Quote:
Originally posted by Dave Reed
On a different note, I'm puzzled by the obstruction aspect of the play. Assume that Marsh's initial view of the play was correct, and the ball was dropped during the tag attempt. Then it is certainly arguable that A-Rod was obstructed by the second fielder in the base line. What should Marsh do? If he judges that obstruction occurred, then presumably he would point and call "That's obstruction!" If he judges that it is not obstruction, what action should he take? Announce "That's nothing?" Or make some other signal? [/B]
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I think an argument COULD be made that Rodriguez was obstructed by Mientkiwicz (F3). I've looked at the video several times and Mientkiwicz actually cuts in
front of Rodriguez, in
front of the bag, and
crosses through the running lane.
However, the interference happens
well before the positioning of Mientkiwicz becomes an issue. There is no sense that Rodriguez is slowing down, swerving, or in any way being hindered by Mientkiwicz at the time that he swats at the ball in Arroyo's glove.
That being said, since Randy Marsh did not see the interference - then why didn't he call the obstruction?
It's a good point. But, as awkward as it was to see Mientkiwicz cut in front of Rodriguez, it doesn't seem there was any real hindrance. The best argument is that Rodriguez missed the bag as a direct result of having been obstructed, causing him to have to back track, tag the bag, before advancing to 2nd.
It would have been interesting had the ball been recovered more quickly and Rodriguez thrown out at 2nd. THEN the obstruction question would have loomed larger since Rodriguez lost valuable time having to go back and touch the 1st base bag. Which would beg the question: Why did he miss the bag in the first place?
David Emerling
Memphis, TN