I know that we kicked around the new FED bunt rule earlier this year. One of the points discussed was the part about the bat being held "in the strike zone" equalling an attempt.
Has anyone heard anything more about how absolute or literal the holding of the bat "in the strike zone" requirement of the new rule really is?
For instance, what would you have on these plays:
- Batter sets up all the way in the front of the box. She squares to bunt, holding the bat straight out about waist high.
However, due to her positioning in the batter's box, the bat is in front of the plate. By a strict reading of the new rule, the bat is NOT being held "in the strike zone".
Batter holds bat stationary as the pitch comes in about nose high- out of the strike zone. No movement of the bat is made toward the ball.
Offer? No offer? Strike? Ball?
- Batter squares to bunt, holding bat over plate but about chin high (out of the strike zone).
Without any movement of the bat, the batter holds this position as the pitch comes in below the knees (or, otherwise out of the strike zone).
Do you ring up a strike?
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