Los Angeles Angels

Expert Analysis

Teammate Illegally Assists Runner

Topics: Batter Runner

The A’s and Angels played in Anaheim on June 26, 2024. In the top of the second, the A’s had runners on first and second with two outs when Max Schuemann doubled home two runs. Unfortunately for the A’s, only one run counted. After going back to touch the plate, Bacon pointed at McCann and…

Expert Analysis

Trout Kicks Ball After Scoring

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Angels beat the Guardians at Progressive Field on May 12th, 2023 scoring two runs in the top of the ninth. It’s debatable if the winning run should have scored. Here is what happened. Hunter Renfroe was batting with Mike Trout on third and Brett Phillips on first and one out when Renfroe hit a…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Interference: All Runners Advanced on the Play

Topics: Catcher Interference

In previous reports, I covered the topic of catcher’s interference and how the increase in calls is concerning and is an underrated problem in the game. In two recent Red Sox games the catcher’s interference rule played a major role in victories for the Sox. In the April 15, 2023 contest between the Angels and…

Expert Analysis

The Right of Way

Topics: Expert Analysis

It’s imperative that players on both sides of the ball understand when they have the “Right of Way.” When a fielder is attempting to make a play, the runner must avoid him. And  when a defensive player does not have possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving a throw, the…

Expert Analysis

2022 Rules Questions with Rich Marazzi

Topics: Expert Analysis

Restricted Baseline Running Home Question: When a runner is advancing home and avoiding a tag by a catcher, does the runner have a restricted baseline? Answer: Yes. Whenever a runner is avoiding a tag, or is in a rundown, he has a restricted baseline. It is a straight line to the base he is going to, and…

Expert Analysis

Time Plays

Topics: Time Play

Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Angels played in Anaheim on May 26th. In the bottom of the sixth, the Angels had Matt Duffy on third and Max Stassi on first with one out when Jared Walsh hit a ground ball to Cavan Biggio. The Blue Jays’ first baseman stepped on first to retire…

Expert Analysis

Type 2 Obstruction – Here’s What You need to Know

Topics: Appeal, Base Awards, Batter Runner, Expert Analysis, Famous Plays, Fielding, Interference, Obstruction, Rules Controversy, Runners Lane

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/ Type 2 Obstruction (Ball Remains in Play) Under…

Expert Analysis

Angel Stadium- Los Angeles Angels

Topics: Ground Rules

https://www.mlb.com/groundrules/venue-1

Expert Analysis

Fan Catches Foul Ball, Fielder Steals Glove and is Awarded Catch!

Topics: Batted Ball, Dead Ball Area, Foul Territory, Spectator Interference

On June 7, 2019, the Angels and Mariners played in Anaheim. M’s right fielder Domingo Santana made a catch in which he ended-up with two gloves. Here is what happened. Jonathan Lucroy led off the bottom of the fifth facing Marco Gonzales and hit a fly ball down the right field line that was caught…

Expert Analysis

Major League Coach Estimates Only 50% of Big Leaguers Know the Infield Fly Rule

Topics: Blog, Infield Fly, Rule of the Week

I recently asked a coach of a Major League, pennant-contending team to estimate how many players on his team know the nuances of the Infield Fly Rule. His answer was shocking – only 50%. Everyone knows the basic requirements for an Infield Fly: Runners on 1B and 2B or bases loaded and fewer than 2…

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