Runner Interference

Expert Analysis

Best (Legal) Way to Break Up a Double Play

Topics: Baseline, Expert Analysis, Fielding, Interference, Latest News, Runner Interference, Runners

I have advocated in my spring training presentations that the pop-up slide is an excellent technique to help break up the double play at second base in a force situation. Because of the 2016 sliding regulations under rule 6.01 (j), runners obviously do not have the liberal opportunity they had in the past when breaking…

Expert Analysis

11 Rules Questions that Need Answering Now

Topics: Balk, Batter, Catcher, Catcher Interference, Definitions, Expert Analysis, Home Plate Collision, Interference, Latest News, Obstruction, Official Baseball Rules, Pitcher, Pitcher Pick-offs, Rules Controversy, Runner Interference, Runners, Substitutions

If a manager wants to challenge multiple situations in the same play, what is the proper way to have the field umpires communicate this to the Command Center?   The manager should tell the field umpires the situations he wants challenged. It should be done in layers at the same time. Does a tag attempt…

Expert Analysis

Rizzo’s Controversial Slide at Home

Topics: Baseline, Catcher, Ejection, Home Plate Collision, Manager Ejection, Rules Controversy, Runner Interference, Runners

For the second consecutive year, the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo was involved in a controversial slide at the plate. Following is the report from MLB.com. In the eighth inning of the Cubs’ 7-0 win over the Pirates on Monday afternoon at PNC Park, a replay-review ruling on Anthony Rizzo’s hard slide into catcher Elias Diaz stood, resulting in…

Expert Analysis

Did Pitcher Throw at Runner for Interference Call?

Topics: Baseline, Latest News, Runner Interference, Runners

The Reds and Indians played in Cleveland on May 23, 2017, when the Reds’ Zack Cozart was called for batter-runner interference. Cozart was clearly out of the runner’s box but did Indians’ pitcher Carlos Carrasco have a good throwing lane to first base? And even if he did, does it matter since Cozart was clearly…

Expert Analysis

Jason Heyward Called for Batter Runner Interference

Topics: Baseline, Batted Ball, Latest News, Official Baseball Rules, Runner Interference, Runners

Before we look at a couple of recent batter-runner interference plays, let’s review the provisions and “interpretations” that cover rule 5.09 (a) (11) and the 45-foot long, 3-foot wide runner’s box that has been around since 1881. Keep in mind that the rule is designed to protect the fielder “taking” the throw, not “making” the…

Expert Analysis

MLB Postseason Riddled with Rules Controversies

Topics: Batter, Batter Interference, Catcher, Interference, Runner Interference

  Why Didn’t Dusty Baker Protest Follow-Through Interference? Did Yankees Gary Sanchez Violate a Rule on the Final Out of the Game? Was that Interference on Carlos Correa that Allowed the Winning Run to Score?   Expert Rules Analysis Here CONTROVERSY #1 In the most important game played by the Nationals all year long could…

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