The safety squeeze read at 3B.

When the safety squeeze is given, the runner at 3B better have a good idea of what he needs to see in order to advance. The safety squeeze is inherently less risky than a suicide squeeze for the simple fact that the runner at 3B doesn't start sprinting home when the pitcher begins his delivery. However, the runner at 3B doesn't just sprint home when the ball is bunted. He must know what he should look for and make a very educated decision.

If the ball is bunted directly back to the pitcher or to the catcher there is a very good chance that the runner will not score from 3B. If the ball is fielded by either the 1B or the 3B, the chance that the bunt will score the run goes up dramatically. Here are the two options.

A) The 3B fields the ball. This is easily the harder of the two reads. If the 3B is back then the read is easier. The ball will get bunted in the direction of the 3B and the runner at 3B could simply sprint home and score. If the 3B is even with the bag, the fun begins. The runner at 3B needs to read the speed of the ball and make a proper decison if he can beat the throw home. Also, if the 3B fields the ball and the SS doesn't anchor the bag down from behind, the runner can advance towards home plate without the the threat of anyone rotating in behind. This would be a "break" play when the 3B cocks his arm to throw the batter/runner out. This is definitely the toughest read because the angle is harder to see when the bunt comes directly at the runner.

B) The 1B fields the ball. This option is definitely easier. The runner at 3B can start sprinting home when he sees the speed of the bunt directed at the 1B. The read is easier because you see the full flight of the ball as it moves away from home plate.

I like the safety squeeze because it puts a lot of pressure on the defense to make the proper rotation. However, if the batter makes a bunt back to the pitcher it can look awfully embarrassing.