Oakland A’s

Advertisement
Expert Analysis

The Two Types of Obstruction

Topics: Expert Analysis

Type 1 Obstruction On July 30, 2023 the Marlins hosted the Tigers at loanDepot Park. In the bottom of the sixth, Marlins’ baserunner Jon Berti stole second and advanced to third  when Brendan White’s pitch got by catcher Jake Rogers. Berti continued to run to third but Rogers’ throw to third put Berti in a…

Expert Analysis

McCutchen Creates Time Play

Topics: Expert Analysis

The A’s and Pirates played at PNC Park on June 5, 2023 when the Bucs’ Andrew McCutchen played smart Ruleball to help the Pirates win the game. Here’s what happened. In the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates had Austin Hedges on third, McCutchen on second, and Bryan Reynolds on first and one out when…

Expert Analysis

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 obstruction

Topics: Obstruction

Definition of Obstruction Obstruction is a fancy term for defensive interference. It is defined as “The act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.” Also, contact and intent are not required for the rule to be…

Expert Analysis

Collisions at Home Plate – Rule 6.01 (i)

Topics: Expert Analysis

Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Twins met at Target Field on Aug. 7, 2022.  In the top of the tenth, with the score tied 2-2, the Jays had Whit Merrifield on third base and one out when Cavan Biggio hit a fly ball to left fielder Tim Beckham who threw home to catcher…

Expert Analysis

Lodged Ball Overturned by Replay

Topics: Lodged Ball

The A’s hosted the Rangers on July 22nd. In the bottom of the second, the A’s had Sky Bolt on second base and Tony Kemp on first with one out when Vimael Machin hit a drive to right field. The ball got stuck under the wall, but Rangers’ right fielder Elier Hernandez played the ball….

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

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

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

Failing to Return to First Base

Topics: Base, Base Awards, Expert Analysis, Rules Controversy

The Orioles and A’s played in Oakland on April 21. In the top of the fourth inning Trey Mancini reached first base on an error. Once he got beyond first base, he collected himself, and turning his body toward second base he made a hop step. Walking back to the bag along the first-base line,…

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

Type 2 Obstruction (Ball Remains in Play) Under Type 2 obstruction, there is no play being directly made on the obstructed runner at the time of the obstruction. The ball is normally a long distance from the act of obstruction.  The umpire signals the obstruction by pointing to the obstruction and yelling “That’s obstruction.” This…

  • 1
  • 2

Don't strike out!

Become a part of the largest baseball rules community in the world!

Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former Major League Baseball players and umpires.