in the 1980's neither of these concepts were even discussed.

[DG]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not know if the percentages are right, but the reason I have been taught for a long time to be in the B position most of the time. That being said, our mechanics from our state have us in the B position with a runner on third. If I am not mistaken, that is also what the CCA Books says.

Peace

You are mistaken, CCA has C position for runner on 3b only. It is a better position for a throw from F2 to F5 after a pitch. I had one of these tonight with runner on 2B and 3B and was closer to 3B to make the call because I was in C. On a batted ball the BU can easily move into a better position to make the call at 1B

[Ump153]

In any situation in which the PU will rotate to third, except on R2's tag-up, I am in B. In all other situations, I am in C.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by Ump153

In any situation in which the PU will rotate to third, except on R2's tag-up, I am in B. In all other situations, I am in C.

We have a winner.

[soundedlikeastrike]

Criticality of the play should dictate which position BU takes, the closer to HP the more critical the play.

R1, B you have both covered, PO and the steal.

R2, C, PO and steal attempt.

R3, C, PO attempt.

R1, R2, C, PO at 2nd more critical than PO at 1B, steal of 3rd more critical than steal of 2nd.
etc. etc.

B with R3, or C with R1 is good for one thing, killing grass.

The guys in Wi, if they think "making smaller sideways profiles is gonne keep em safer, rethink that. The human head is pretty much round, and the eyes are best used for tracking a moving object while "facing it".

[jicecone]

Well, as we can see here , when in Rome do as you like.

Actually depending on the level, usually depends on wether I am in B or C. Usually, in games where da boys shave you rarely see a pickoff at third. HS JV and below it becomes a pain in the butt sometimes but, you will have a closer view. I am always in B with R1 only. Just easier to sell on a close pick.

[Tim C]

In the Pacific Northwest 90% of all college games are two man.

Three person crews start at what could be called D2 and the D1 schools always have three man crews.

Regards,

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bossman72

I was asked a question about positioning last weekend- "Why with R3 only are we in C position?" I didn't have a good answer and I mentioned something about 'playing the percentages.' He then came back with "Well, why don't we go to B when there's 2 outs since the percentages say that the play is going to be at first?" Once again, I had no answer.

So, I defer my answers for this guy to you guys Why are we in the positions mandated by our mechanics books?

It's not only the "percentages," it's the time to move, and the type of call.

On a pick to third, the umpire will not have much time to move, already has an angle, and closer will be better for seeing (or at least selling) the tag play -- and most of these will be "close".

On a grounder with a throw to first, the umpire has plenty of time to move, sometimes the play will not be close, and distance doesn't matter as much on a "force play" (sic).

[Umpmazza]

I know I stand with 2 outs in "B"...Im sure I read that in the CCA or the Red Book.

you are also in "C" in cause of a pickoff.

[Klokard]

CCA still has BU (2 man mechanic) in C with 2 outs and R3. It is locally, Conference, MiLB mechanic that allows BU to be in B with R3 and 2 outs.