Quote:
Originally posted by AtlUmpSteve
In the older regime, I am pretty confident how Henry and Merle would have come out. All I ask, Mike, is that you present my rationale with my ruling. If Craig (and whomever he consults) disagree, so be it; that is the ruling. Not asking for credit; just that it be presented as a reasonable ruling based on the wording and intent.
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I'll see what I can do, but I think you should also keep in mind that 8.1.D.4 is probably as much a rule meant as a deterent from the catcher stepping in front of a swing. IOW, a safety issue, thus killing the ball the moment it happens while negating any advantage a defensive coach may perceive in instructing his/her catcher to do so.