Quote:
Originally Posted by Henric
Hey, a rules question I think? Under what circumstances would you say that there is no play for an OF? As in not throwing the ball to another defensive player for an out? I haven't quite sussed that out yet. Is it because a runner at another base could score or advance in case of a botched throw?
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If I am understanding your question correctly, I think you have partially answered it yourself.
Basically, when the chances of the outfielder throwing out a runner on the base-paths (or at home plate) are not good there are times when it is wise to not even try. Partially as you said, because of the danger of a mis-throw, but even more often because you don't want the trailing runners/batter to be able to take an extra base on your attempt to throw out the lead runner. (Even without a throwing error the time the play takes to transpire can give the trail runner the opportunity for advancement.) In this case the outfielder will generally try to throw to what is called a cut-off man to prevent any other runners from advancing.
(Of course, he may also decide the wisest thing is to not try to throw for the lead runner, even a runner who is about to score, and instead throw to another base to attempt to erase a trail runner from the base paths.)