Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
I'm not infatuated with the rule. But I do think it makes more sense than yours.
First off, the problem was that not only the catcher, but all of the fielders, thought the ump called him out. The catcher rolled the ball to the mound, where the pitcher could easily have picked it up, had he known. They weren't faked out by the runner going to the dugout, they were faked out by the ump. The White Sox figured out first that everyone was mistaken. Oh well.
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This is quite often how it happens. In fact, frequently the pitcher is running off the mound before the catcher throws the ball back towards the mound. Although unlikely, allowing a batter to go all the way to the edge of the dugout and then letting him turn around and run to first is absolutely ridiculous.
Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
The problem with your fix is that it will create arguments as to whether he was going to first or going to the dugout in many instances.
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Doubtful, but I see your point.
Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
If his swing follow through carries him away from first, how do you rule?
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Not your best example. As for your other example, like for a righty, whose team is at home, I see your point about him taking a step toward the dugout and (kind of) first base.
Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Could you draw a better rule than the current one? Sure. Why not say the dirt circle around home plate? Put some chalk down, and make it relevant on this play and plays at the plate. That might be better. But I don't think it solves the problem of last night.
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Last night's problem needs to be solved by having the umpire say, so everyone could here it, "Out." If you don't hear it, much like a whistle in football and basketball, you keep playing.
TM
