2nd baseman

Question
With a runner on second, does the second baseman hold the runner until the pitcher is in his windup and then hustle back to position?

Answer
Jay:

With a runner on second, the responsibility for keeping him close goes to both the shortstop and second baseman.

Generally that is determined by whether the batter is left or right handed, or shows a definite tendency to pull the ball, or hit to the opposite field.

As the pitcher comes set, the infielder needs to work towards the base, with the intent of getting the runner to start back towards the base, or at least stay close to it.

Once accomplished, the infielder needs to get quickly back to his position.  Pitchers are taught not to throw, until the infielder is at least breaking back to his position.  Should the fielder "hang out" around second, the pitcher should step off and reset.  Throwing a pitch with the fielder over close to the base leaves a huge hole uncovered.

For the occasions where a runner consistently gets back out into a big lead no matter how hard you work him, the best solution is to run a pickoff attempt on him, with either one of the middle infielders.  Even if the pick isn't successful, it puts the thought in the runners mind and should at least shorten him up a bit.

Holding runners close at second takes practice and timing, for the infielders and the pitchers.  

The ultimate goal is to get the runner going back to the base, get the infielder headed back to his position and the pitch on it's way to the plate, as the runner is still close to the base.

Quite often you see the pitcher throw early, with the infielder out of position.  They also will throw late and the runner has worked back out into his original lead.  Neither scenario has gained anything for the defense.

Timing and practice.  One of those little baseball nuances that often get overlooked.  A good coordination between pitchers and middle infielders will provide their outfielders a greater chance of throwing the runner out at the plate.  Every little step counts!

Yours in baseball,

Rick