If you want to be a hero, throw a long hop through the cut man.

Throws to 2nd Base

• One of the few throws from the outfield that does not need to be cutable is when the batter tries to stretch a single into a double. 

• There is only one runner and only one play so the throw can go straight into the bag in the air. 

• A good long hop will be just as quick and just as easy for an infielder to handle though.

Throws to 3rd Base and Home Plate

• With a backside runner, throwing through the cutoff is a must. 

• A good throw through the cutoff man will result in a long hop that is easy for the infielder to handle. 

• If the lead runner is obviously going to be safe, it gives the defense a chance to change direction to a different base. 

• It freezes the backside runner (especially with a good decoy from the cutoff man) which will keep him from moving up. 

Bad things happen when you miss your cut. 

In the next clip, Jackie Bradley Jr throws the ball home at over 105 MPH (the 2nd fastest outfield throw ever recorded) but the throw is off line and too high to cut. Not only is the runner safe at the plate but the batter moved into scoring position on the throw. 

Side note... if you are pitcher backing up, get deep behind the play. Because he is so close to the catcher, the pitcher is useless if the throw had gotten by the catcher. There would have been no time for him to react.  

If you are going to miss, it does not hurt to miss a little low. A ball that bounces twice will still get there plenty quick enough, it will be easy to handle, and it will allow for the possibility of the cut.