Brent, I view it no different as trying to buy a bat with hands attached. I can't buy a base with a foot attached.
Is it no different than a legal block of the base? I will call the runner out. There is plenty of base besides the fielder foot that the runner can step to. I will add, however, I need to be absolutely certain no part of the runner's foot is touching the base when tagged. I will provide the benefit any doubt in my mind to the runner.
BTW, if he stepped back "in plenty of time" as stated, why did the runner not readjust his foot to be on the base? Perhaps the play may have been a little closer than stated? Perhaps not.
Just my opinion,
Freix
[Edited by Bfair on Jun 18th, 2001 at 10:51 AM]
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