Scoop or block

I think blocking is always the safe decision.  With runner on third you have to block, no question.  With runner on first I think it's ok to "pick" the ball - that is, catch on a short-hop. But it has to be a short-hop.  If it's more than a short-hop then block, otherwise the ball can ricochet and the runner ends up on third.  Of course, your coach sounds like he wants you to block all the time, so block.

I'm with Smitty here. Son's coach wants him to pick in that situation as only chance to get runner but yours obviously wants you to block. Guess it is a block for you then. 

How many balls thrown in the dirt have resulted in throw outs at 2b?  Once the ball is in the dirt I think the odds favor the base runner.    Sounds to me like you "tried" to scoop and missed.  Thus, the possibility of going to 3b.  The percentage play is to block and keep the ball in front.   

With ONLY a runner at first, I am all for trying to pick the ball and throw the guy out, very little chance of him getting to 3rd if you miss unless he is an absolute speedster...you never know unless you try!

I suppose if the catcher has a cannon and it is a relatively slow runner and attempt could be made. But outside of that, I'd say block.

Blocking is the safest choice; and, on a bad pitch, perhaps the only choice. BUT, on the pitch that is barely in the dirt, scooping then throwing is an option.  Obviously there is a greater risk; yet other factors can be considered; the inning, the score, the runner's jump, clean/ rapid ball transfer.  There are definitely times that you can successfully throw the runner out...  and should do so!!

Jaxcatcher,

It's irrelevant that the runner was stealing.

Your default mindset should be: "Block."

However, you mentioned it was a  fastball in the dirt.

Usually there isn't enough reaction-time on fastballs to get into a legitimate blocking position.

Plus, you don't generally anticipate fastballs in the dirt. 

If you're lucky and/or athletic enough to get a piece of your body in front of it, that's good.

You got a good  result--you kept a bounced fastball in front of you....but you were doing it for the wrong reason (to enable a better throwdown).

The legitimate reason is that it's the best you could do with an unblockable pitch.

Alright thanks for the feedback guys I really appreciate it