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  #1 (permalink)  
Old Wed Feb 28, 2007, 11:30am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkbjones

Of course, if we were in three man, the 1BU would go into, uh, foul ground.
If you had a 3-umpire crew, shouldn't U2 be heading toward right field to cover the catch?

A BU not going out should get inside the diamond anytime they can on a ball to the OF and it is not that difficult if the BU moves with the batted ball on it's way out, not waiting for the play and then attempting to beat the throw.
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Old Wed Feb 28, 2007, 01:28pm
SRW SRW is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
If you had a 3-umpire crew, shouldn't U2 be heading toward right field to cover the catch?
OP said it was a short ground ball, not a fly ball...
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Old Wed Feb 28, 2007, 05:15pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SRW
OP said it was a short ground ball, not a fly ball...
Yep, missed the word "ground". That being the case, I see absolutely no reason the BU cannot get inside, unless Steve has broken his leg .

To right field, maybe, but not toward right center field.
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Old Thu Mar 01, 2007, 08:23am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SRW
OP said it was a short ground ball, not a fly ball...
I also lost this en route to my reply.

What exactly is a short ground ball?
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Old Thu Mar 01, 2007, 09:42am
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I am sorry... I've just realized in the OP I wrote "centerfield" instead of "outfield"...!
That created a lot of confusion in this thread!!!

BTW by a "short ground ball" I meant a hit that could cause a play on BR at first.

My english is poor. But still better than your italian...

Ciao
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Old Thu Mar 01, 2007, 11:26am
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I have been using the Foul Territory technique since I discovered it a few years ago. IMO, it is simply smart umpiring.

On a ground ball between F3 and F4 you don't know if it will be fielded, by whom, and who is covering first. Whatever, you are liable to be in the way.

On a shot through the infield or over the infield you don't know if F9 is close or fast or has a powerfull arm and will attempt that play at first. I don't have to prove my masculinity by trying to get fully inside, making the pivot, and seeing the full play at 1B. As an umpire, my primary requirement is to be in position to make a quality call.

It only takes a few steps to be in position in foul territory, well ahead of the developing play, with a great angle on the play. If the coach is in the way either he is way out of the box, or you are not in the right position.

Sure you are taken out of the play if the ball gets past F3. But what is the difference when covering R1 into 2B on a stolen base attempt and the ball gets through into CF. R1 is up and off for 3B; are you going to chase her?

My partner knows if he sees me go to foul territory that he has to get to the pitching circle in case the runner continues. My partner knows that he has to get to 3B if the stolen base attempt blows up. Both mechanics insure that an umpire has a good position on the initial play, and that partner has good position on a suceeding play.

Having said all that, I admit that I am too old and slow to keep up with these kids. I have learned how to take shortcuts to assure that I am always in a good calling position.

WMB
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Old Thu Mar 01, 2007, 11:59am
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Obviously, you hesitate on a ball that may develop into a play at first.

A ball to RC is most likely out of the range, and thought, of F3. On a ball to F4, the BU should have already begun to move into fair territory even before the fielder approaches the ball. If the ball goes through, it is only a few more steps into position.

The idea of the 2-umpire mechanics is to place the umpires in a desired position to cover all possibilities, not just the obvious plays. In a perfect world, foul ground is not a terribly bad place to be, but we all know that occasionally have to work with Ol' Smitty on the plate or a rookie who still hasn't overcome their fascination with a shiny, new indicator.

I've used foul ground, even in the adult game. However, I move into the coach's box. The second I see the possibility of a play disappear or an errant throw is made that will permit the runner to advance, I quickly move inside after the runner, and ball, passes.

BTW, this has nothing to do with masculinity, but umpiring and applies to umpires of all ages and gender.
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Old Thu Mar 01, 2007, 12:02pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antonella
My english is poor. But still better than your italian...
Forse appena un piccolo.
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