1st and 3rd. 3-2 count. 1 out

This situation is a very specific situation that must be given some attention if you truly understand how the offensive game of baseball is managed.

In this situation the manager must make a decision. Do I start the runner to avoid a conventional ground ball double play? In doing so, do I risk a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play? Well, yes! That's the fun of decision making.

But, in this situation there might be an opportunity to "save the play" if you're batter strikes out after you put the runner in motion.

Trail runners in a 1st and 3rd scenario should not be able to get a big jump. There is simply too much of a fake to 3rd opportunity. Therefore, if you start the runner and the batter strikes out (out number 2) you definitely run the risk of the runner being thrown out to end the inning. Meanwhile, that runner on 3rd is stranded with no opportunity to score.

Here's what you can do.

You can communicate to the trail runner with a signal that says if the batter strikes out, you stop short of 2B. When the catcher comes up to throw the runner out at 2B the lead runner will take off when the catcher demonstrates his intent to throw. The lead runner will then have a jump on the play and the trail runner will not allow the middle infielder an opportunty to tag him before that run scores.

The play is specific to this exact situation. You do not want an inning to end with a runner at 3B without some attempt made to score him. When we give this sign we want the trail runner to think "stop, if strike 3."

I witnessed the Yankees actually execute this same play against the Cleveland Indians in the AL playoffs many years ago.