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Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser
Wasn't the last pitch in the dirt?
I'm glad they put umpire discretion back into the directed strike. It meant I didn't have to deal with it much anymore. I didn't have to worry about coaches looking for it every time someone stepped out of the box.
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The way the rule reads, it is the umpire's discretion as to whether the act of being completely out of the batter's box delayed the game - thus warranting a strike.
However, the rule still directs that the batter keep one foot in the batter's box unless one of the listed exceptions apply. It is this
latter point that, technically, gives the umpire no discretion.
The debate has two sides:
1. There are those who want to enforce this rule such that EVERY BATTER must keep one foot in the batter's box unless one of the exceptions apply. When they fail to comply, the umpire promptly directs the batter to keep one foot in the box.
The other side of the debate.
2. Yeah ... yeah .... yeah. But who really cares unless the batter is delaying the game? Why nag the batters? This is especially true when all the batter is really doing is getting the sign from the 3rd base coach. If he promptly takes his position in the batter's box, I say, "Big deal." It's not even worth the discussion.
Once you start enforcing this rule, I don't see how you can stop. Are you going to allow
some batters to step out without an admonishment while others get an admonishment to get one foot back in the box? Now you're inconsistent - which makes it look like you may be harassing one team more than the other.
My method is consistent ... more natural ... less obstrusive ... and even though it is not "letter of the law", nobody cares or notices. Strictly enforcing the rule generally causes
everybody to care and notice. And, to what end? To speed up the game? I think not.
In my opinion, an umpire's attention and efforts are better directed toward more substantive matters in the game.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN