Courtesy runner: "reserve the right"

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Little Jimmy
I know I asked this question a couple of years ago but I can't recall the answer. Twice this week when I was plate ump and we were finishing the pregame my 60ish partner ( 2 seperate ones ) asked both coaches " and do you reserve the right to use a courtesy runner?" Both partners said to me later "you can't forget to ask that one".

Where does this come from? I mentioned my partners' ages only because I thought this is left over from past rule change or something. I said privately to them that the question wasn't necessary but they insisted that it was and I really didn't want to rock the boat. Any ideas?

________________________________
LJ,

I am 60ish, but know that that question is not necessary.
I may remind the coach that when the catcher or pitcher are on
base and we have two outs, that CR is an option
open to him/her, but only during the initial pre game
conference. This is so that they can have the catcher ready
when the rest of the team takes the field. "Speed up movement".