What is Runner Abandonment?
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…
What to Know About Trips to the Mound
Substitutions and Mound Visits 5.10 (a)-5.11 (D) (3) Substitution issues: Rule 5.10-b Comment Double-Switch: The manager must give the substitutions to the umpire before he signals. Both players must be given at the same time; A manager can do it as late as when he gets on the mound. If a manager signals before he…
Runners Passing Runners, Oh My!
Author: Rich Marazzi: Rules consultant- Blue Jays, Brewers, Cardinals, D’backs, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, the Sinclair Regional Sports Networks, ESPN, YES, and White Sox TV Passing the Runner: Rule 5.09 (b) (9) The passing the runner rule might be best understood if it read, “When…
No Infield Fly Rule Call Results in Orioles Triple Play
The Orioles pulled off a strange triple play at the expense of the Red Sox in Boston’s 5-2 win on May 2. With runners on first and second and no outs in the bottom of the eighth, Jackie Bradley Jr. skied a popup behind shortstop. O’s shortstop, J.J. Hardy, called off right fielder Joey Rickard before the ball fell between…
Orioles Pitcher Throws to Uncovered Base – Balk
Gausman Called For Balk By rule, the pitcher is charged with a balk while in contact with the rubber when he throws to the first baseman or third baseman who is either in front of or behind the base and obviously not making an attempt to retire the runner at that base. Several years ago…
The New MLB Intentional Walk Rule
The new MLB intentional walk rule has had little effect on the overall length of major league games. It was not a particularly bold move, but it does represent a changing of the mindset of those decision makers to speed up the pace of play. The estimated time shaving is around 35 seconds per game….
