Man on 2nd only. 0 outs, 2 strikes

Does this situation invoke any thoughts from a proactive 3rd base coach. It should. It is a situation where if the batter strikes out he must run to 1st base. It is also an opportunity for the man on 2B to get to 3B if he is well instructed.

Here's how.

I like to call it a "catcher break." The catcher blocks strike 3 and must record the out. A well taught catcher should immediately move in the direction of the man on 2B. Most don't. If the catcher effectively closes down the distance between himself and the runner, executing the play becomes difficult.

As the catcher cocks his arm to throw the runner out at 1B, the runner at 2B times the throw and takes off to 3B. The combination of throws from catcher to 1B to 3B is very challenging to record the out at 3B.

The play is based in anticipation. Simply recognizing that the catcher may indeed have to make a throw a lot of times is the basis for the effectiveness of the play. Most times the runner at 2B simply goes back to 2B and the chance of advancing dies.

Expect to advance and the pressure shifts to the defense.