Who cover's 3rd on a steal?

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Lately I've seen more teams keep their 3rd basemen back and have them take the throw at third in a non-bunting situations. (Shortstop still covers in a bunt.) Is this a result of the kids becoming better hitters and the short game becoming less prevolent. How many teams are starting to keep their corners back more.

 

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There's many things to consider in this situation.
...Score ? / Inning?
...How many outs ?
...Hitter at the the plate ?
...Hitting team tendencies ?
...Who's the runner at 2nd ?
...Ability of 3rd baseman ? / SS ?

The coverage can simply vary by the situation.

 

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I agree Thunder Road, situation determines who will cover 3rd on steal. I've seen more teams now having the 2nd baseman charge in bunt situations along with 3rd. Any theory or situation to have 2nd charge instead of 1st?

 

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I agree Thunder Road, situation determines who will cover 3rd on steal. I've seen more teams now having the 2nd baseman charge in bunt situations along with 3rd. Any theory or situation to have 2nd charge instead of 1st?

I'm assuming in the case of a right handed hitter the coach is defending against the possibily of a push bunt in the valley between 1st and the pitcher. You'd have to be pretty sure the batter is bunting or your leaving yourself rather exposed. Just a thought.

 

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Boy, I'd have to say coach's discretion all the way depending on what they see going on out there and what they might know about the other team. It's all the variables on should you or shouldn't you that makes it fun out there isn't it?

 

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I was told at a clinic " I have my first baseman play first because she's the best at playing first. So why rush first and have 2nd cover when I can have second rush and have first stay were she's the best?"
Back to topic; I've seen this a few times just recently.

 

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As long as someone gets there....

 

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Sometimes you play defense like you play poker. You play with the cards that you are dealt. Example first is 5 ' 10" tall and a good 230 . She is playing first for a reason. Who do you have run to cover the bunt?

 

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I was told at a clinic " I have my first baseman play first because she's the best at playing first. So why rush first and have 2nd cover when I can have second rush and have first stay were she's the best?"
Back to topic; I've seen this a few times just recently.

Thanks twisted1........that makes sense.

 

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Simple, the base umpire.