U2 Positioning on steal

[stkjock]

watching some MLB instant replay video this morning, I noticed very different positioning on a a few of the replays:

Here U2 is on the third base side of the bag

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v505631983

 

Here U2 is on the first base side:

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v505549783

 

So my question, is it a matter of preference for each umpire where they position them self with a runner on 1st?

 

[lawump]

So my question, is it a matter of preference for each umpire where they position them self with a runner on 1st?

 

Yes.  Mechanics book allows for either side.

[Jimurray]

Yes.  Mechanics book allows for either side.

It can be a matter of preference or the batter's handness but most of us that do mostly 2 man where we are on the 1B side continue to like that side in 3 and 4 man for the look at the swipe tag on the steal. 

[MadMax]

In the first video clip, that's Bob "Balkin' Bob" Davidson, so several questions also emerge...

• Why is Bob in the C position, when nearly all of the advice at umpire clinics put the U2 in the B position?
• Why is Bob soooooo deep in C, nearly (if not) on the baseline between 2B & 3B?
• Why is Bob nearly on top of 2B?
• Now, I'll give Bob the benefit of the doubt, because it would look like, in hindsight, had he been in B, and at a typical angle and distance that his MLBU colleagues would be at, Aybar's body would have blocked Bob's view of the the held tag on R1 as R1 slid beyond contact with the base. Thus, having been in the perfect spot by mistake, how the hell did he miss that??

As I mentioned, most of the advice or direction I've heard from clinic instructors has been to be in B with a R1 (in a 4/6-man crew).

[noumpere]

1) Most of the advice USED TO BE to be in C on a steal (with 3+ umpires).  And, since that's what Bob is used to, that's where he stays.  And, that's why there is the option in, for example, CCA mechanics.

2) With 4 umpires, or an R1 only with 3 umpires, you're supposed to be in Deep B or Deep C.  That is nearly in the base line -- especially in C when there's no runner coming at you to get in your way.  Heck, in 3-man, with R2 only, some teach U1 to stand slightly behind the baseline for the pick-play.

 

I didn't watch the video, so I'll refrain from commenting on the other points -- but you are right that  you can be too close to the play

[Haid D' Salaami]

In the first video clip, that's Bob "Balkin' Bob" Davidson, so several questions also emerge...

• Why is Bob in the C position, when nearly all of the advice at umpire clinics put the U2 in the B position? They all teach both positions.... 
• Why is Bob soooooo deep in C, nearly (if not) on the baseline between 2B & 3B? He's deep to get a great angle on the tags and double plays
• Why is Bob nearly on top of 2B? Once again to get a great look at the tag.. where you should be on tag plays, if the play allows
• Now, I'll give Bob the benefit of the doubt, because it would look like, in hindsight, had he been in B, and at a typical angle and distance that his MLBU colleagues would be at, Aybar's body would have blocked Bob's view of the the held tag on R1 as R1 slid beyond contact with the base. Thus, having been in the perfect spot by mistake, how the hell did he miss that?? I will disagree, it think had he been in the B.. he might have seen his come off the base.

As I mentioned, most of the advice or direction I've heard from clinic instructors has been to be in B with a R1 (in a 4/6-man crew).

Yes, most clinics are teaching to be in the Deep B.. but it is still personal preference as to where you stand, B allows you a better looks at the swipe tags that go outside, C allows for a better look at the play where the fielder blocks the base.

[celt62]

I just attended a very well instructed 3-man clinic this past weekend and we were told for the sake of the clinic that U3 will go to deep "B" and then in the future we could decide on our own.  I have always been in deep "C" every time in 3-man.   Well, not anymore!  After seeing a better view with less effort it changed my mind for good. 

[stkjock]

another C position call gets overturned

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v506791383/bosnyy-murphy-nabs-bogaerts-after-overturned-call

[ricka56]

another C position call gets overturned

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v506791383/bosnyy-murphy-nabs-bogaerts-after-overturned-call

So what ? What's your point ? Do you think he was out of position ? 
If it was my call, I don't have a problem getting over-turned on review for a play like this. 
It was a nut-cutter call where the touch happened <- here an instant before the tag over -> there. 
This is the kind of play slo-mo IR was brought in to fix. 
Don't know what kind of adjustment could have helped, other than maybe going down lower on a knee. 
Still a tough play to call. 

[Jimurray]

 Might be a better angle at deep B where the tag and touch are lined up. But U2 might be more concerned with not being on the strong side with a lefty batter. Or maybe he always does deep C?

[stkjock]

So what ? What's your point ? Do you think he was out of position ? If it was my call, I don't have a problem getting over-turned on review for a play like this. 
It was a nut-cutter call where the touch happened <- here an instant before the tag over -> there. 
This is the kind of play slo-mo IR was brought in to fix. 
Don't know what kind of adjustment could have helped, other than maybe going down lower on a knee. 
Still a tough play to well considering the comments earlier about B vs  C, I thought it interesting.  No need to get your panties in a twist. 

Considering the comments above about B vs. C I though it interesting.   U mad bro?

Edited September 30, 2015 by stkjock

[ricka56]

 Might be a better angle at deep B where the tag and touch are lined up.

The tag and touch are lined up, but that angle is also a straight-line angle for the touch of the base. Meaning that at that angle, it is hard to tell when the base touch has been made on a banger like that.  The definitive IR camera angle was from the 3B side (looking through 'C'). The 1B dugout angle (looking through 'B') probably would not have been definitive. I don't think there was an optimal angle for this play...sometimes you just have to umpire.