[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

This is not clear, Daryl. I am not suspending play. I am merely clearing the plate.

Before you come back with something like "would you let the pitcher pitch," let me say that the answer is no, just like when I'm clearing a bat or waiting for a batter to get set in the box. Good umpires don't hold their hands up and suspend play while a batter is digging in. Why is this different?

For any other cause could include 200 other things that I want to make up, too. It's a catch all that provides support for the umpire to call time IF HE WANTS TO. It certainly doesn't say that it's required to do it if play isn't suspended. Cause a 2 second sweep of the plate is not suspending play, not in my world.

Cleaning the plate is most definitely a suspension of play, because the defensive team cannot pitch the ball.

MTD, Sr.