Cutoff Man
Also known as: cutoff position, cutting the throw
The cutoff man is the infielder who positions in a direct line between an outfielder and the base being defended, ready to intercept — or "cut" — the throw and redirect it if the original target is no longer the best play.
On throws from the outfield toward home plate or a distant base, an infielder (often the first baseman on throws to home, or the shortstop and second baseman on throws to third) lines up between the outfielder and the target, close enough to catch the throw if a different play develops. If the lead runner is clearly going to score or advance regardless, the cutoff man lets the throw go through untouched. If another runner is taking too big a chance, or the throw is off-line and needs to be redirected, the cutoff man cuts it and makes a shorter, more accurate throw to the better base.
Good cutoff positioning requires constant communication with the outfielder and the rest of the infield — teammates typically shout whether to "cut" the ball or "let it go" based on the runners' positions, since the cutoff man is often facing away from the play and cannot see everything at once. Being in the correct cutoff lane also gives the defense a backup option if the outfield throw is inaccurate, since a well-positioned cutoff man can adjust to catch even an off-line throw and still make a play.
Example
With the tying run on second, the first baseman moved into cutoff position on the throw home, ready to redirect it to third if the trailing runner tried to take an extra base.
Why it matters
Correct cutoff positioning turns a single defender into insurance against both an inaccurate outfield throw and an aggressive baserunner, without slowing down the primary play.
Common mistakes
- Standing directly on the throwing line rather than slightly off it, blocking the catcher or infielder's view of the throw
- Failing to communicate clearly whether to cut the ball, leaving the cutoff man guessing at a critical moment
- Positioning too close to the outfielder or too close to the target base instead of at the correct distance for the situation
Frequently asked questions
Who is usually the cutoff man on a throw to home plate?
Typically the first baseman or pitcher, depending on team positioning rules, since they can get into the throwing lane between the outfielder and home plate quickly.
Related terms
- Relay ThrowA relay throw is an outfield throw caught by an infielder (the relay man) positioned in a direct line to the target base, who then re-throws it, rather than one long throw all the way from the outfield.
- Turn Two"Turn two" is baseball slang for successfully executing a double play — recording two outs on a single batted ball, most commonly a ground ball fed to a middle infielder who pivots and relays to first base.
- Fielding Position (Ready Stance)The fielding position is the pre-pitch stance a fielder holds to be ready to move instantly in any direction — knees bent, weight forward, feet shoulder-width, on the balls of the feet.
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