Anatomy of a TOOTBLAN

Generally, the fault of a TOOTBLAN lies solely on the baserunner's shoulders. Great defensive plays that hang a runner out to dry aren't considered on this blog - some gems would turn any runner into a nincompoop. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Yesterday's number one TOOTBLAN is a pickoff play so filthy that the broadcast director didn't even have time to change shots, and so quick that Willy Adames opted to take his chances towards third base.

The key to this play isn't the pitcher or the second baseman - it's the catcher. Watch Cal Raleigh closely as his pitcher comes set. His sudden glove drop is the signal for the whole operation. Polanco and Bolton move in sync, and the coordination of the entire Mariners infield is too much for Adames.

So why is this play featured, if superior defensive plays are disqualified from TOOTBLAN status?

As my high school coach used to say, "Never get f*cking picked off."