As I understood MWB's original question, he was asking how precise are we in determining which bases for the "between the bases" exception.
The obstruction occurred as the runner was rounding second.
The position of the fielder causing the obstruction is interesting, but ultimately not deciding. The decision is a judgment call of where the obstruction happened (i.e. where was the path of the runner impeded), not where the fielder was.
In a close call like this, as I said, I am inclined to give the benefit of the technicality to the runner. After all, if the fielder had been standing smack dab in the middle of the bag, you now have the obstructing fielder ON 2nd base, and not between any bases. What then? Technically - no protection on the "between bases" exception? I don't think so.
Anyhow, JMO.
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Tom
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