Quote:
Originally posted by azdist3blue
I read that the AP has reported that MLB has indicated that the umpire invoked the wrong rule and 7.08)g) should have been applied.
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After observing the videoclip with a link provided by another poster, it is my opinion that Carpenter left the batter's box. Generally, regardless of his intent, that would be reason enough to call batter's interference on a bang-bang play. However, it appears Carpenter left the batter's box mostly to avoid being hit by an extremely inside pitch. That would exempt him from interference -HOWEVER- after Carpenter successfully avoids the pitch and is out of the batter's box, he makes an inexplicable movement back TOWARDS the batter's box. In my opinion, it's this last maneuver that causes it to be properly ruled as batter's interference.
Look at the clip and notice ...
1. Carpenter trying to avoid being hit with the pitch
2. Carpenter exiting the batter's box as an escape maneuver
3. Carpenter briefly step back toward the batter's box (oddly pointing at home plate with his bat)
The RUNNER should have been called out.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN