I think you but the nail on the head..... Defensive players need range. It seems like some young catchers don't think of themselves as fielders. I know my DD is a pitcher and she gets frustrated when a bunt goes one to two feet in front of the plate and the catcher doesn't move.As fast and far as we can get!
No reason to be limited by measuring this by feet.
Measure this by determination and goals!
Situations may call for more out of a catcher than 5 feet. even more than 10 feet.
Equally important and similar goal are pass balls/wild pitches behind the plate with runners on. Or drop 3rd strike situation needing a throw to 1st.
Can be easily further than a few feet.
10 feet is a good goal.
*to me a minimum requirement to retrieving a ball in play. Behind or in front!
Defensive players need range!
DisagreeBunt coverage is not designed for catchers. Its for pitchers and the infield. IF a catcher can get to it then its a blessing. In FP if a catcher needs 3 or 4 steps out of the box the batter is already safe. In baseball the catcher plays a bigger role
I think he is talking about 90' vs 60', but I think there are bunts that only the catcher can get. I am not talking about well placed bunts that go down the line. I am talking about the 1 foot bunts.Disagree
Catchers can attack bunts/pop ups with range.
Generally catchers see immediatly pitch contact with bat for reaction.
Catchers are moving
to the ball in line with the target to throw at.
Can even do so on a sprint not breaking stride directly into throw.
Happens other infielders have to control changing direction of momentum to ball then into throw.
Forward and then turn.
Even RH catcher getting a bunt down 3rd line can get angle to align the play.
(like an OF aligning a catch & throw- get angle first)
There is also the defensive strategy of leaving a corner back for pick offs.
?...As to a bb catcher playing a different/greater role on bunts...why would you say that?