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Originally Posted by CecilOne
My comment "if it looked like R1 or R2 was a possible out and the interference was judged deliberate" would mean one or both were advancing, not holding their bases. So, if it's a possible out by R1 or R2. would it be interference to prevent a DP?
Doesn't the rule say the batter is out when hitting an Infield(er) Fly, meaning at the moment it is struck? While I agree that does not make sense, for reasons like it has to be fair and the analogy to a non-IFR fly which must be caught; is that an issue?
In the example of whether F4 had time to catch the ball, isn't that implied by the IFR definition part about caught by an infielder?
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IMO, 1) yes, that would be interference to prevent a DP, and in ASA, the act does not have to be deliberate; just the result of an act.
2) All the rules says x is out "when" or y is not out "when". That is grammar, not necessarily a definition of timing. Since IFR requires a judgment and a fair ball, as well as meeting a definition, I cannot buy that the batter is out at the moment of hitting the ball. Remember, it ain't nothing, until (or unless) we call it.
3) I'm not sure the ability to make a play on a ball which ultimately dropped (or allowed to drop) is necessarily the same as the initial judgment that a ball can (or should) be caught with normal effort. A late or bad break on a ball, which then hits with backspin and kicks farther away may not allow an infielder to make the subsequent play. Intentionally allowing a ball to drop has risks; and I certainly wouldn't reward the defense by then awarding another free out without feeling a subsequent play was fairly certain.