Out is my initial reaction. We must, I think, look at two parts of the definition of "catch." The two parts, with my (a) and (b) are:
(a) "It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball."
Under (a), the fielder "dropped" the ball (or did he since in never touched the ground). The rule does not say that "he drops the ball and it hits the ground." This makes it sound like not a catch.
(b) “A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground.”
Under (b), it is still a catch if "juggled." While I would not call this a juggle, it seems to suggest this is a catch.
So, I guess we have to decide whether this is really a “drop” or a “juggle.” Despite the delay, I think it is more a “juggle.” I stick with out.
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Take care,
Mark
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