Short Throws From Catcher

Here is something. May not be completely what you are looking for but it's a start.

http://www.youtube.com/user/me...ee#p/u/0/uUVl2_9DeWY

Great video.

However from the first post I didn't know there was such an animal as a short throw from catcher down to 2B?

So if it's a one hopper (or more) down to second, the MI's primary objective is to square up to the throw to block down, as opposed to maintain the square up to the runner and attempting to field the short throw (and moving the glove to create a short or long hop catch).

But if you're squaring up to the throw, you're essentially giving up on the steal, i.e., the primary objective is to block down.

Do I have this right?

IMO, I would not agree with that. Many short-hops and one-hop throws at 2b can be converted to caught stealing.
Our teach - MIF must read the throw and "feel" the runner with peripheral vision. If he has a chance to make the tag on the short or one hop, he makes the attempt. Otherwise, square it up.
If CF and the other MIF are doing their job, a ball that escapes receiving MIF will most often not result in runner advancing. Some 1st and 3rd situations may alter this approach and throwing down to 3rd is a different approach. That runner will almost surely score if 3b doesn't square up short throws.

I can't see the video since our security at work blocks youtube so I can't respond to it directly. Meacham has some great stuff so I know it's something people should at the very least consider.

My thoughts on this is with only one runner on then I feel the fielder should do everything in his power to hold his ground and pick the throw for the tag. He should be at the bag and be in a low athletic crouch / squat with his glove near eye level. Never put the glove on the ground to work up. Make the catch then stab tag and get out of the way. If the fielder misses the ball then the other MIF and CF should be there for backup.

If it's a 1st / 3rd situation then I agree the fielder should come up and block the throw to keep the runner on 3rd from advancing.

I thought the video was great. I've always taught my older kids to straddle but I liked what he suggested about starting in front and stepping back to the straddle. I also think that on most plays kids need to pick one hop throws and make a tag. Coach Meacham does not seem to disagree. He does say to square up on balls where there is no play. Getting kids to feel confident in making a tag on steals has a lot to do with them knowing how to stay out of harm's way.

Everybody is different but my golden rule was ...
if he's safe at second, fine with me. If the ball goes in the outfield and the runner gets another base, it's the middle infielder's a**. It wasn't a good throw from the catcher but there are ways to pick him up so it doesn't get worse. If you field it on the hop and tag the guy out, my hat goes off to you. I guess it's one of those plays like stealing third with two outs. You can do it but you'd better be safe.

meachrm,
Good video. And you addressed the problem I see a lot, even in the majors. The catching out front and trying to sweep back tag.

They have to learn to play that short and long hop. The difference between a spot on throw on the corner of the bag and a short hop is probably an inch or two. No reason not to get a catcher (or anybody else) the assist on it. That's a play that has to be made.

I'm reading two schools of thought on this: attempt to make the catch off the hop (high risk, high reward) vs. squaring up (low risk, low reward).

If I'm reading that correctly, then I'm concluding its a coach's decision as to how he/she wants the MIF to field that throw. In addition, game situation may influence the decision as well (tight game, go low risk)

Of course there has to be situational awareness involved. Some situations dictate we won't throw at all. Most of the time if a throw beats the runner I expect the MIer to get an out. I'd also expect that the other MIer, and CF will be hustling into a position to prevent an advance. Outs are precious. When the opposition offers us a chance to get one we want to take it. Most MIers can develop the ability to pick throw that are close enough to get outs on.

One other thing I liked about the video was that it made it clear what a catcher needed to avoid. Namely letting his throws tail, taking the MIer into the runner. They need to work on getting their front shoulder closed and throwing on line.

Sons team is all about putting on the tag. There are three jobs on a steal. Catcher gets it down there before the runner, MI makes a play. If he can't make a tough catch and tag he should be in the outfield. The centerfielder better be charging in to clean it up if it gets by. All three have a job to do. If all three do their job you won't have any reason to complain in any stealing situation.

There's more than that even. The other MIF should be headed that way to back up a roll away. 3B should be covering his bag. Pitcher should be thinking about backing up 3rd or home.