fielder control

Question
With a runner on first and second a grounder was hit to the shortstop.  The ss threw to 3rd who dropped the ball.  The 3rd baseman kept his foot on the bag and fell to the ground throwing his hand on top of the ball but not picking it up.  The runner was called out.  Is this proper control of the ball or would this be considered a trap?

Answer
Hi Cliff,

A fielder must show complete control of the ball in order to have a a valid catch.

In this case I would not have complete control without the fielder lifting the ball from the ground.  I would not call the runner out in this situation.

Mark