Game Management or not?

[EsqUmp]

It makes me wonder whether the plate umpire neglected his own responsibility by turning his focus to the trail runner rather than the lead runner. I also wonder if the plate umpire was in proper position (we don't know where the runners ended up - I'm guessing 1st & 3rd). If the base umpire is inexperienced and the plate umpire was up the 3rd base line for the runner there, then the base umpire may have picked up on that and redirected his attention.

It's a good example of why umpires should have a pre-game and discuss coverages.

Umpires should not go to their positions until after the pitcher has the ball in the circle. If the ball is in the circle and the runners are off their bases, umpires should not be going to their positions yet. Only once they are on base should the base umpire go to his position, followed by the plate umpire.