[greymule]

From the J/R:

A batter-runner who advances to first base and then returns to the home plate side of first base can be tagged out while off the base.

For example: A shortstop's bad throw is gloved along the home plate side of first base and the batter-runner dives to first and is safe. The batter-runner stands up to dust himself off and is standing a couple of feet to the home plate side of first base: such batter-runner is out if tagged off base.

Well, though the purpose of this example is clearly not to address whether any "force" is reinstated, it doesn't say that tagging 1B is an option, so I guess J/R feels that the runner must be tagged. However, I don't see why they need to explain this at all. Obviously a runner not on the base can be tagged out.

Interesting that J/R puts this in red type, which signifies "innovations that the authors believe to be unique or original to Rules of Baseball: A Comprehensive Reorganization and Interpretation . . .[or] interpretations of plays or rules that have not yet been specifically addressed by the Major or Minor Leagues."

So I'll agree that the best evidence says there must be a tag.

cbfoulds: I think this matter was ambiguous and worth exploring, as there is solid reasoning both ways and no definitive ruling. I regret that you consider people who do not have your cognitive faculties or share your exalted senior status to be "idiots."