Expert Analysis

Expert Analysis

2023 Batter Awarded Third Base on Infield Overthrow

Topics: Expert Analysis

Do you know there are situations when a batter-runner can be awarded third base on an overthrow by an infielder into dead ball territory? Can you define the terms “FIRST PLAY” and “SECOND PLAY” in the infield? Award of Bases on Infield Throws into Dead Ball Territory Normally when an infielder throws a ball into…

Expert Analysis

July 2023 MLB Rules Question and Answer

Topics: Expert Analysis

Play No. 1 QUESTION: There was a question in a recent Pirates game as to whether or not an outfielder made a legal catch in left field. Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Pirates and Marlins played at loanDepot park on June 24, 2023. Jon Berti led off the bottom of the fifth inning…

Expert Analysis

Runner Interference Call Changed to Fielder Obstruction

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Rays and Mariners played at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2023. In the bottom of the third inning, the M’s had Ty France on second base and one out, when Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball that Rays’ third baseman Isaac Paredes charged in on. France, on his way to third, collided with Paredes…

Expert Analysis

You Make the Call!

Topics: Expert Analysis

There are three different scenarios in this report and I am challenging you to make the call for each one which may not necessarily concur with my opinion. Play No. 1 The Brewers and Mets played at Citi Field on June 28, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the Brewers had runners on first…

Expert Analysis

Runner’s Lane Interference in Mets vs Astros

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Mets and Astros played at Minute Maid on June 21st. In the top of the first inning the Mets had the bases loaded and no outs when Pete Alonso tapped back to pitcher Cristian Javier. Javier threw home to catcher Martín Maldonado for the force at home and Maldonado fired wildly past first baseman…

Expert Analysis

Catcher Overturned for Illegally Blocking the Plate

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Giants hosted the Padres on June 21, 2023. In the bottom of the fifth, Yu Darvish gave up a two-out single to Joc Pederson. Padres’ right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. fired home to apparently nail Blake Sabol for third out of the inning after plate umpire Quinn Wolcott called Sabol out. But the Giants…

Expert Analysis

Catcher Illegal Positioning

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Rangers and White Sox played at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 20, 2023. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Chicago had Elvis Andrus on second base and two outs when Zach Remillard hit safely to left field. Rangers’ left fielder Travis Jankowski fired home and Andrus was called out by plate  umpire D.J….

Expert Analysis

Type 2 Obstruction in 2023 MiLB Game

Topics: Expert Analysis

In a recent Triple-A minor league game the batter-runner was obstructed by the first baseman who was fielding an errant throw from third base. As the first baseman went after the ball, he made contact with the batter- runner who was attempting to go to second. The batter-runner jogged to second, then turned it on…

Expert Analysis

Catchers Blocking the Plate in 2023 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

Catcher Legally blocks the Plate on Throw from Drawn-In Infielder The Royals hosted the Reds on June 12, 2023. In the top of the 10th, the Reds had TJ Friedl on third base and one out with the score tied 4-4 when Jonathan India hit a ground ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia who threw…

Expert Analysis

McCutchen Creates Time Play

Topics: Expert Analysis

The A’s and Pirates played at PNC Park on June 5, 2023 when the Bucs’ Andrew McCutchen played smart Ruleball to help the Pirates win the game. Here’s what happened. In the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates had Austin Hedges on third, McCutchen on second, and Bryan Reynolds on first and one out when…

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