Pick off attemps

Question
For a pickoff attemp at 1st or 3rd- must the baseman be "tending his bag" i.e. on or near the base to legally tag runner on the throw from pitcher? In other words no sneaking in(on cue from pitcher) from right field grass area
                      when runner would be taking a big lead.
Does he get awarded 2nd base?

thanks...
rich

Answer
Rich:  Thank you for your question.

A player does not have to be at or near the base to legally tag a runner.

We run all our pickoffs at 3B as timing picks between the pitcher and 3B, or the catcher and 3B.

You don't want your 3B to be tied to the bag, as it creates too big a hole on the left side.

At first base, you have to hold runners on in most cases, due to the opportunity to steal.  We do have timed picks between the pitcher and 1B for times when the 1B is playing behind the runner, and also with the catcher and 1B.

Good ways to keep runners honest.

Yours in baseball,

Rick