Fly Ball Coverage SNAFU

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Andy

Mike - I'm confused On a steal of second, you already stay outside the diamond and move parrallel with the runner to make the call at second.

I had some conversations with some vey upper level people in ASA this past summer that have led me to believe it will be a looooong time, if ever, that ASA will adopt the working outside mechanic for BUs. Just my opinion, I have zero inside knowledge.....

Sure... but what do you do when it's a SB/PB and there's going to be no play at 2nd, but possibly a play at 3rd. I've seen both inside and outside approaches at clinics, and I'd say most I've seen teach inside - whereas I prefer outside. I'm told outside (rimming) might become more preferred ... who knows if what I'm told is right though.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Sure... but what do you do when it's a SB/PB and there's going to be no play at 2nd, but possibly a play at 3rd. I've seen both inside and outside approaches at clinics, and I'd say most I've seen teach inside - whereas I prefer outside. I'm told outside (rimming) might become more preferred ... who knows if what I'm told is right though.

In my opinion (with admittedly VERY little experience), this should be the plate umpire's call at 3rd. If the BU is set up outside of the diamond and 10-12 feet back, they've got very little chance of getting to 3B and getting set to make a tight call, especially on a fast runner with a quick defense.

Anytime I've got runners actively running the bases, my mask comes off and I move away from behind the catcher, even if it's just a single runner stealing 2nd. In the case of a runner stealing 2nd (and not a D3K situation), or even a ball 4 situation, I do move up a the 3B line a little and watch the play. There's no reason for me to park my butt behind home plate.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

In my opinion (with admittedly VERY little experience), this should be the plate umpire's call at 3rd.

with no other runners, I agree with you - although I normally pregame this.

If the BU is set up outside of the diamond and 10-12 feet back, they've got very little chance of getting to 3B and getting set to make a tight call, especially on a fast runner with a quick defense.

Anytime I've got runners actively running the bases, my mask comes off and I move away from behind the catcher, even if it's just a single runner stealing 2nd. In the case of a runner stealing 2nd (and not a D3K situation), or even a ball 4 situation, I do move up a the 3B line a little and watch the play. There's no reason for me to park my butt behind home plate.[/QUOTE]With no one on, I agree. However, R1 on third, and you're coming around waiting for the PB to be played to F2 - BU is all alone out there with the other runner.

Also - this is one of the items we discuss at pre-game, especially when working 5 or 6 games or in 100 degrees.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

with no other runners, I agree with you - although I normally pregame this.

Well, with multiple runners, the BU is going to be in C anyway, so they can usually cover someone stealing 2B or 3B. So I guess my question is... Why shouldn't this be the PU's call at 3B with a runner stealing from 1B to 2B and subsequently to 3B?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Well, with multiple runners, the BU is going to be in C anyway, so they can usually cover someone stealing 2B or 3B. So I guess my question is... Why shouldn't this be the PU's call at 3B with a runner stealing from 1B to 2B and subsequently to 3B?

LOL... good call.

Perhaps around here it's not always PU's call because with 5-6 games and 100 degrees we try to limit our PU's having to run around in the gear where possible.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

LOL... good call.

Perhaps around here it's not always PU's call because with 5-6 games and 100 degrees we try to limit our PU's having to run around in the gear where possible.

While the default coverage is the lone runner belongs to the base umpire, the standard expectation is that PU will call off BU with "I've got 3rd!!" any time possible. It isn't default to PU because PU must also be sure to clear the catcher and not interfere with the play, which isn't always possible in a timely manner.