Cuts and Relays Part 2: Double Cuts and Relays

In my last post, I wrote about standard cutoffs and relays. This system is created to prevent the big inning from happening and to keep the double play in order so that all it takes is a few pitches to get out of the inning. The worst thing any offense has to do is to play catch up the whole game. Ideally a ball should never get past the outfield or hit over their heads, but unfortunately this happens in the game of baseball. So what does a defense do to get the ball in quickly? What they do is a double cutoff or relay play. Today I will be writing about when to do a double cutoff or relay play and what the infielders and outfielders should do. 

When to Realize a Double Cut or Relay is Called For

A double cut or relay is called for if a ball has gotten past two outfielders and you see their numbers running towards the outfield wall or to the left or right field corners. That is a general rule of thumb to look for. As a middle infielder when you see this you need to already be heading into double cut formation. As to which middle infielder is the lead cut/relay all depends on preference. Some programs have their strongest arm in front, some programs always have their shortstop in front, and some programs have the shortstop be the lead cut on plays to left and left-center field while the second baseman is the cut/relay man on double cuts in the right and right center field area. 

Responsibilities of the Outfielder and Infielders in the Play

The outfielders have a simple job to do, but set the defensive play up for success. The two outfielders in the play need to get to the ball as quickly as possible and throw the ball on a line through the forehead of the front cutoff or relay man. If the throw is too strong, then the second cutoff or relay man will catch the baseball. Either way, the outfielder MUST give the middle infielders a ball with which they can have success with keeping the double play in order or to through out a base runner. 

The middle infielders need to line themselves up based off of the potential play at the plate. The middle infielders need to understand the arm strength of the outfielder touching the ball. For an outfielder with weaker arm strength both middle infielders need to step up further, and go backwards to the catcher for an outfielder with a stronger arm. The behind cutoff/relay man needs to be three to four bodies in depth behind the lead cutoff/relay man so that the behind middle infielder can at worst play the throw on a hop to handle the ball well. 

What do the Odd Players Out Do?

I will start with the catcher. In any cutoff or relay system the catcher plays a crucial role. He will be calling for the ball to be either cutoff or relayed to where he believes the a base runner can be thrown out or to keep the double play in order. The pitcher will be in between third base and home play waiting for the catcher to call out where the play will be made. If the catcher is late on the call, then the pitcher needs to back up where the next seen potential play will be made. The third baseman will be holding on at third base to take a potential throw from the cutoff/relay men. The first baseman will be watching the trailing base runner to ensure he touches first base and to back up and make a play at second base. The odd outfielder out of the play will be backing up the opposite foul line to protect that area in case of a bad throw. 

An Example of a Double Cut/Relay

There is a runner at second base and less than two outs. A right handed hitter pulls a ball deep into the left field corner for a for sure double cut or relay play. Both the left fielder and the center fielder are showing their numbers and the shortstop and second baseman are lining up to take the throw. The first baseman watches the trailing runner touch first base, the pitcher backs up third base because the potential play will be at third base, the third baseman is staying at third for a potential play, and the right fielder is taking care of the right field line for a potential over throw from the middle infielders. The left fielder makes a strong throw through the forehead of the leading cutoff/relay man that goes through him. The second cutoff/relay man catches it on a line with his feet shuffling towards third base to have his momentum towards the play and makes a strong throw to third base. The third baseman catches the baseball and tags out the trailing runner. In summation, a double cutoff and relay system allows the opportunity to gain an out or to keep the double play in order to get out of a potential nightmare inning. An out being made with a double cutoff or relay play fires up a team and has the potential to change the momentum of the game.