Another ASA test question

[Tru_in_Blu]

50. In the Two Umpire System with R1 on second base, B2 hits a fly ball to F8, who makes the catch. Which of the following
statements is correct?
A: The base umpire has the tag-up at second base and the plate umpire has the play on R1 at third base.
B: The plate umpire has the tag-up at second base and the play on R1 at third base.
C: The plate umpire has the tag-up at second base and the base umpire has the play on R1 at third base.
D: The base umpire has the tag-up at second base and the play on R1 at third base.

The 2011 Umpire Manual, on page 259:

There are four times a base umpire will make a call at third base:
1. On the B-R on a triple with no runners on base.
2. On the last runner into third base.
3. On a lone runner on fly ball advancement.
4. On any return throw from the plate area or a cut-off by a player.

This year's manual, on page 258 has the scenario for a runner on second base only -Fast Pitch:

Fly ball to the outfield:
P- Move out from behind the plate to get the best angle and distance possible. Responsible for fair/foul, catch or no catch, any play on the lead runner at 3B and any play at the plate.
B- Choose to go to the outfield to make the call or hustle inside the diamond toward 1B, buttonhook, pick up the ball and glance at the runner. Responsible for the tag up at 2B, any play at 1B, or 2B and the last runner to 3B.

The Umpire Manual section seems different this year. Was the between inning mechanics inadvertently omitted?

[BretMan]

I don't have my 2012 rule book yet, but if what you quoted from it is exactly what appears then they must have at least revised the format.

As for the test question, you can toss out B & C since the base umpire has the tag up with only one runner on second. That just leaves the question, "Who has the play at third?".

I always took the phrase "on fly ball advancement" to mean specifically if it is a caught fly ball and tag up, as opposed to a runner advancing on a base hit-type fly ball. If you have an active, "unretired" batter-runner running the bases, wouldn't you want the base umpire to have his attention on him? Whereas, if the batter-runner was out on the catch, all the base umpire has to do is slide over a few feet to cover the play at third, with the plate umpire staying home in case the play develops there.

Not having seen the 2012 manual, I would have to say the answer is D.

[Crabby_Bob]

Do we have a catch? Who takes the appeal of the runner leaving early? Who takes the last runner?

[I realize I may have been too vague. If you the answers to those questions, you have the answer to the question.]

[NCASAUmp]

I don't have my 2012 book yet, either. However, I don't believe the mechanic has changed. Whenever they've talked about the "lead runner," they're usually talking about situations in which there are multiple runners.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I don't have my 2012 book yet, either. However, I don't believe the mechanic has changed. Whenever they've talked about the "lead runner," they're usually talking about situations in which there are multiple runners.

Base umpire always has the single runner in this situation for every base, but home.

[AtlUmpSteve]

B.

Lone runner is not a lead runner. To have a lead runner that PU must cover at 3rd, there must be a trail runner that the BU has responsibility for.