[SAump]

I would love to get in on that RISE BALL discussion again, just not in this thread. Too bad the original was deleted with over 200 replies and 3000 views. I thought it was destined for 300 replies and 5000 views. Would that have put the post in The Official Forum Hall of Fame?

As far as the LHP and RHP in the same half-inning goes; I thought the rule provides that a LHP or RHP must complete the half-inning before making the switch. The book does say a batter and not a half-inning. Facing one bater LH and another RH might become too complicated because it raises too many issues. Casewriters are lazy people. I suppose if an umpire shall require that the pitcher face a batter either LH or RH, it wouldn't be much of a step to REQUIRE him to complete the inning too. I know the much needed editorial change would be much shorter.

I probably wouldn't allow it as a matter of safety. I wouldn't want him to get hurt wearing the wrong glove and all. Would I charge the coach with a visit to the mound? Does the team lose the DH? Does he get another 8 warm up pitches? I don't see a rule that would allow a pitcher to receive two warmup opportunities per innning or return as pitcher if he sits out an innnig. Does it count towards his allowable innings per week? I wouldn't want him to get hurt just to enter the Guinness Book of Records on my watch. I rather say NO and TOSS the coach because I said SO. After all his pitcher wouldn't be properly equipped. But if the NCAA/NFHS would like to bail out the defense once again and pass the rule in favor of it, and put it in the rule book in black and white. I suppose my opinion wouldn't matter very much. I know I would find it in NFHS 6-1-1.5.

To hear that it was done at the MLB level is fascinating. Was it part of the marketing plan to get the fans back in the bleachers. Pitchers at that level throw a large number of pitches and put a lot of stress on their arm just warming up. I wouldn't think he had the time to properly warm-up from both sides. Would his numbers (STATS) be any better than any of the other 7-12 pitchers waiting in the bullpen? I guess their set-up men and closers all suck. Did the club announce the pitching change over loud speakers? Now in for #97 is #97. Sounds too good to be true. Imagine the indorsements for ambidextrous gloves when your the only player in MLB that needs to use it. Chicks dig the ambidextrous handling.