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Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
The only thing that makes a "double switch" in baseball anything other than standard use of substitution rules while replacing two or more players at once, is that (at least according to the talking heads) the manager must tell the plate umpire before he crosses the lines that the two subs are not batting in the same positions as the starters they appear to be replacing (pitcher for pitcher, position player for same position player). Otherwise, this just a multiple substitution, and the coach must report the subs, and who they replace, without any requirement that limits when it is reported.
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Steve, you're right about umpiring needing to be informed prior to the substitution. However, the only thing I'm not sure about is whether or not the line actually comes into play. I remember once watching Phil Garner, about to do a double switch, take just a few steps out of the Astros dugout, motioning to the bullpen, and I could just sense Cecil Cooper yelling at him to report it to the PU first. It was too late however, and the pitcher had to lead off the next inning. I would agree that this is more of a strategy question than a rules question, though obviously there is some procedure that needs to be followed.