Help me understand the BU positioning on this play

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by youngump

R1 on 1st, B2 hits a liner to center. F8 fields it on a hop and throws to second catching R1 rounding too far. R1 starts to go back and then instead moves toward third. The rundown is on and PU comes up to get the third base end of it. ... R1 gets tagged toward 3rd and PU makes the call.

Correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm a little rusty on responsibilities during rundowns. But isn't this the BU's call? He/she has (or should have) a better view of the tag on the runner's back.

As for your dilemma, you did what you should have done. I don't understand how you felt you weren't in a good position to see a tag play on a throw to second. You're basically mirroring the outside position you would be in for a straight steal of second, aren't you? Perhaps, as Mike mentioned, you didn't need to move closer to third.

[Andy]

I think the important thing to remember is that you have another runner to worry about and need to be aware of as well. In a two umpire system, you both can't focus strictly on the lead runner caught in the rundown.

As PU, I would come up to third in anticipation of a possible play there, then take the rundown allowing my BU partner to have the batter-runner. It's also possible that BU could stay in the neighborhood of second to be able to get that end of the rundown while staying aware of the BR.

Either way, the two of you have to communicate here and let each other know what you are doing.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm a little rusty on responsibilities during rundowns. But isn't this the BU's call? He/she has (or should have) a better view of the tag on the runner's back.

As for your dilemma, you did what you should have done. I don't understand how you felt you weren't in a good position to see a tag play on a throw to second. You're basically mirroring the outside position you would be in for a straight steal of second, aren't you? Perhaps, as Mike mentioned, you didn't need to move closer to third.

On a rundown, ANY rundown, if possible you want to bracket it - one umpire at each end, and ideally one inside, one outside. If PU can get to the play in the OP, he should. PU needs to communicate when he's got a side, so BU can stop covering both ends.

[youngump]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm a little rusty on responsibilities during rundowns. But isn't this the BU's call? He/she has (or should have) a better view of the tag on the runner's back.

By toward third I meant nearer to third than second, she was actually tagged from behind after trying to turn back to second and this one was obvious. But to be honest, responsibilities on a pickle are not something I'm great at and if she got tagged 5 feet from third from behind, I would have anticipated my partner making the call as well. Is that wrong?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by youngump

By toward third I meant nearer to third than second, she was actually tagged from behind after trying to turn back to second and this one was obvious. But to be honest, responsibilities on a pickle are not something I'm great at and if she got tagged 5 feet from third from behind, I would have anticipated my partner making the call as well. Is that wrong?

Well, let me ask this ... if you are working toward third but anticipate partner will have the call ... what are you there for?

If partner has that end, you don't need to also. Move to the other side (between SS and 2nd base) if you can and get your end... and as Andy said, you can then pay attention to the other runner.

You say you're not great at it. When you've got both ends, it's tough, and NO ONE can be great at it. Once partner is there, though, think bracket - one of you has each end, and being inside/outside lets you see obstruction and the like. If you're at a point in the rundown where partner is most likely to have a tag, you should be watching fielders. Too many umpires get caught watching the ball, including good ones - it's easy to do that.