3Man question

[clev1967]

Where does U3 when on the line and with a runner on 3rd go for best angle on the pick off attempt at 3rd?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Assuming coverage by F5, go nowhere. You already have the best angle and view for the predominant tag play, the slap tag heading from fair to foul. If you are too deep, maybe step up to calling depth, but you should start there to begin with, and stay there.

If it is a play where F6 is sneaking behind, then move perpendicular to the base looking across the home plate facing edge of the base (you now facing toward second base), as that is the predominant tag location (the front of the bag) on the F6 pickoff. That position has the added advantage of screening the third base coach.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

That position has the added advantage of screening the third base coach.

Even more so if you have to "move" the coach to get you position.

[argodad]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Assuming coverage by F5, go nowhere. You already have the best angle and view for the predominant tag play, the slap tag heading from fair to foul. If you are too deep, maybe step up to calling depth, but you should start there to begin with, and stay there.

If it is a play where F6 is sneaking behind, then move perpendicular to the base looking across the home plate facing edge of the base (you now facing toward second base), as that is the predominant tag location (the front of the bag) on the F6 pickoff. That position has the added advantage of screening the third base coach.

I'd say step up a step or two in foul territory toward the 90-degree angle for a runner diving back to the bag, even if F5 is taking the throw.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by argodad

I'd say step up a step or two in foul territory toward the 90-degree angle for a runner diving back to the bag, even if F5 is taking the throw.

If you are speaking in generalities...this is fine advice. However, one of the advantages of the three umpire system is that often, an umpire does not have to move or move very little to get the best look at a play.

With this play, you need to read the throw and the runner. If the runner is diving straight back into the bag, the 90 degree angle is the best, but if the runner tries to go to the inside or outside of the bag to avoid the fielder and there is a possibility of the swipe tag, it is better to be more toward the line looking toward home to get the best look at when the tag is applied vs when the runner touched the base. If you need to move, it's only about a step or two and you should have plenty of time to do that.

Of course, being able to "move" the third base coach is an added bonus!