Running from second to third base running technique?

Question

I was just watching a baseball game on MLB, the Mets vs Marlins and I hear the announcer (Gary Cohen) comment on a play where the Marlins had a baserunner on second and he advanced to third on a ground ball. The announcer said that the baserunner did the right thing because the ball was hit to the left side of the infield. He said that the rule of thumb is that if the ball is hit to the left side of the infield you can advance to third, but if the ball is hit to the right side you stay at second. I don't understand how that rule of thumb makes sense?

Answer 1

In base running timing is everything.What he is pointing out is when the ball is hit towards,per say,2nd,the 2nd baseman is already in a better position to throw the runner out going to 3rd,where the SS ,would have to wheel around,plant ,then throw.See the logic behind that?

Answer 2

depends on how good an arm the fielder has as well as how good they are with their glove

Answer 3

The shortstop has to make a longer throw to 1st base than the 2nd baseman does. A baserunner should be able to get to third base once the shortstop releases the throw to first base.

Answer 4

The rule for the runner at second is, if the ball is hit right at you, or to your left, go to third.  If the ball is hit to your right, go back to the bag at second.

The one exception would be a ground ball laser right at you, better to go back to second.

Hope that helps!

Rick