So, then we should ignore the benefits three man provides, and continue working like we had only two? Heck, in one man the plate takes everything. Why don't we just do that in two man? C'mon.

What the previous poster said. We look for advantages working 3-man we don't get with 2 umpires. Why would we plant a guy at third and make U1 do all the work on the double play?

Shucks, I wouldn't suggest planting an ump at D.
I was just wondering about U1, R1 and position A.
It appears that an attempted pick-off coupled with the double play ratio of 1 ump-1 runner ratio are the driving forces.
Thanks. That helps me.

I enjoy working first base in 3 or 4 man, and being in A for the pickoffs. Makes me feel all "big league.":)

:)

I don't understand why U1 would not be in A with R1 all the time in 3-man. That's what I've been taught.

Mick knows that's what *IS* taught -- he's asking *WHY* is it taught.

And, for a long while in 3-man, the philosophy was to have an umpire in front of the lead runner, so "B and D" was the correct (what was taught) positioning for R1 and R2 (with or without R3).