Backing up bases and knowing "your priority"

One of the details that a pitcher must be aware of is the idea of "knowing your priority" in 1st and 3rd situations. Well, if you have a priority, it should dictate not only what you are permitted to do with your throws but where you go to back up after your throws.

Let's discuss in more detail.

If your priority is the trail runner in a 1st and 3rd situation, you could be attempting pickoffs at 1B. If a pickoff attempt is made there should be a focus on getting that out. The pitcher should run behind first base in case of a rundown. Typically, the pitcher would go between 1st and 3rd and read the direction of the play. However, when the priority is known there is no need to worry about going behind home plate as a throw should not be made in that direction.

If the runner breaks early and the pitcher chases towards 2B, it is very important for the 2B to recognize that and go to backup 1B. In this scenario, the pitcher would backup 2B as the rundown would guarantee a backup at each base.

Now, if the priority is 3B and a pickoff attempt ensues, the pitcher would always go and backup home plate. The shortstop would rotate over to back up the 3B. This goes against some logical school of thought where you follow your throw.

The knowing your priority is a very obscure concept but it holds a lot of merit- especially in amateur baseball where arm strength merits it.