Back, up or closer to the plate if I must.

A batter crowding the plate will make it so I can't see the slot, that's what I mean by taking it away.

I agree, I am also pretty ridgid where I stand and I tell the catcher early, just let me see the pitch, I like the word strike but, I need to see the pitch. As already stated, sometimes you have to use the catcher for protection because, well he sucks and it goes through his glove easier than it does his body. That's called self-preservation.

Seriously? A batter moving up on the plate will take your slot away. If the catcher is set up inside at all, you really lose the slot.

Some advise to move up and back, but I've found that I like to go lower and move up a little when this happens.

Batters that stand close to the plate aren't blocking the plate.......That's the catcher's unfunctional mechanics. When I have a catcher blocking the slot I just move up and back a little. It's not the batter's fault you can't see the low and outside corner, and call the pitch a ball.

On the rare occasion, I've had a lefty up close on the plate, and catcher setting up inside, I will switch to the scissors if neccesary. I can stick my head in a little closer.

Do what works best for you.

Where did I say the batter is blocking the plate? I said he's taking away the slot, which he is. The batter, catcher, or a combination of the two can take your slot away.

Where did I say it was the batter's fault about anything? And how do you know what I can and can't see?

So you change stances when only a LH batter moves up and the catcher squeezes the slot? Why not just stay in your normal stance and adjust?

Why so many questions? Is this a pop quiz? Are you always this defensive?

Those are all valid questions in light of your post. I don't see a defensive tone at all.

You're right. I DON'T WHAT HE CAN OR CAN'T SEE. Change defensive to condesending. Why I didn't bother to reply back. It's a big waste of time to split hairs.

However I've never thought to myself, I wish the batter would move so I can work the slot better.

Instead of answering them, he deflects because he doesn't know what he is talking about.

If you've never had a batter take away your slot, you haven't umpired very much.

Sounds like just a difference of opinions to me.