[greymule]

"What's the rule on the Boston first baseman standing in the lane between Arod and first base? Isn't that illegal ?"

I think this perception shows how Fed and/or ASA softball rules have influenced people's thinking. But not even an overzealous Fed or ASA ump would have called OBS on A-Rod's play.

You'll also find that MLB umps won't call verbal interference if a hometown fan yells at the visiting left fielder and causes him to drop a fly ball.

Remember that Arroyo had the ball in his possession. He was clearly the one making the play. F3 was several feet up the line from him. Arroyo could have bowled A-Rod over and the play would have been legal.