Mechanics review

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

(halfway to B, say) .

yyeeeeaaahh!

[umpire12]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I cannot recall the last time (any age, kids to HS) I've seen a pickoff attempted after a base on balls. That said, moving just 2 steps off the A position leaves you in a great place for that play should it develop, as you've said, but in a problematic place should the play go to 2nd. Moving further (halfway to B, say) decreases your situation for that rare play at first only a very very little bit, while vastly increasing your situation for the possible play at 2nd.

i agree..it puts you in a reasonable position for either play

[CecilOne]

We are taught to squat straight up and down behind the plate to maintain view and to be easier on our backs. Also, to walk the line, but not bend when at 1st.
But then, we are taught when in B or C on bases with runners to bend down into a "set" position.

Isn't that inconsistent, straight up is better, bending down is better?
If not, why not?

BTW, has anyone proven that the "set" position actually improves movement or is it just for looking involved?

[Tru_in_Blu]

For ASA 3-ump, what are the positions between innings for the umps?

I'll assume PU & 1U are in the same positions as 2-ump mechanics. What about 3U?

I looked in the book last evening, but couldn't locate anything on between inning mechanics/positioning. Is it in there?

Thanx.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

For ASA 3-ump, what are the positions between innings for the umps?

I'll assume PU & 1U are in the same positions as 2-ump mechanics. What about 3U?

Mirror other BU

I looked in the book last evening, but couldn't locate anything on between inning mechanics/positioning. Is it in there?

Thanx.

You mean you didn't get the Supplemental Umpire Manual?

[CecilOne]

BU in C in 2 ump system, F3 swipe tags BR, BU blocked.
Is this
- BU makes a call, then asks like pulled foot
- BU communicates to PU to make the call
- it is automatic PU call because BU is in C
?

[DaveASA/FED]

I guess I have always heard up the the running lane (first 30 feet) a tag is PU's to call, between there and the base is BU's to call. So if after the 30 feet BU should call what they saw, if they saw a tag call the out, if they didn't signal safe. Then after the play if there is a question go to your partner and see what they had if you need to.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

BU in C in 2 ump system, F3 swipe tags BR, BU blocked.
Is this
- BU makes a call, then asks like pulled foot
- BU communicates to PU to make the call
- it is automatic PU call because BU is in C
?

Speaking ASA, you either make the call or give it up. Remember, if you are in the C, the PU very likely has something else to watch especially with 2 outs.

[CecilOne]

R1 on 1st, ball hit in infield, throw goes to 1st.
- As PU, are you watching for OBS at 2nd?

- As BU, do you move immediately past 2nd w/o waiting for F1 to have ball in circle?

- As BU, if ball at 1st is overthrow, do you immediately get inside?
- As PU, where are you then?

I do these, just wondering if universal and taught.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

R1 on 1st, ball hit in infield, throw goes to 1st.
- As PU, are you watching for OBS at 2nd?

- As BU, do you move immediately past 2nd w/o waiting for F1 to have ball in circle?

- As BU, if ball at 1st is overthrow, do you immediately get inside?
- As PU, where are you then?

I do these, just wondering if universal and taught.

1) Yes, although my eyes are at 1st (pulled foot, swipe tag) briefly at the moment the ball is getting there.
2) I rim, but yes.
3) Depends on where the ball goes - the next throw could be to 2nd or 3rd. Inside could leave you vulnerable, depending on where the ball goes.
4) Depends on what my partner does. Halfway to third on most overthrows at least until my partner has gotten into position for that call, at which point I'm slowly coming back home. Also depends on how far the ball gets away - if I read any chance for the next play being at home, I'm heading home. On tiny overthrows or drops, I'm staying near 3rd (where I was in the first place).

[Andy]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

R1 on 1st, ball hit in infield, throw goes to 1st.
- As PU, are you watching for OBS at 2nd?

I try to watch what is happening at second. Especially on a bunt. We have several teams around here that teach the runner to cut inside second without touching it to try to advance to third if no defender is covering third. I can't tell you how many times I have seen this, but I can tell you how many times I have had to rule on an appeal of the runner missing second base - none.

- As BU, do you move immediately past 2nd w/o waiting for F1 to have ball in circle?

No, I wait until the ball is back in the circle and the runners have completed their running.

- As BU, if ball at 1st is overthrow, do you immediately get inside?
- As PU, where are you then?

BU - Yes, I try to if I can do it before the runner turns and heads to second.
PU - Cutting diagonally across the infield to cover third base.

I do these, just wondering if universal and taught.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

We hardly ever talk about OBS ; so here goes.

A) What is your philosophy and your practice on calling the obstruction when there is no play being made?
for example:
1- poss pickoff sitch, runner returning to 1st blocked by F3, no throw
2- runner at any base blocked from rounding the base when there is no apparent attempt to proceed (assume enough of a block to make the runner stop short or overrun to the side)
3- lead runer sidestepping a non-involved fielder on a deep base hit

All above, if it is obstruction, you call the obstruction. Don't be lazy.

B) Poss pickoff sit, F3 or F4 straddling 1st, which are OBS to call:
1 - 2nd base side of base
2 - over the fair/white side
3 - over the foul/color side
4 - feet anywhere with body over the base

Each issue is irrelevant. If the runner is impeded by a player not in possession of the ball, it is obstruction.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by cecilone

we hardly ever talk about obs ; so here goes.

(snip)
hugo, i know what i think & do, will post later, checking for disagreement.

:d

[Steve M]

A - I'll hang the arm out - you may or may not hear the verbal. But call the obstruction every time there is obstruction.

B - If the runner is obstructed, call it - every time.

[AtlUmpSteve]

At every level, on every case where runner is (even minimally) hindered, put the arm out. I don't verbal, unless there is a play where it has an affect. In rec or other lower level, will discuss with coaches when opportune. I am a believer that umpires often teach the game to players and coaches (just not at a time that gives one team an advantage).

If OC or runner is paying attention, and know what to do; they deserve the protection between bases. If they don't; oh well, I did my job.