Your chance to wipe out a bad mechanic

[topper]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Inside toward shortstop ... wouldn't you? PERFECT spot to see the tag, the foot, and the bag all at once.

I know you were using this example as a vote for outside... but do you REALLY think that's a better view on this play?

I thought the issue was what keeps more of the field/play in front of you. I don't see how jerking your head back and forth from home to second as the play at second develops then trying to move back "in the way" to see it is more advantageous than taking the runner from 1st to second from the outside.

And yes, I REALLY do think it's a better view of the play.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by topper

I thought the issue was what keeps more of the field/play in front of you. I don't see how jerking your head back and forth from home to second as the play at second develops then trying to move back "in the way" to see it is more advantageous than taking the runner from 1st to second from the outside.

And yes, I REALLY do think it's a better view of the play.

1B to 2B, yes, that's fine. However, you're still behind the runner if they should attempt to advance to 3B on an errant throw.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

Single runner at 2nd, base hit to OF, play at plate. Where would you rather be for the catcher's throw to back to 2nd?

There are others, but you only asked for 1.

Inside so I'm not making a call from behind the play. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem staying out of possible throwing lanes and still be set up to see a throw, tag and play; And in position to easily take the runner to 3rd should there be a misplay at 2B.

[topper]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Inside so I'm not making a call from behind the play. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem staying out of possible throwing lanes and still be set up to see a throw, tag and play; And in position to easily take the runner to 3rd should there be a misplay at 2B.

How is the back side 90 behind the play? Where do you make a call from on a steal of 2nd?

I don't know about you IRISH, but from the C slot with a runner on 2nd, on a base hit, I'm busting it over to pick up the BR as he/she rounds 1st. So, are you saying that you can be inside, following the runner to 2nd, seeing the play at home and the throw back to 2nd, moving to the SS side of 2nd to get the best view of the play while staying out of the throwing lane? Please.

Of course, the only way I could see all of this take place from the field is by being outside to begin with. I thought the we were talking about which position was more advantageous to keeping things in front of us. Right?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

How is the back side 90 behind the play? Where do you make a call from on a steal of 2nd?

Often from directly behind 2B, since the 90 across the front of the base isn't always, in sme areas rarely, the location of the tag. But I would always prefer to have an inside look at a tag play than have to make a call from the backside where you may not actually see a tag or lose a dropped ball.

I don't know about you IRISH, but from the C slot with a runner on 2nd, on a base hit, I'm busting it over to pick up the BR as he/she rounds 1st. So, are you saying that you can be inside, following the runner to 2nd, seeing the play at home and the throw back to 2nd, moving to the SS side of 2nd to get the best view of the play while staying out of the throwing lane? Please.

Hell, that's easy. Why do you think you have to "bust" inside. Once SS clears, I simply move just inside the diamond, watch the BR touch 1st and am set to follow that player into 2B and almost be in a 90 looking across the front of the base and on the same side as the ball and player making a tag. If a throw is coming from the OF, I'm right there. If the throw is coming from 3B, I'm inside the diamond out of the throwing lane. If the throw is coming from home, I'm still to the catcher's left and she has a clear throwing lane.

Of course, the only way I could see all of this take place from the field is by being outside to begin with. I thought the we were talking about which position was more advantageous to keeping things in front of us. Right?

I disagree. Being on the outside of a play is no more advantageous since it will often place the runner between the umpire and the ball.

But lets talk about keeping everything in front of you. IMO, this really isn't going to happen in any more cases from the outside than from the inside. Why are people worried about keeping a ball rolling to the fence in front of you. Big deal, you turn your head to watch the BR hit 1B, you have to do that from the outside, also, unless you are working in foul territory and, unless you are in a 3-umpire format and preparing to rotate home, you shouldn't be there on a ball to the OF.

I have no problem with qualified umpires working the system when the situation fits. I do have a problem with people who act like this is some type of super-mechanic that is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

[topper]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Hell, that's easy. Why do you think you have to "bust" inside. Once SS clears, I simply move just inside the diamond, watch the BR touch 1st and am set to follow that player into 2B and almost be in a 90 looking across the front of the base and on the same side as the ball and player making a tag. If a throw is coming from the OF, I'm right there. If the throw is coming from 3B, I'm inside the diamond out of the throwing lane. If the throw is coming from home, I'm still to the catcher's left and she has a clear throwing lane..

So if the BR doesn't go to 2nd, you are standing there "just inside the diomand" making a call on any play at 1st from 60' away?

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I have no problem with qualified umpires working the system when the situation fits. I do have a problem with people who act like this is some type of super-mechanic that is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Working the system when the situation fits is what makes an umpire. It's a shame ASA doesn't feel the same way. I'm pleasantly surprised to see you off the reservation.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

So if the BR doesn't go to 2nd, you are standing there "just inside the diomand" making a call on any play at 1st from 60' away?

Here we go again. You offer a scenario, someone responds to that scenario and you want to change it to show it doesn't fit your snake oil sales pitch. You really should be ashamed of yourself.

Again, the diamond isn't that big. If there was a possible play at 1B, I would adjust for that situation.

Working the system when the situation fits is what makes an umpire. It's a shame ASA doesn't feel the same way. I'm pleasantly surprised to see you off the reservation.

I'm nowhere I haven't been in my 44 years in blue.

Originally Posted by strawman

So you teach them a inferior method and turn them loose, never to be heard from again. Great plan.

No too smart, are ya? Where was that mentioned? BTW, have you ever had the job of recruiting and training umpires for local and state play? I mean really train them, run a school and multiple clinics just to work the local league games? Are you aware that quite a few don't want the advanced training and many just will not attend clinics. So, do you suggest we have multiple sets of mechanics for different levels of competition? To quote my buddy, Andrew Sheppard, "how's the view from the cheap seats?"

Throw back to 3rd? You'll have to explain where you got thiat from.

No, I don't. Don't think it was that hard to understand. After all, Wang got it.

I guess the majority of college officials are lazy for recognizing the benefit of staying outside in certain situations. Thank goodness the rumor about an NCAA/ASA relationship was just that. I would hate to have a gaggle of ASA SP geese decide what mechanics are used to determine my readiness for my next post-season assignment.

Really? Again, you read things that are not there and cannot comprehend some of the simple things that are. Well, I'm not a fan of seafood, especially red herring.

Before I wrap this one up, let me just state that there is nothing wrong with the I/O mechanics. Most 3rd graders could easily pick it up with some of the training provided, it isn't hard and does not put any umpire in a more precarious position on the field than any other method regardless of level of play.

Say hi to Major Tom the next time you see him floating around out there.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by topper

So if the BR doesn't go to 2nd, you are standing there "just inside the diomand" making a call on any play at 1st from 60' away?

Absolutely. What's the problem? You have the perfect angle - distance is overrated.