Pickoff at 2B. What and when.

With a runner on 2B, you need to consider how many outs there are to decide what kind of pickoff to attempt you would like to use.

With 0 outs, the runner is usually rather cautious. This typically is not the best time to try a pickoff simply because the runner isn't in steal mode.

With 1 out, many basestealers definitely switch to steal mode. They are trying to get to 3B with 1 out. If they can get to 3B with 1 out, there chances of scoring improve immensely. Therefore, with 1 out, the inside move is the best option to record an out. The reason being that the runner that is stealing is tring to get a big jump on the pitcher and is vulnerable to a leg lift and inside move.

With 2 outs, the runner at 2B should be trying to get a sizeable secondary. His primary lead shouldn't necessarily be too large. It's his secondary lead that is going to try and gain some ground. Because of this, the catcher's pickoff at 2B becomes a very legitimate option. A strong armed catcher should definitely consider throwing behind a runner at 2B with 2 outs if their secondary is too big.

Another pickoff with 2 outs is a glove side spin and throw from the pitcher. Sometimes, runners get a little overzealous with 2 outs with their primary lead. If this is the case a middle infielder coming in behind followed by a glove side spin and throw is a prudent play. Worst case scenario is the ball sails into centerfield and the runner advances to 3B. The motto "they still need a hit to score him" applies and you haven't really lost too much.

Knowing the number of outs should govern your thought processes in determining what kind of pickoff should be used.