Middle infielder tandem cut in 1st and 3rd

1st and 3rd situations have long been the bane of many defenses. What defense do you call when a runner takes off? What defense do you want if the offense attempts to steal a run?

Many professional teams employ a defense that asks the middle infielders to "read" the intentions of the lead runner. The catcher is supposed to come up and check the lead runner(I've discussed this concept in a previous blog) and then fire to the 2nd base bag. One infielder is to cover the bag while the other is to cut in front of the bag and see whether or not the runner is breaking to the plate. If the runner breaks he is to cut the ball and fire home for the out.

Are you serious?

For so many reasons, this is absurd.

First of all, doesn't the batter have an opportunity to actually hit the ball? Why would anyone ask two middle infielders to leave their position when the batter could actually hit a thrown ball?

Secondly, can you really ask a middle infielder to "read" something while he is in the act of running and catching? I contend that this is way too difficult to do. And, even if someone believes that they can pull this off reading anything makes the play subjective. If an offense knows that a certain defense uses this play, a fake break at 3B could be the preferred play of choice. This would entice the defense to make a cut while the runner at 3B would retreat to the bag.

Just way too much going on here.