UMass and 3BL Extended

[wadeintothem]

No position offers a full 360 view of all positions possible of a play.

I think when discussing 3BL, it is simply a tool that should be in the tool box depending on how you read a play.

I call it catering to the lowest common denominator - ASA's mechanics are minimum and set to what can be taught to 36K umpires and does not recognize an advanced level of umpiring who could benefit from other tools in the tool box.

When 200 guys are sitting in a room stuffing fried bread in their face and wondering what they should do if a ball bounces off a UFO and lands in the field of play - they need nice canned mechanics that are simple, consistent, and easy to explain and grasp and easy to put in a power point with a little moving dude animated thereon.

This is detrimental to those who can adjust and are at a higher level of officiating.

3BL (on a wide turning base runner rounding 3rd with a ball coming from deep infield or outfield), Davis stance (when screened by a catcher), Foul side calls at 1B (when heavy traffic interferes with regular positioning) and even at times 3B, moving in closer on a tag play when necessary (4th dimension/crowding), Rimming (IMO in 3man only), BU rotating home in 2 man (when he is no longer employed), etc.

I think ASA mechanics should be expanded and shouldnt remove tools simply to stay with the canned porklike substance version of mechanics.

Whether for a particular play 3BL extended or 1B box is better - hey I'll go for that - you show me how and I think "great job" on adjusting to the developing play and reading your best spot.

Unfortunately, likely an evaluator would not.. so stand your ground where ASA has placed the X on the field and do the best you can and you will fare much better in eval and not have to explain yourself.