Working the Rim

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Pretty much, yes, except for the line drive to right with no one on and possible play at first mentioned above, you mostly disregard the inside-outside theory.

The rule of thumb is to default to staying out, unless coming in generates a clear advantage (like covering batter-runner to third). With most situations, inside and in a calling position and depth too often puts you in a possible throwing lane; to every 90 to a base you see, the opposite and equal 90/270 exists without being in a throwing lane or cutting across defensive players moving to cutoff positions.

Just piggybacking on Steve's note: while you default to staying outside, it doesn't mean to NEVER come inside. When NCAA first allowed working outside, some umpires heard "stay outside." This created problems, some which haven't been resolved (but that's a total different thread for another time).

What you need to do work inside or outside depending on what is the best for each play; meaning to read each play as it happens. If you (plural) start to default to "If this/then that" then you (plural) are not going to be effective umpires.