Author: nkirby

Expert Analysis

Signing and Scouting Players from the Mexican League with Johnny Almarez

Topics: Baseball Instruction

This classic baseball instruction video comes from back in 2003 with Cincinnati Reds Senior Advisor to Baseball Operations Johnny Almarez. Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh asks Johnny about the signing and scouting players in the Mexican League.

Expert Analysis

Umpire Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Twins and Padres played at Petco on July 30, 2022 when second base umpire Jerry Lane was called for umpire interference. In the bottom of the seventh, the Padres had CJ Abrams on second and one out when Jurickson Profar hit a shot that struck Lane who was positioned in front of the defense…

Expert Analysis

“Last Time By” Rule

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Yankees and Rangers played in Texas on October 3, 2022 when the Yankees’ Oswald Peraza was called out on appeal when he failed to touch second base in both directions after Aaron Hicks was retired on a fly to left center field. You can view the play below. You will see the play from…

Expert Analysis

Hit-By-Pitch Strikeout

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Phils and Cubs played at Wrigley on September 28, 2022. Nico Hoerner led off the bottom of the sixth facing Aaron Nola. With a 2-2 count, he swung at a pitch and the ball rolled slowly between home and third. It was fielded by Nola who didn’t have a play. There was a question…

Expert Analysis

Spectator Interference?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Twins and Tigers played at Comerica Park on September 30, 2022. In the top of the fourth inning the Twins had Gio Urshela on first base and one out when Ryan Jeffers, facing Tyler Alexander, hit a shot down the left field line. With the naked eye it appeared that the ball touched one…

Expert Analysis

Play Ruled Dead Following Backswing Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Phils and Nationals played at Nationals Park on September 30, 2022. In the bottom of the seventh, the Nationals had Luis Garcia on second and two outs. Victor Robles was batting with a 2-1 count facing Zach Eflin.  Robles swung through the pitch and made contact with Phils catcher J.T. Realmuto on his follow-through…

Expert Analysis

Three Balks in the Same Inning!

Topics: Expert Analysis

Rule 6.02 (a) (13) reads, “If there is a runner or runners on base, it is a balk when the pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop.” Just when you think you’ve seen everything… In the bottom of the eighth inning of the Marlins-Mets game on September 27, 2022 at…

Expert Analysis

2022 Rules Questions: September Edition

Topics: Expert Analysis

Runner Obstructed During Rundown Question: See the above attachment before reading this play. In this situation, the runner going from second to third is obstructed during the rundown. I know this is a Type 1 obstruction because there was a play being directly made on the runner. The umpires awarded the obstructed runner third base…

Expert Analysis

Backswing Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis

Backswing interference is sometimes called “follow-through” interference. It is covered under rule 6.03 (a) (3) and (4) Comment.  The penalty is not as severe as your traditional or regular batter interference when the batter’s missed swing takes him into the throwing lane of the catcher. When that occurs, the batter is out unless the runner…

Expert Analysis

Catcher Soft Throw Triggers Steal of Home Attempt

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Dodgers and D’backs played at Chase Field on September 14, 2022. In the bottom of the ninth, with the score tied 2-2, the D’backs had Jake McCarthy on third base and two outs. Corbin Carroll was the batter facing Evan Phillips with a 1-0 count. The D’backs noticed that Dodgers’ catcher Austin Barnes had been…

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