Tagup Responsibilities

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I've had the same issues w/ tagup responsibilities w/ runner on 1B.

Virtually any line drive to an outfielder doesn't give me time to come inside while also trying to watch both catch and tag at the same time.

I usually try to anticipate if the runner at 1B is even fast enough to attempt a tagup and try to get to 2B. Most are not and simply just take a few steps off the base anticipating the ball will be caught.

On a high, deep drive, the runner will likely be playing it halfway or more thinking the ball will not be caught.

I've done my share of head-swiveling on some of those plays 90% of the time outside the diamond.

Only two options on this one: haul a$$ and get inside (and risk not seeing the catch/tag-up), or stay out, watch the catch/tag-up, and then move to 2B on the outside. It doesn't "look as good," but in all honesty, you have a better chance at seeing what you need to see on a ball hit towards the left field line.

Obviously, ASA does not like the latter option, nor would I recommend it for anything other than rec league games. It's a simple matter of survival.

A ball hit to right field, on the other hand, doesn't pose quite the same problem. You're better off buttonhooking in and getting the 4 elements in front of you. Now where have I heard that one before?