3 man Rotations

[ALStripes17]

So this year, the Alabama HS people decided that umpires will no longer rotate with R1 or R1 and R3 in 3 man mechanics (has become a slide mechanic). Experienced officials' thoughts on this? Word was it was because of the laziness displayed by the 1BU not rotating to cover home.

[JaxRolo]

WOW. That is insane.

[ALStripes17]

Heresay is heresay (is that redundant WildFlyer haha) but the rumor has legs.

I'm a huge fan of rotations, especially in 3 man. Not much more exciting than a 1BU showing some hustle and selling a heck of a call at the plate.

[zm1283]

I can see not rotating with R1/R3, because that is the pro and NCAA mechanic. (There is a RISP)

 

With just R1, that is just dumb. If you aren't going to really work 3-man mechanics, why even have three guys out there?

[ALStripes17]

Completely agree. I understand the argument of R1/R3 since R3 normally scores very easily on a base hit. It's very easy to peek at home plate as PU rotates (also easy to slide). Heck, we had a Dixie UIC tell us not to ever worry about rotating in 2 man AND 3 man. Said, "PU gets a workout calling balls and strikes. No reason for him to go down to 3B." Needless to say, that wasn't how my games were run as a PU. I encourage BU to go out on fly balls and reinforce that I'll be there for a rotation or rundown. Easy for me to say at 25 though haha

[Dash Riprock]

Presumed umpire laziness is not a good reason to change a mechanic.

[noumpere]

Presumed umpire laziness is not a good reason to change a mechanic.

It shouldn't be but too many lazy umpires make it a necessity.

[JaxRolo]

I don't think it's laziness. It is ignorance. or a combination of the 2.

[mstaylor]

When the person in charge thinks the PU should have a foot nailed to the plate, you are fighting an uphill battle. I'm 55, bad knees, sore back, Achilles problem, I'm coming to third., it's my job

[johnnyg08]

I don't think it's laziness. It is ignorance. or a combination of the 2.

 

I agree.  They simply do not know.

[SSRock]

Umpires are way more prone to mess up a slide than they are a straight rotation. 

[johnnyg08]

Many umpires simply don't work enough three man and it ends up harming their game as opposed to helping their game.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

So this year, the Alabama HS people decided that umpires will no longer rotate with R1 or R1 and R3 in 3 man mechanics (has become a slide mechanic). Experienced officials' thoughts on this? Word was it was because of the laziness displayed by the 1BU not rotating to cover home.

 

Thank your Southeastern region brethren. Their lazy (or incapable) asses are the responsible party.

[elares]

What is the Slide mechanic?  That's not a term I know.  I've only been taught the rotation of PU to 3B and 1U going home.  I didn't know there was another option.

[Dash Riprock]

Slide means reverse rotation with PU staying home.

[noumpere]

Slide means reverse rotation with PU staying home.

... and U1 has BR at first and second,; U3 has all other plays at second and all plays at third.

 

(just to complete it for any noobies)

[andydufresne]

I think it should be rotate for both or slide for both: R1 only, and R1/R3. In that regard, I think Alabama has it right.

 

I don't care for the NCAA method. They changed because some umpires were too lazy to glance at R3's plate touch.

 

I like the slide better. It's easy, has only one umpire having (U1) to move any appreciable distance, and if somebody screws up, the plate isn't the base left uncovered.

 

Two guys can cover three bases with ease. You don't need three umpires running all over the place. Using the PU on the bases should be for when a BU goes out.

[UmpTTS43]

I prefer the tequila morning after mechanics. When I'm PU I'm ALWAYS at home.

This is an approved mechanic from an authoritative manual.

[mstaylor]

In three man the U1 rarely pivots into the infield. This is not a good reason to make him do that. The pivot in two man is simple, he has no runner to contend with. Now for him to get inside he has to do it after R1 vacates and before the BR gets there.

[ricka56]

I prefer the tequila morning after mechanics. When I'm PU I'm ALWAYS at home.

 

Isn't that the Old Granddad mechanics.

[UmpTTS43]

I prefer the tequila morning after mechanics. When I'm PU I'm ALWAYS at home.

 

Isn't that the Old Granddad mechanics.

Don't know bout your grandad but my granddad would still rotate, then kick my ass on a tequila morning after game.

[JaxRolo]

I prefer the tequila morning after mechanics. When I'm PU I'm ALWAYS at home.

This is an approved mechanic from an authoritative manual.

JR?

[mstaylor]

Several years ago there was a crew doing a state semi that absolutely screwed up everything they did. Mechanics, rules, game management, all kicked. The state interpreter was explaining what was screwed up and how he wanted it called, not my group by the way, and the guys involved tried to defend themselves. He had tried to do it so nobody knew who he was talking about, they threw themselves under the bus. The discussion went downhill and they finally said they weren't used to three man so they messed up some rotations. Nevermind that it was only part of the problem. They mad the interpreter mad so he finally said, "If you don't know the mechanics, don't take the assignment." That is true for all three man, if you don't feel you know it well enough, or you can't make the rotations, don't accept the game.

[ALStripes17]

I am about to begin my 2nd year of umpiring FED, and I have noticed that there are few veterans that refresh themselves on mechanics and rules each year - and have had to ask them about their mechanic or position (with the excuse, "I'm a rookie, and only asking why you do it different from the book"). I agree with the interpreter, but the problem is guys want the glory of working late playoffs. How many people (veterans) do you know in your association will admit they aren't capable of working an assignment?

[ricka56]

 

 

I prefer the tequila morning after mechanics. When I'm PU I'm ALWAYS at home.

 

Isn't that the Old Granddad mechanics.

Don't know bout your grandad but my granddad would still rotate, then kick my ass on a tequila morning after game.

 

My Old Grand Dad  makes the field rotate around me.