3 Man Mechanics

[JamesC]

3 man mechanics, R1, where is U3? B or C?

[BrianC14]

3 man mechanics, R1, where is U3? B or C?

C.

There are some allowances (check with your association and/or crew chief) for going to the B position, depending on the 'power' side of the batter.

e.g., LH batter, go to C; RH batter, go to B.

[JamesC]

It just seems as though they would be in B since the PU is taking 3rd and U1 is rotating towards the plate. I don't know, just making sure.

[kylejt]

You've got the best angle for play at second from C. Why would you be anywhere else?

[JamesC]

I respectfully disagree. I feel as though I have a much better view of a steal of second from the B position. You won't be blocked out on a tag if the SS fields the throw, which is usually who is receiving it. Even if the 2B receives the throw, I don't get blocked out. That's just my opinion though, whole different discussion in itself.

[jjb]

Let's look at a steal attempt at 2nd. What do you have to do?

From B, you've got to wait for the throw to go by you, and follow it to the play. It's difficult to be set up with a good 90 to the bag.

From C, you turn left, take three steps, bada boom, bada bing, you're in position.

[BrianC14]

Let's look at a steal attempt at 2nd. What do you have to do?

From B, you've got to wait for the throw to go by you, and follow it to the play. It's difficult to be set up with a good 90 to the bag.

From C, you turn left, take three steps, bada boom, bada bing, you're in position.

I agree with James regarding the setup for a play at 2B.

Even in C, you have to wait for the throw to go by - unless you want to get plunked by an errant throw. *ouch*

As taught by Jim Evans himself (yes, I'm a shameless name-dropper), it takes just two moves to get the necessary position from B. (I call it these the 'opening gate, closing gate' moves). They amount to no more than 2 steps.

However, getting a proper position from C takes requires more steps, because you have to come across the imaginary line between home and 2nd in order to get the optimum view - and you still have the issue of F6 taking the throw and R1 sliding to the outfield side.... you can easily end up 'iceholes and elbows' for a view. Not good.

However, all this discussion points to the fact that it is indeed a personal preference as pointed out by U24. In my association, we're allowed some latitude for this positioning. The CCA manual points this out - that the B or C is at the option of the umpire, however, it states "it may be used with conference coordinator approval" - in other words, check with your boss first. :nod:

Edited March 30, 2010 by BrianC14

[jim knight]

I take it from B / less likley to get a bad view.

[mstaylor]

C all the way.

[LMSANS]

C all the way.

What he said.

[JamesC]

B for afternoon games

C for night games

And the logic for that?

[jr12]

Deep B. (edge of the grass, near the cutout) In 3 man your already facing the 3rd base dugout (rather than home plate, like in 2 man), so a slight turn and your nose is right in the play.

Usually R1 is going to slide to the OF side of 2B. Now you have the best view possible.

Try it, you'll love it!

[okump96]

i've been taught to be in deep c for this. reason being, you will have the runner in front of you.

[mstaylor]

I have always been taught U3 is never in B, U1 is never in C.

[BrianC14]

And the logic for that?

Reel 'im in, Ump24 - reel 'im in! :HS

[BrianC14]

I have always been taught U3 is never in B, U1 is never in C.

CCA manual gives the option, but clear it with your 'boss' first.

In my association, we have the option of going to the position that's 'away from the power'. :HS

[mazzamouth]

You've got the best angle for play at second from C. Why would you be anywhere else?

I dont think that is true... If your in a "Deep B" everything is right there... I have had a few umpires show us the difference, and I ( in my opinion) think " deep B" is better..

Now if you have a lefty batter up it switch's.. but the CCA lets you pick which side you want to be on.

[UmpTTS43]

3 man mechanics, R1, where is U3? B or C?

Depends on what mechanics you use. If you go with CCA mechanics you have the choice of deep B or deep C unless it is a left handed batter. If that is the case then deep C. If you go by pro mechanics it is deep B regardless.

[mazzamouth]

Depends on what mechanics you use. If you go with CCA mechanics you have the choice of deep B or deep C unless it is a left handed batter. If that is the case then deep C. If you go by pro mechanics it is deep B regardless.

that is incorrect...if you look at the PBUC Umpire manual for 3 man, it says the 3rd base umpire has the choice to set up on the shortstop side or the 2nd base side. pg 97.

[BrianC14]

Hey, I was trying to think of what to say if someone asked me where I work work in a morning game.

Let's sum this up here:

1) Check your local listings

2a) Abide by them as necessary and / or

2b) If you have the freedom to choose, make sure you are have someone eval you to judge your positioning (3-Man B / C is different from 2-Man) and then try both out.

3) Make sure you're in C if a LHB comes up for the half swing appeal.

All good points.

As an aside, my association teaches that there is no 'Deep C', that the positioning should be closer to that of a 2-man C positioning. The reason being that if there's a steal of 3B, you'll be better positioned for the play that way. As I was told, "You're in deep C? You better have a rocket in your ass to get to where you need to be..." :wave:

[UmpTTS43]

that is incorrect...if you look at the PBUC Umpire manual for 3 man, it says the 3rd base umpire has the choice to set up on the shortstop side or the 2nd base side. pg 97.

Although the option is given, I have not had any instructor or practitioner of these mechanics use C. Thanks for the clarification though.

[yawetag]

Hey, I was trying to think of what to say if someone asked me where I work work in a morning game.

Probably behind a desk like everyone else on their day job. :wave:

[JamesC]

All good points.

As an aside, my association teaches that there is no 'Deep C', that the positioning should be closer to that of a 2-man C positioning. The reason being that if there's a steal of 3B, you'll be better positioned for the play that way. As I was told, "You're in deep C? You better have a rocket in your ass to get to where you need to be..."

The OP was about a R1 though, so the PU should have 3rd on an overthrow or something crazy, and U1 would have the plate, correct? So deep C would be ok because all you would have is a play at 2nd.

[BrianC14]

The OP was about a R1 though, so the PU should have 3rd on an overthrow or something crazy, and U1 would have the plate, correct? So deep C would be ok because all you would have is a play at 2nd.

My response was limited to what U24 posted.

With something crazy going on, yes, UIC could rotate up, and U1 could release to cover the dish.

[BrianC14]

Good grief this has quickly become convoluted.

Guys: Buy a CCA manual and follow it. :wave: