Time between innings

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

While I may not care for some of the chatter, I'm firmly in the camp of the old between innings positioning on the foul line of the team coming off the field.

IMO, it gives the umpire a chance to nonchalantly discuss observations and possible adjustments in coverage assignments. Or maybe even about the hot mom/dad in the stands.

With today's mechanics (excuse to the change was bullshit), when umpires do need to converse for whatever reason, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

And what was that excuse? I honestly don't know.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Manny A

And what was that excuse? I honestly don't know.

The originally stated reason was that the base umpire coming in each inning was too easy a target and too often resulted in the coaches having "words" on their way by, with the umpires looking like they were the aggressor in those confrontations; the base umpire grazing in the outfield forces the coach to be the obvious aggressor if the comments are happening.

As Mike says, more an excuse than a necessary change for the stated reason.