2 Man Mechanics FED...

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by pastordoug

Yes, U1 is Plate.
This is what the manual states about that situation: "On any fly ball and line drive to the outfield the plate umpire is responsible for the tag-up at third base as well as any play at the plate in the runner advancing from third base. Should the ball not be caught, the plate umpire would also be responsible for the play at third base in the runner originally on first unless the plate umpire must remain on the first base line for coverage".
I do not understand this mechanic? The TAG I agree but not the other…..

I don't know anyone who uses the FED manual. I throw it in the trash. Waste of paper IMO.

If your state uses it, then I suppose you should. But I don't think you'll find many here willing to explain the choices in it.

[johnnyg08]

Many will tell you that the only time BU should cover the plate is after he goes out from A on a fly ball and has to rotate back to the plate. There should be enough time for BU to get an angle for the play back at 3B, PU is much more valuable staying at home whenever possible.

[jicecone]

When I first began umpiring that was the method taught also, in my area. Very few officials attended schools, mechanics were left up to you to learn and when you arrived at the field, what worked for you and your partner, was proper for that game.

Somehow it always worked out good for me because I was very mobile and it seemed that after several times working with a partner that just seemed to ignore third base, I figured I would be there and not have to take the heat for either of NOT being there. Never, was there a play at home that was not covered. If the BU could handle the 2 bases, I most certainly could. just as easily. The coverage was always there.

I have sinced worked in many other locations and seen it handled one way or the other and adjusted accordingly. Sometimes you work with someone that says they are going to do this and that and when the play develops, BAM they are out of position and it is your responsibility to cover, so that BOTH of you look good. Thats when you have to forget about mechanics, protocol, the forum and every manual written and get things covered.

Do as your organization requires, but always expect the unexpected.

[johnnyg08]

Yes, many groups simply want the play covered with no team of umpires making a call on the same play. IMO, if you pregame and cover the play a certain way...you cover it, you throw the manual out the window...when in doubt, the default is the manual.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Yes, many groups simply want the play covered with no team of umpires making a call on the same play. IMO, if you pregame and cover the play a certain way...you cover it, you throw the manual out the window...when in doubt, the default is the manual.

So true, it sure is nice though, when you work with a partner that understands the same mechanics from the same manual you know.

[johnnyg08]

Yes, indeed. It does help in the pre game that's for sure. Helps even more in the game.

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Many will tell you that the only time BU should cover the plate is after he goes out from A on a fly ball and has to rotate back to the plate. There should be enough time for BU to get an angle for the play back at 3B, PU is much more valuable staying at home whenever possible.

What?

[pastordoug]

It seems tough being the "new" kid on the block even though I have been in baseball for over 30 years... The mentality seems to be "this is the way we do it and we don't want anyone coming in and changing it". I'll see what happens this year and do it according to their state bible, i mean the manual.....But I have always been open to learning, just as I have here already, and feel like we are 7 years behind here. Thanks for the input.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by pastordoug

It seems tough being the "new" kid on the block even though I have been in baseball for over 30 years... The mentality seems to be "this is the way we do it and we don't want anyone coming in and changing it". I'll see what happens this year and do it according to their state bible, i mean the manual.....But I have always been open to learning, just as I have here already, and feel like we are 7 years behind here. Thanks for the input.

Doug,

If U3 covers 3rd base on the 2nd play, we lose the PU for a good look at a pulled foot, swipe tag, runner's lane interference, and overthrow towards DBT coverage. Best to have BU take both.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by ODJ

What?

I was expanding on that type of play...if PU slides up to 3B for a potential play, if that ball gets away from F5, you're going to have to race R3 to the plate or rotate BU home and there aren't many manuals that want BU taking any plays at home unless he goes out from A and rotates back to the plate.

I think I'm making sense...but maybe not.

[pastordoug]

I'm with you. IMO that rotation has to much that can go wrong even with good communication. Except for the base hit with runner on 1st I like o stay home.....

[rookieblue]

Bob, our first association meeting is in 3 weeks. Please prepare your PowerPoints and e-mail me for directions.

No kidding. That's as clear and succinct a breakdown as I've ever seen, and matches our association's mechanics, too. Nicely struck, Mr. Jenkins!

Bob James