buck showalter

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

Five Rule Questions from the 2023 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

Schowalter Ejected on No Interference QUESTION: In a recent Mets-Reds game, Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seldom gets ejected, was banished for arguing a play at second base. Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Reds hosted the Mets on May 9, 2023. In the bottom of the fifth inning the Mets had Wil Myers…

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

Runner’s Lane Interference Controversy

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Cubs and Mets played at Citi Field on September 13, 2022. In the top of the fourth, the Cubs had runners on first and second and no outs when Michael Hermosillo, facing Jacob deGrom, laid down a sacrifice bunt that was fielded by James McCann. The Mets’ catcher fired to first baseman Pete Alonso….

Expert Analysis

Three Rule Situations from the 2022 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

No. 1 In the June 4th Mets-Dodgers game there was a pitching substitution issue involving a position player. With the Dodgers trailing 9-4 entering the top of the ninth inning, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts sent outfielder Zach McKinstry to the mound at Dodger Stadium, but Mets manager Buck Showalter said not so fast claiming a…

Expert Analysis

What is Runner Abandonment?

Topics: Base, Runners, Runners Passing Runners

  Before getting to the plays in this report, it’s important to outline the two rules that the umpires had to reference in making their decision.     Runner Abandonment: Rule 5.09 (b) (1) and (2) Comment The rule reads, “If a runner leaves his base path and heads for his dugout or his position believing…

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