IEBSBL posted:Steve A. posted:Say you are giving signs to catcher from dugout: Make up a signal for a pick to 1B. Can be as simple as if I finish series of signals on the hat, I want a pick to 1B. Catcher then puts hand down to give sign & instead of 1,2 etc, he flips his thumb towards 1B (subtle, don't jerk the thumb). Pitcher then knows to pick 1B. (Runner & opposing coaches unable to see this thumb flip)
Second base Pickoff. Again, make up whatever you want. Finish on chest = pick to 2B. Catcher puts signs down: puts down 2, 2, 2 then a fist. SS has to be looking in to see it. Pitcher & SS then know pick 2B. Pitcher comes set & continues looking HOME (NOT TO 2B!) SS breaks & when catcher sees daylight between SS & Runner he drops his glove, this is the trigger for the pitcher to spin & throw to 2B. ** This is not an "inside move to 2B," but a quick spin & throw. You will get more than you would expect.
Don't pick to 3B. Usually a disaster & where is he going anyway.....
Respectfully haave to disagree with the catcher pick to 3B, at least with 0 outs and probably with 1 out.
Where are they going??? They are probably scoring.
84% of all runners with 0 outs score and 66% of all runners with 1 out score. Why not back pick if the opportunity presents itself.
Several reasons:
#1: It is rarely, if ever practiced. This usually = a disaster when attempted.
#2: There is no backup like a pick to 2B.
#3: 100% the run scores if you screw it up.
#4: You do not see it, ever, in a pro game as it is clearly a low percentage risk / reward.