base mechanics

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I keep my eye on the ball while working my way to the library and observe the action from there.
I stay in foul ball territory and only break into fair ground when a play seems imminent.
When in position I track the ball and let it lead me to the play.
In other words I never lose sight of the ball.

So you don't watch the players and what they are supposed to do? Focus on the ball is overrated.

[MT 73]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So you don't watch the players and what they are supposed to do? Focus on the ball is overrated.

It is called the library because you are reading the action, just as you would from point extended.
But you are in a position to move into 3rd or back to the plate.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MT 73

It is called the library because you are reading the action, just as you would from point extended.
But you are in a position to move into 3rd or back to the plate.

Thank you, but I wasn't referring to that, but what I believe is your over-dedication to the ball. Maybe not YOUR over-dedication, but many umpires as a group.

[bigwally]

How can you "jump ahead" when doing so is going to put you in between the ball and a possible throw to 2B?

This woudn"t happen. Do you think I"m talking about cutting in front of 2nd base? I'm not. I can only suppose that I'm not giving a good explanation of what I mean as I'm surprised that your'e not visualizing the mechanic. I guess my question to you would be this. How have you, in the past, covered 3rd base as the BU when the PU for one of several very good reasons couldnt get there?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bigwally

How can you "jump ahead" when doing so is going to put you in between the ball and a possible throw to 2B?

This woudn"t happen. Do you think I"m talking about cutting in front of 2nd base? I'm not. I can only suppose that I'm not giving a good explanation of what I mean as I'm surprised that your'e not visualizing the mechanic. I guess my question to you would be this. How have you, in the past, covered 3rd base as the BU when the PU for one of several very good reasons couldnt get there?

Long distance

[bigwally]

I agree its a longer distance. How have you negotiated that in the past when it became apparent that your plate umpire wasn't going to get there?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bigwally

I agree its a longer distance. How have you negotiated that in the past when it became apparent that your plate umpire wasn't going to get there?

Head toward PP, but still not getting the preferred angle a PU would have and still far away.

I'm not saying the BU should just discount and cede all calls to PU, but that the PU is closer, will have a better angle and a clearer path and range of vision. Enough so it should be the routine, not the exception