Expert Analysis

Expert Analysis

Touch ‘Em All

Topics: Expert Analysis, Placing Runners, Replay Review

Play No. 1 A base runner is required to touch every base in order and to retouch any missed base. There are various layers involved in the rules when either of those conditions arise. The Pirates and Cubs played at Wrigley on May 17th. In the bottom of the eighth, Cubs’ prospect Christopher Morel homered…

Expert Analysis

Batter-Runner Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis, Interference

Play No. 1 The Rangers and A’s played in Oakland on May 26th.  In the bottom of the seventh, Christian Bethancourt was batting with the bases empty and no outs facing Martin Perez. Bethancourt bunted the ball between the mound and the first baseline. Perez fielded the ball and tossed to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe….

Expert Analysis

Rapid Fire Rules Questions with MLB Umpire Greg Gibson

Topics: Expert Analysis

MLB umpire Greg Gibson joins Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh for a series of rapid fire rules questions to help you better understand the rules of baseball in a fun way.

Expert Analysis

If a Pitcher Crosses the Foul Line, He Must Pitch to the First Batter

Topics: Expert Analysis, Pitcher, Rules Changes, Rules Controversy

Rule 5.10 (i) reads, “If a pitcher who is already in the game crosses the foul line on his way to take his place on the pitcher’s plate to start an inning, he shall pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the batter is substituted for,…

Expert Analysis

What Happened to the Baseline?

Topics: Baseline, Expert Analysis

Major League Baseball rules have changed and there is no such thing as a “baseline” anymore. Major League Umpire, Greg Gibson and Cincinnati Reds broadcaster, Chris Welsh explain how the rule is now about the runners “basepath” in a simple and easy to follow video.

Expert Analysis

6 Rules Questions Answered by Rich Marazzi

Topics: Expert Analysis, Rules Controversy, Runner Interference

Question #1 – Can Interference Be Unintentional  Q. In the April 30th, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) vs Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles) South Atlantic League game, the following play occurred. Should the batter have been called for interference? Aberdeen had Adley Rutschman on second, Coby Mayo on first with Jacob Teter at bat and less than two outs. Mick Abel was pitching for Jersey Shore…

Expert Analysis

What Happens After a Ball Touches the Bat Twice?

Topics: Batter Interference, Expert Analysis

There are a lot of different scenarios where a ball can be touched by bat twice in different ways which can determine if a player is out, safe or there is interference called. MLB umpire Ted Barrett breaks down these scenarios with Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh in a simple and easy to follow video…

Expert Analysis

Hitter Leaving the Batter’s Box

Topics: Batter's Box, Expert Analysis

Major League Baseball has really attempted to speed up the game. One of the ways of doing that is keeping hitters in the batters box. Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh go through some of the delay tactics that hitters will use to get out of the box and explain what the umpire…

Expert Analysis

What is the Runner’s Lane?

Topics: Batter Runner, Expert Analysis, Runners Lane

What exactly is the runner’s lane? Where does the runner’s lane start and end? When does the runner start being required to run within the runner’s lane? What happens if the runner doesn’t stay in the lane and interferences with the play? Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh breakdown these situations and explain…

Expert Analysis

Runner Not Out When Hit By Batted Ball

Topics: Base Awards, Batted Ball, Expert Analysis, Fielding

We all know that a runner is ruled out when they are hit by a batted ball, but are there any situations where a runner might not be ruled out? Major League Umpire, Ted Barrett, and Chris Welsh breakdown a unique situation where a batter could be ruled out in a simple and easy to…

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