Teachable Angles - Laz and Manny's Adjustments

This edition of Tmac's Teachable Moments highlights two umpires working to attain the optimal angle: Laz Diaz puts his head right on the foul line to officiate a fair ball in St. Louis while Manny Gonzalez circles around to call an out/safe play at second base in Houston.

An Unusual Single: During a Giants-Cardinals game in St. Louis, Cardinals batter Paul DeJong hit an unusual infield single as his batted ball into foul territory along the line rolled back into fair territory as a bewildered Giants pitcher Dereck Rodriguez, likely convinced the ball would stay foul, barely left the mound to react.

HP Umpire Laz Diaz runs out to make a call and most likely trips over Giants catcher Stephen Vogt's foot, falling next onto home plate and rising up while keeping his head above the foul line to make a potential fair/foul decision...which goes to show you, even when falling down, work to get that perfect angle.

Quick Return to Second: In Houston, 2B Umpire Manny Gonzalez had to quickly maneuver to officiate Texas' attempt to retire Astros baserunner George Springer at second base. Notice how Gonzalez positions himself directly in the daylight between fielder Rougned Odor's glove and a sliding Springer, allowing him to see this bang-bang play through this useful keyhole angle.

Not to be lost in the shuffle is 3B Umpire Jim Wolf, who calmly signals to his plate umpire not to rotate—that he will be remaining within the infield due to the quick field-and-throw from the outfield.

This edition of Tmac's Teachable Moments is brought to you by Umpire Placement Course.

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Tmac's Teachable Moments spotlight of two working angles (CCS)