New rules may lead to more back picks attempts

[Auggie]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – One term is being lobbed around this spring at Scottsdale Stadium more than any other: back pick.

With limited throwovers and bigger bases that reduce the distance between first and second, the San Francisco Giants, like many other teams, will have their catchers trying to keep baserunners honest by throwing behind them more often. Early in the season, maybe a lot more often.

“I think this year, we're going to see a lot of back picks, especially with the new rules,” veteran catcher Roberto Pérez said. “I’m a big fan, especially if you can get a quick out.”

SNIP

If opponents know a catcher won’t hesitate to snap a throw behind a runner, they’ll trim down secondary leads. which might keep a double play in line, keep a force on, prevent a man from going first to third. “One less step on the secondary can have a big impact,” (former Giants catcher Buster) Posey said of the extra few strides baserunners sneak in when it appears certain that the pitcher is about to go into his delivery.

LINK (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/catcher-back-pick-buster-posey-17841116.php

Never knew this play actually had a name.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Never Heard Back Pick Either

Seen it plenty of times. Never heard the term before.
Teams generally don't like it, because a catcher throwing that way either has to turn to throw or get less velocity.
So, it's a rarely successful play unless the catcher has Bench's arm. And, if they know it's coming they just shorten the leadoff by a few inches.
I think the real way to reduce steals is to get the pitcher to have a quicker move from commitment to release.
Many pitchers have relatively long deliveries because they haven't worried about stolen bases much for the last 30 years.

[Auggie]

2. "quicker move from commitment to release"

Giants announcers Duane Kuiper and Shawn Estes were discussing this during today's Spring Training game following two "disengagements" (pick-off attempts) by an Angels' pitcher and the subsequent successful stolen base by a Giants' baserunner. Both talked about the release and predicted we'll see more pitchouts as well.

Regarding the back pick: as Buster Posey says in the link, “One less step on the secondary can have a big impact.” The idea is to keep the runner honest and make it harder to take an additional base on a hit, score a run from first, and keep the double-play in line. There's no limit to the number as far as I know, so I expect the back pick to replace a lot of pickoff attempts. I bet teams will utilize both, mixing with the tempo and timing. We already know from the link that the Giants and other teams are practicing this.

FYI for anyone interested: Disengagement means a pickoff attempt or a timeout ("disengaging" from the rubber). Another term for 2023 I didn't know.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. One Less Step

Absolutely no argument.
But, I don't think it requires a step for the runner to get back in time. More like 6". Those plays are only close when the runner has a brain cramp.
Also, if a guy isn't going for the steal, his secondary is only 5 or 6 feet. Make it 4.5 to 5.5 and it changes nothing.
I admit the 6" might be the difference of being forced at second, but plays that close at 2nd usually aren't double plays. Just fielder's choice.
Well, unless I'm the one running to first, at 66 years old. I'll assume that everybody in MLB is much faster than I am now!