Fun with Rules

[Tru_in_Blu]

Not a rule, exactly. More mechanics related.

I was in a discussion regarding fly ball coverage prompted by question 42 on this year's ASA Umpire Exam. I usually pre-game the scenario of a lone runner on 2B w/ my partner. Unless BU goes out, PU takes fair/foul, catch/no catch. BU will take tag up at 2B, and PU will take any play on the tagging runner at third (and subsequently home, if that develops).

In reading through the mechanics and responsibilities, I've always assumed that references to lead runner referred to the runner's placement prior to the pitch. And, that there is specific reference to the batter-runner unless the live ball is getting thrown all over the field allowing subsequent plays to occur (thus the reference to "last runner to 3B").

In trying to verify references, I came across the following passages from this year's Umpire Manual. The sections from fast pitch and slow pitch seem to have be written by different people given the scenarios listed and wording.

Pg 246
There are four times, after the ball has been batted, that a base umpire will make a call at third base:
...
3. On a lone runner on a fly ball advancement.

Two Umpire System

Runner on second base only - Fast pitch
Pg 259
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.

Slow pitch

Runner on 2B only, 1B & 2B, 2B & 3B or bases loaded:
Pgs 265, 266
Fly ball coverage:
P- Move out from behind the plate in foul ground to get the best angle and distance possible. Responsible for fair / foul, catch or no-catch, any play on the lead runner(s) at 3B and any play at the plate.
B - You must decide whether to go to the outfield to make the call or button hook inside the diamond about half way between 1B and 2B, pick up the ball and glance at the runner. Responsible for the tag up at 1B and/or 2B, any play at 1B or 2B and the last runner to third base.

So from the first reference on Pg 246, is a "lone runner" considered a lead runner. Especially in the slow pitch game, it's going to be a tough call for BU w/ lone runner on 2B and a shallow line drive caught by F10. Any runner who will even consider tagging up on this play is guaranteed faster than me!