The inside move and infielder action.

The inside move is a deceptive move employed by pitchers to deceive the runner at 2nd base. It has many purposes in the game of baseball and is used quite frequently at predictable times.

Let's look at the inside move and how the middle infielders need to react.

Typically, the inside move is used with a runner at 2nd base and 1 out. 1 out is when runners are attempting to steal third base. The inside move is the move of choice to catch those would be base stealers attempting to steal 3rd base. The middle infielders need to avoid getting near 2nd base. We do not want the middle infielders drawing attention to the runner. This might deter the runner from attempting a stolen base.

Other times that an inside move might be used is to observe bunt activity. If this is the case, we don't want our infielders tipping our hand and moving out of position.

We could use the inside move in a 3-2 count 2 out forced scenario. We do not want our middle infielders alerting the baserunners that something could be up.

The one time that we do want our middle infielders jockeying the runner or moving in for the "pickoff" is when we don't suspect that the runner is attempting a steal. Rather, we think he is getting an extended lead too early. The logistics of this is a middle infielder moves into cover the bag as the pitcher lifts his leg to drive the runner back to the bag.

Because most inside moves involve the middle infielders avoiding the bag, there should more than likley be a sign from the catcher that communicates there is a pickoff coming and you need to be there.

A nuance of the game that can impact a game. The inside move is a deceptive move. It is based upon deception. Middle infielders need to be cognizant of how we want runners to react.