2nd and 3rd. You're on 2nd.

If you're the trail runner in this situation you better have your "A" game as a baserunner. So many different scenarios dictate what you do as a baserunner. Let's diagnose what you should do with less than two outs.

Scenario #1: The infield is back. This means that they are conceding the run from the 3rd base. It is very important that you know what the lead runner is doing in this situation(The 3rd base coach needs to communicate this through signals). If the lead runner is going on contact, your reads are independent of his. In other words, you advance to 3rd base as if you are the only base runner on base at the time of the batted ball.

Scenario #2: The infield has the corners playing in. You as the runner at 2nd base must again know what the lead runner is doing. If the contact play is on see scenario #1. If the lead runner gets caught in a pickle, usually the trail runner will advance to 3rd base and simply give the lead runner "up for dead." If the lead runner is advancing only on balls hit up the middle then the trail runner should advance on a ball that he can make go behind him. The "sticky" ball is the ball hit to the 1B. This is the one spot where the trail runner can't advance.

Scenario #3" The infield is in. Again, you must know what the lead runner is doing. If the lead runner is making the ball go through then you simply wait until the ball gets through on the ground and advance one base also. If the lead runner is going on contact, you do what he does. We say "you're on a string." Again, if he is caught in a pickle, you'll probably advance to 3rd and give him up for dead.

One last thing, if you're at 2B and the lead runner tags on what appears to be a close play at the plate, it is a good practice for you to tag and advance also. We would rather have the defense "take the bait" and attempt to throw you out instead of our potetial run.