Theory behind B and C positions

[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.

[chartrusepengui]

newbie question - I've watched 3 games this week. In 2 0f the 3 games - 2 person system, the BU was in C with R1 on first. We follow Fed here. This goes against what the manual says. I asked and was told that they go to C in this sit because they can turn and face first from C at the pitch. they get a "great" angle and have a slim profile to the batter/ball if hit towards them. I was also told that being a rook - I should follow the manual. Is this common?

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by chartrusepengui

newbie question - I've watched 3 games this week. In 2 0f the 3 games - 2 person system, the BU was in C with R1 on first. We follow Fed here. This goes against what the manual says. I asked and was told that they go to C in this sit because they can turn and face first from C at the pitch. they get a "great" angle and have a slim profile to the batter/ball if hit towards them. I was also told that being a rook - I should follow the manual. Is this common?

That's weird, because you do not have the best angle for a pickoff at 1B from C... not sure why those guys are there.

[johnnyg08]

Personally, if you're playing percentages with R1...your odds of play at 2B versus a pickoff at 1B are far greater. I love working C with R1 because I feel it gives me a significantly better angle to make a call on a SB attempt at 2B. HOWEVER...I'm very hesitant to sit in C...sometimes if I see that F1 doesn't have a good move to 1B...I will go to C because if somebody's going to be picked at 1B, the 90 yr old grandma in the stands will be able to see that he's out.

Get in the best angle to see the percentage play..esp w/ 2-man...where you already give up lots of angles.

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Personally, if you're playing percentages with R1...your odds of play at 2B versus a pickoff at 1B are far greater. I love working C with R1 because I feel it gives me a significantly better angle to make a call on a SB attempt at 2B. HOWEVER...I'm very hesitant to sit in C...sometimes if I see that F1 doesn't have a good move to 1B...I will go to C because if somebody's going to be picked at 1B, the 90 yr old grandma in the stands will be able to see that he's out.

Get in the best angle to see the percentage play..esp w/ 2-man...where you already give up lots of angles.

Dude you cant make up your own mechanics.... you in "B" with R1... HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU GONNA SEE A CLOSE PICKOFF @ 1st?.... you aint doing that crap in College.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Umpmazza

Dude you cant make up your own mechanics.... you in "B" with R1... HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU GONNA SEE A CLOSE PICKOFF @ 1st?.... you aint doing that crap in College.

In college ball, U1 is in A with R1. He has a great view.

[David B]

Originally Posted by bossman72

That's weird, because you do not have the best angle for a pickoff at 1B from C... not sure why those guys are there.

I was thinking the same thing. The reasons they give for being in C do not make a lot of sense. You are so much farther from the pickoff especially from F2.

I could see a veteran umpire getting away with it, but for the younger umpires, the coach is going to eat your lunch making the call from that far away.

Thanks
David

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by David B

I could see a veteran umpire getting away with it, but for the younger umpires, the coach is going to eat your lunch making the call from that far away.

The same reasoning applies to why you should be in C with R3. Out here, coaches will wonder why you are in B to see a pick at 3rd. They expect BU to be in C, which sets up a more natural angle to a play behind R3, plus you're a lot closer to the tag play, which is what they want to see.