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I suspected my last post would get some dander up. It always does. So nothing is new under the sun.
My intent was to neither defend nor attack the DP/FLEX rule. Like I said, I don't have a problem with it. I'm simply recognizing that too many people DO. Again ... why?
If explaining to somebody that they are "merely positions" conquers 90% of the problem - then why does the confusion persist? Why isn't anybody taking the time to come to this understanding? Why can't they?
It's difficult for somebody who understands something well (like almost everybody in this forum) to relate to those who don't.
SIDENOTE: I'm an airline pilot. There was a famous airline accident in 1987 that occurred in southern California. A disgruntled ex-employee of PSA airlines (now defunct) boarded a flight and shot the supervisor who had fired him. He did this while the aircraft was airborne. Then this disgruntled ex-employee shot both the captain and co-pilot ... then shot himself. The cockpit voice recorder recorded the screams of the 44 passengers as the aircraft accelerated beyond its structural limits before ripping apart. Almost every airline pilot I know asked the following question: Why didn't somebody attempt to fly the aircraft? There was nothing wrong with the aircraft. We couldn't conceive how anybody could not come forward and, at least, attempt to fly the aircraft. And the reason we had trouble comprehending that is because WE'RE PROFESSIONAL AIRLINE PILOTS!
We're umpires. We make a point of understanding anything that is complicated. We'll find a way to come to this understand one way or the other. Consequently, we have a difficult time relating to, or understanding, why others can't come to the same level of understanding that we have.
Rules in sports are not supposed to be proprietary.
Understanding how the FLEX, who is occupying the #10 spot in the lineup, can bat in the spot occupied by the DP is *not* an option born out of the understanding that they are "merely positions." Can the second baseman (a mere position), who is batting 7th, bat for the 1st baseman (a mere position), when the 2nd baseman takes over as the 1st baseman? NO!!!! Yet the FLEX, who is 10th in the lineup (but doesn't bat), *can* occupy another spot in the lineup.
I think the way the FLEX is handled administratively, by mandating that she be placed in the 10th slot, contributes to much of the confusion. I think it would be clearer if the FLEX were placed (parenthetically) alongside the DP in the batting order.
Don't shoot the messenger, guys! I'm on your side!
I'm simply observing that the knowledge regarding this rule is slim and that it is wildly pervasive throughout the softball community. No matter what one may think of the rule, good or bad, of that there can be no dispute.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
[Edited by David Emerling on Jan 28th, 2005 at 02:29 PM]
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