[Tru_in_Blu]

In USA pool play, teams are allowed the option to bat up to and including all roster players present.

A question came up tonight about if the lineup had to list the 9 defensive players first, and then "extra hitters", if you will, or simply disperse 9 defenders through a lineup of, say 15 hitters.

Found this from the July 2015 Plays and Clarifications:

• When using a DP/FLEX: If a team uses the DP/FLEX rule the flex will still be listed at the end of the batting order. If a team decides to bat the FLEX they may do so. However, the FLEX may only bat for the DP in the DP’s batting position. Then DP would be then considered out of the game and may re-enter one time. EXAMPLE: A team is batting 12 and using the DP/FLEX. They would list their 12 batters with the DP being in one of the first nine positions and the FLEX listed in the 13th spot.

That would seem to favor the argument that the 9 defensive positions would have to be listed first. But the rule gives no hint of that.

Also, once lineups are official at the plate conference, couldn't the coach just move a bunch of players around defensively as well as to/from "bench"?

Then, also found this from March 2015 Plays & Clarifications:

• The first nine players listed on the line-up card must be the starters on defense and must have their defensive position listed with the exception of the DP/FLEX. The DP must be one of the first nine players and the FLEX must be listed last on the line-up card.

And also this:

• Defensive Substitutes: Players not listed as a starting player or DP/FLEX, first 9 spot in the batting order, may be used as a substitute on defense. The batting order will not be changed and the Re-Entry Rule would still be in effect. EXAMPLE: Batter number 11 goes in to play defense at shortstop for batter 3. Batter 11 has now entered the game and batter 3 has left the game. They still bat in the 3 and 11 positions as they originally did. Re-entry rule still in effect

Wow, very confusing.