Proper defensive position for a run down.

Question
Jack,

If a pitcher is successful in picking off a runner at third base and that runner tries to advance towards home and is caught in a run down, what is the proper rotation of defensive players.  Specifically does the pitcher follow his throw to third and become the second player at the third base position or does he go home and become the second player at the home plate position.  If he follows his throw to third who becomes the second player at home?  My contention is that the pitcher goes home to become the second player at home and the SS goes to third to become the second player at third then everyone follows their throws.

Answer
Hi Jon,

I think your contention is correct.  The pitcher should go to home and the shortstop should cover third base.  The reason is the pitcher is the player closest to home plate and the shortstop is close enough to third base to cover the bag.  As an additional note, the key on any rundown is two fold:

1.  Make as few throws as possible.
2.  Force the runner back to the bag he started from.

This is to reduce the risk of a throwing error and to keep the runner from advancing a base even if you fail to tag the runner.

Hope this helps,
Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com