[rwest]

Chopping a log that is horizontal, the stroke would be more perpendicular to the log. But in chopping a tree, the stroke is more at an angle. So we've established that a chop can be perpendicular and can be at an angle. The rule book says nothing about the angle of the swing. Both in my opinion are chops.

As to my instruction on a chopped ball, I've never actually had any. I've been to a camp every year since I started and it has never come up. Now I know that's not as many as you have been to. I'm not bragging about the number I've attended, just saying that I've never had an acutal instruction on this.

So I'll have to take your word that's not what ASA means by chopped, but what I am seeing is a chopped ball. There is no other word I can think of to describe it. They are chopping at the ball. Also, the player I mentioned this to did not disagree with my description of the swing when I referred to it as a chopped ball. He just didn't realize it was illegal. I believe anyone who saw this swing would call it a chopped ball. I think you would call it a chopped ball, but you would probably not call the out because you've been instructed that that is not a chopped ball for purposes of calling the batter out. I don't have a problem with that.

ASA just needs to clarify the action they consider chopping by indicating the angle of the swing if they don't want what I call a chop to be a basis for calling the batter out. They've obviously done that in the clinics/camps you've attended. Also, I've not heard anything to suggest that they've changed their ruling on this, so what you've heard probably is still in effect.

As to the degree of danger this presents to the pitcher as compared to a line drive hit up the middle, the only difference is that there is a wicked bounce that makes it more unpredictable. But I agree, there is not a big difference between this type of hit and a ball hit sharply up the middle.