Oregon versus Nebraska

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

I was watching the first game of this Super Regional and saw this positioning and wanted input. Runner on second, trying to steal third. Nebraska catcher throws to third and gets the out. Can someone tell me why in this situation the 3U stayed in foul ground at about the coaches box in a direct line from the 2nd to 3rd baseline extended? Is this so they wouldn't be in the way if the throw was errant? No 90 degree there. Is this what we are supposed to do in this situation? Personally I would think you would take a few steps into fair territory to get the 90. Just wondering.
Dave

Same theory as going 3BL extended on plays at the plate anytime the catcher has to reach for the ball and swipe the tag. Based on where most 3rd baseman play, especially with R3 on 3rd base, they will almost always cut the ball before it reaches the base and then have to swipe the tag. Standing in fair territory may not allow the umpire to see through the play.