Positioning Questions

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I am in C slot. R1 on 2B. When there is a pick off attempt at 2B should I move parallel to basepath or should I move into the basepath ? My thinking is if F4 is making the play move towards basepath for the angle . If F6 is making the play I should move parallel ,kinda with the SS.

If you move into the baseline, your going to have a good view of the tag but since the runner will be diving away from you, you will miss whether she gets to the base or not. I would always move parallel, even though there is a slight chance the runner will be between you and the fielder that is tagging her.

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I am C slot. Runner on 3B. F5 making the play I step into basepath for the angle. If F6 is making the play I move parallel to basepath to get the better angle.

I think that in either case, F5 or F6 will be slightly inside the base line with the runner diving back to the base. I would suggest that the best position would be as close to the third base foul line as possible, angling toward the outfield with your first couple of steps.