MLB umpire

Expert Analysis

Runner’s Base Status Changes from Second to Third

Topics: Batter Runner

The Braves hosted the Padres in the second game of a double header on May 20, 2024.  In the top of the eighth, Pierce Johnson was on the mound for the Braves facing the Padres’ Jake Cronenworth with a 3-2 count. Luis Arráez was on second and Jurickson Profar was on first with two outs….

Expert Analysis

Controversial Tag Play at the Plate

Topics: Catcher, Uncategorized

The Cubs beat the Pirates 1-0 at Wrigley on May 18, 2024 in a game that ended in a controversial tag play at the plate in the bottom of the ninth. The play that was unsuccessfully challenged by Pirates manager Derek Shelton focused on the TAG rule, not the home plate collision rule.  Here is…

Expert Analysis

Rare Interference on Infield Fly Rule

Topics: Infield Fly

The May 23, 2024 Orioles-White Sox game ended on a controversial note when a rare interference, Infield Fly rule ended in a double play. Here is what happened: The White Sox trailing 8-6 had Andrew Vaughn on second base and Gavin Sheets on first base with one out when Andrew Benintendi, facing Craig Kimbrel, hit…

Expert Analysis

Tampa Bay Rays Forced to Make a Pitching Change

Topics: Rules Controversy

The Rays and Red Sox played at Fenway on May 16, 2024. In the bottom of the ninth the Rays led the Sox 7-5. The Sox had Rob Refsnyder on third and Rafael Devers on first and two outs. Jason Adam was on the mound for the Rays ready to face Romy Gonzalez. Pitching coach…

Expert Analysis

Umpire Loses the Count on the Batter

Topics: Incorrect Ball/Strike Count

The Mets hosted the Phillies on May 13, 2024. In the top of the tenth, the Phils had Bryce Harper on third and no outs. Nick Castellanos was at bat facing Sean Reid-Foley. It appeared that Castellanos walked following a 3-2 count but there was disagreement among the umpires regarding the count. As Castellanos headed…

Expert Analysis

Manager Takes Away a Run from His Team

Topics: Catcher Interference

The Reds and Padres played at Petco Park on April 30, 2024 when Padres manager Mike Shildt took away a run from his team, an unlikely scenario since managers do what they can to manufacture runs for their team. But thanks to the multi-layered catcher’s interference rule, in a certain situation managers have the option…

Expert Analysis

Should Infielders Blocking a Base Obstruction Be Reviewable?

Topics: Batter Runner

Play No. 1 The Yankees and Guardians played a split doubleheader in Cleveland on April 13, 2024. In the top of the third of the first game, the Yankees had Juan Soto on first base and no outs when Aaron Judge flied to Tyler Freeman in short center field. Freeman, seeing Soto was a good…

Expert Analysis

2024 Pitch Clock Cheat Sheet

Topics: Uncategorized

Listed below is the Official MLB Pitch Clock Card for the 2024 Season Courtesy of MLB

Expert Analysis

2024 MLB Universal Ground Rules

Topics: Ground Rules

Listed below are the Official MLB Universal Ground Rules for the 2024 Season. Courtesy of MLB UNIVERSAL GROUND RULES The following Ground Rules are to be uniform across all 30 Major League ballparks. The Ground Rules listed below will not be listed on the individual ballparks Ground Rules, but will be in effect at all…

Expert Analysis

Batter Runner Intent Steps to Second Base

Topics: Runners

This video covers the rules for when a runner makes an intended step towards second base, which typically occurs after an overthrow to the first baseman. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.  

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