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keller - maliciousness is not at issue. Intent isn't even at issue. Obviously, with the play 3 feet up the line, sliding is not appropriate. However, she has to try to avoid contact.
If the runner tried to run around, and then movement by the catcher toward the batter caused the contact that left the ball rolling, by all means, call her safe.
But the runner can't just allow contact to happen. It is clearly (by the rulebook and the casebook) the runner's responsibility to avoid the contact if the ball is already in possession of the fielder, and the fielder is in front of the runner. Go back, go around ... but don't cause the contact. period.
I have an out.
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