1st and 3rd - Throw to Shortstop
This can be an
effective play at getting the lead runner, and doesn't require a catcher
with a strong arm.
As the pitch is thrown and the runner from first steals, the second
baseman will cover second base. The shortstop will come straight in toward
the grass. Instead of firing the ball to second, the catcher will throw
the ball to the shortstop. The runner at third will not be able to tell
that the ball is not going to second until the play is already developed.
In fact if he has been taught to break when the ball clears the pitchers
head, he many not know the shortstop caught the ball until he is in the
dugout.
Most coaches will run the shortstop in front of second. This is a longer
run and the shortstop cannot see the runner. In addition, by throwing the
ball on the third base side of second base, the shortstop is in a position
to catch and throw to third if the runner has decided not to go, but is
too far off third.