Timing of Score - No Tag Up

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

The plate umpire is reminded to be particularly cognizant of the position of a lead runner (scored or not scored) if a play is made that creates a timing third out. The base umpire is reminded that the "out call" is a timing concern, and can't be as leisurely as "it ain't nothing until I call it".

So basically, they do nothing physically different? Completely a mental function? Sorry, Steve, but this just seems a little bit too "basic" for someone entrusted with the plate. The PU, by default, should ALWAYS be cognizant of a potential timing play that could make a difference in a run scoring or not. To me, that's like saying we should have signals for "watch for a foul ball." One out, two outs, it doesn't matter - you can still have a timing play at any point in time that can determine whether or not a run will score.

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Sure, every umpire should be aware in every situation, in a perfect world. For us humans, a reminder that there are two outs, and a potential timing play that might be a game breaker; well, I just don't see any more harm than repeating the IFF signal four batters in a row, if the IFF is in effect four batters in a row.

And I signal the IFF each time, just like you. Frankly, I'm not sure why, since I'm usually the first one to signal it anyway (both as BU and as PU), but by golly, I do it!

I agree, we have some lazy-a$$ umpires out there. However, I think that this is an example of overcommunication. Telling someone to do a basic function of their job is, in my opinion, overcommunicating.