When a lead runner is at 2nd base, he is already in scoring position. The middle infielders must weigh their options of "holding him close" vs. "being in fielding position." I believe their is only one sure fire way of doing this.
The middle infielders jockey the lead runner by moving back and forth to let the runner know that they are there and there is a possibility of a pick off. What you absolutely don't want the middle infielders doing is moving while the ball is being delivered to home plate. Here is what you can and should do.
Have one of the middle infielders tell the pitcher how many times he would like the pitcher to check the runner by looking in his direction. The shortstop or 2B gives hand signals to alert the pitcher you should look 0,1,2,3 times and then throw home. You also could have pickoff plays attached to these hand signals.
This serves two primary purposes.
1) It allows the middle infielders the opportunity to jockey the lead runner while knowing they will be in fielding position when the pitch is delivered to the plate.
2) It keeps the runner at 2B a little closer as it mixes up the number of looks that they are giving. Pitchers tend to get in a rhythm when they pitch. Having an infielder administer the looks can vary it up just enough.
The "looks" system is very prevalant in college baseball. Has it made it to professional baseball? Probably not. It's too "contemporary."
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