http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...02226258&hl=en
For the sake of argument, assume the B/R was obstructed (type B) on his way to 2nd, causing him to return to 1st.
My questions:
1. Is it assistance by a coach (INT) when the runner derives no benefit from the physical contact?
2. Can the umpire ignore the INT by the coach in "imposing such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction?" 7.06 (b)
IMO, the whole mess is directly attributable to the OBS. I have a hard time penalizing the offense for the subsequent and meaningless INT. Without the OBS, B/R would have been standing on 2nd base.