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Originally Posted by whiskers_ump
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The above link provides the following commentary. That information is in
RED.
I have inserted some comments in
BLUE.
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The keys to DP/FLEX are:
A. No player can bat in different batting order slots during a game.
Yet, the FLEX player is initially placed in the 10th spot but, if she should ever bat, she'll have to bat in the spot occupied by the DP. So, it is not quite true that their spot in the "batting order" never changes.
B. Making it known before the game with the lineup and being sure all changes are reported to and tracked by the PU.
Yet, the penalties for a host of different scenarios are sometimes difficult to recognize or unravel.
Off hand, what would you rule if the offense should point out that the defense has had the DP playing defense throughout the inning while the FLEX has been on the bench?
Also, what if the DP is the leadoff batter and the FLEX batter comes up to bat? Is she an illegal substitute -or- is she batting out of order?
Would it make any difference if the DP was the 5th batter in the lineup when the FLEX improperly bats in the 10th spot?
C. Knowing the provisions:
1. DP starts on offense, FLEX starts on defense
Not a requirement! The DP can go out on the field in the 1st inning and the FLEX can bat for the DP in her first at-bat.
True, these are substitutions but it is not true that they have to "start" in those positions.
2. If not in starting “function”, not in game
True! See above.
3. The DP and FLEX players can't be in the batting order at the same time
When the "batting order" is submitted, both the DP and FLEX must be included "at the same time."
4. The FLEX can only bat in the DP slot
5. The DP can play defense at the same time as the FLEX – any position
6. In #5, the player not playing defense still bats
D. DP/Flex switches change the number of players in the game, but do not change the batting order.
When the FLEX bats she moves from the 10th spot to the DP's spot.
E. DP/FLEX replacing each other are not “substitutions”, but when either leaves the game and returns, that is a reentry.
Completely incorrect! When the FLEX replaces the DP in the batting order it must be reported or it is an unreported substitution violation. The same applies when the DP plays defense for the FLEX. These must be reported!
Of course, the reentries must also be reported.
Lots of reporting is required!
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It's a convoluted rule. Substitution rules shouldn't be so complicated. The mere fact that you are looking for elaborating information and there are so many links attempting to explain it says it all. Even your acknowledgement that the ASA rulebook is inadequate should tell you something.
The DP/FLEX provision is a good idea gone awry, in my opinion.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN