The Right Place For A Silly Play?

[Max Power]

How many have seen the ol' RHP fake to 3rd throw to 1st pickoff? Jeff Nelson tries it about once a week - when he's not on the DL. Announcers have fun with it "there's the play that never works" (etc.).

Actually, it does work - maybe once out of every 200 times you see it. But, that still doesn't mean it's worth trying..................except.............

I was thinking last night. There may be a spot where the RHP fake to 3rd and go to 1st pick-off may be a smart play!

Bases loaded. Two out. Three-two count on the batter.

Since the runners are in motion, and there are three runners on, this might just be the spot where you can fool someone? Esp. if one of the baseruners is a Ruben Sierra or Benny Agbayani type? Thoughts?

[LeGrandOrange]

I know you didn't just put down Ruben Sierra's running ability...
Sierra is a good runner, Lou doesn't need to send him though.
I'm surprised that no one does a pickoff move on a full count with 2 strikes, but I think that doing that would be considered "bush", and thus would put you in a very bad situation with the other manager, unless this was the pitcher's idea. 3-2 pickoffs are probably among the "unwritten rules".

[SmedIndy]

You know, it works often enough to keep doing it. So it's worth trying if it doesn't disturb the rhythm of the pitcher.

[moose]

i prefer the hidden ball trick, myself.

interesting idea, though.

[KCBOOMER]

Originally posted by Max Power
How many have seen the ol' RHP fake to 3rd throw to 1st pickoff? Jeff Nelson tries it about once a week - when he's not on the DL. Announcers have fun with it "there's the play that never works" (etc.).

When Steve Busby (man, what might have been) came up to the Royals in the early 70's he was very successful with this move. He was the guy that brought this move back into the game, so if you hate it you know who to blame.

The reason, I believe, that his move was effective was that he was dead serious about picking the runner off third (he and Brett worked hard on this) and he knew that it works best against good baserunners. Today's pitcher have no intention of picking off the runner at third (you seen those lollygag fakes they make?) which makes it obvious to the runner at first as to what's up.

[poorme]

silly as it is, I've seen it work several times. Jack McDowell nabbed several guys that way. Maybe if pitchers ever actually threw over to third it might be more effective...

I was the runner on first in a game against Stuart High School my sophomore year. Worked on me that day. The guy on third ended up being sent home and being gunned down at the plate. Not exactly my greatest moment.

[sweaver]

I always made fun of it too, but finally saw it work in a game this year. I don't remember the details, though.

[tortured angel]

Whenever this works, I wonder if it isn't time to get a new first base coach.

[TimmyB]

Originally posted by LeGrandOrange
3-2 pickoffs are probably among the "unwritten rules".

Hmm... you have a point. It might not be man-ly enough. But, hey, an out is an out.