Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
“Hit the cutoff man!”  That cry, which may be a demand or a plea depending on the circumstances, can be heard at every game. One of the most easily overlooked aspects of a winning baseball team is the team’s ability to hit the cutoff man, to make strong and accurate relay throws to the correct base, to make good decisions whether to cut off throws, and to make good decisions on what to do with the ball after cutting off the throw. Teams that stress fundamentals will spend a considerable amount of time drilling on balls hit in the gaps and down the lines, and they will work every day on infielders’ cutoff positions for throws from outfielders.  Casual fans often cheer loudly for a throw that carries in the air from an outfielder to home or third, but the knowing fan recognizes that the impressive-looking throw missed a cutoff man and most likely allowed trailing runners to advance a base.  Hitting the cutoff man consistently is one of the little things that winning teams do.  This article examines the rules and positioning for infielders and outfielders to execute the cutoff play.Read More