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All About Obstruction…it Happened in the Major Leagues Again!

Topics: Base Awards, Batter Runner, Definitions, Obstruction, Placing Runners, Runners, Runners Lane

Obstruction Definition Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball or a throw, impedes the progress of any runner. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction. There are two types of obstruction Type…

Expert Analysis

AAA Bases are Larger and Closer in 2021

Topics: Base, Baseline, Definitions, Rules Changes

In an effort to reduce injuries and add offense to the game, MLB has changed the bases in the minor leagues at AAA level. The new bases are flatter (by 1 1/2 inches) and larger (by 3 inches) than the existing bases.   The baseline from home to 1B is measured from the back tip…

Expert Analysis

Can a Fielder Block a Base?

Topics: Base, Definitions, Obstruction, Runners

In the July 24 Blue Jays-Mariners game in Seattle, Jays catcher Dioner Navarro picked off Brad Miller at third base. There was some question whether or not Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson obstructed the runner’s path to the base. If you view the play, you will notice that Donaldson blocked the base with his knee…

Expert Analysis

The Rulebook Strikezone

Topics: Batter, Definitions, Strike Zone, Uncategorized
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Expert Analysis

Recent protest has many asking, “What is a protest?”

Topics: Appeal, Balk, Blog, Coach, Definitions, Latest News, Manager, News, Official Baseball Rules, protest, Rules Controversy, Umpire, Uncategorized

With last month’s Cubs-Nationals game ending in a protest from Joe Maddon, the topic of protesting in baseball came back to life. Although it is rare, with protests only being upheld 15 times in Major League Baseball history, it allows teams an avenue to enforce the Official Rules of Baseball at times when the umpires…

Expert Analysis

Texas Two-Step; Edwards told to change, Doolittle, too late

Topics: Balk, Blog, Coach, Definitions, Latest News, Manager, News, Official Baseball Rules, Pitcher, Quick Pitch, Rules Controversy, Umpire

The ninth inning of the May 18 game between the Washington Nationals and the visiting Chicago Cubs began like any other late-inning, three-run game. Nationals closer Sean Doolittle toed the slab in a save situation and retired Albert Almora Jr. for the first out. The next pitch is where the controversy officially became a game…

Expert Analysis

A Bobble in Real Time is a Catch in Slo-Mo

Topics: Base Awards, Definitions, Expert Analysis, Manager Ejection, Rule changes 2019, Rules Controversy, Umpire Manual Rules, Uncategorized

What Happened? Rich Marazzi: The Marlins beat the Tigers 5-4 in 11 innings on Tuesday night. A costly overturn of a “no catch” on the field call could have contributed to the Tigers’ defeat. The Tigers were batting in the bottom of the ninth with runners on first and third and one out when Ronny…

Expert Analysis

Broadcasters Call Machado Play “Bush League.” But is it Interference?

Topics: Batter, Batter Interference, Batter Runner, Batter's Box, Catcher, Definitions, Interference, Manager Ejection, Runner Interference, Uncategorized

Diamondback Announcers did not hold back on their opinion of Manny Machado and his controversial play in San Diego versus the Padres, Tuesday, April 2, 2019. “It’s such an unnecessary thing, to say the least” Brenly said. “Obviously, it could create a potential injury. You drop a bat next to a guy who’s looking up…

Expert Analysis

Oops! MLB Umpire Catches Wild Pitch

Topics: Catcher, Definitions, Equipment, Interference, Latest News, Lodged Ball, Placing Runners, Placing Runners, Umpire, Umpire Interference, Uncategorized

In the July 27, 2018 Jays-White Sox game in Chicago, top of the fifth inning, Curtis Granderson was batting for the Jays with Russell Martin on third, Randal Grichuk on second, and Devon Travis on first with one out.  Sox pitcher Thyago Vieira unleashed a wild one. The ball bounced in the dirt and was…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Interference

Topics: Batted Ball, Batter, Batter's Box, Blog, Catcher, Catcher Interference, Dead Ball Area, Definitions, Equipment, Expert Analysis, Fair Territory, Fielding, Interference, Latest News, Manager, Obstruction, Official Baseball Rules, Rule of the Week, Rules Controversy, Umpire

On Sunday the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros played at Minute Maid.  In the bottom of the second, Tony Kemp was batting with the bases loaded and one out when Kemp’s swing made contact with the mitt of Royals’ catcher Drew Butera.  Plate umpire Lance Barrett ruled the ball dead because it was a…

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