[bluehair]

I've enjoyed following this thread and the academic arguments that it provided. Perhaps a sloppy solution would work for this apparent whole in the rules/interps.

Can we all agree that defense shouldn't have the responsibility for a) keeping tabs on when BR entered the dugout and b) having faith that the umpires would know when he did, made the out signal immediately, and understood the significance of the call (force play removal).

This is the perfect opportunity to just "make the expected call" and not remove the force play.

If OC argued that the force was removed (he's either a very sharp coach or a cheater), then I would say, This is the right call coach. (and perhaps a little white lie if need be) I don't have him entering the d/u until after the force plays were made. Truth is coach, I'm not sure when he entered the d/u, but I'm not going to reward the offense for not running out a batted ball when I'm not sure of the timing. If he says that I blew that call. I'd admit that he may be right, but the force play stands. It's sloppy, but given the whole in the rule, it should be the expected call.

I don't think that I'd be in dooky too deep with my supervisor for possible missing the timing of BR entering the d/u but making the expected (IMO, right) call.