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Old Fri Apr 03, 2009, 08:34am
bob jenkins bob jenkins is offline
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Join Date: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,172
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoBits View Post
1) We agree here
2) Still agree
3) This is where we disagree. Last time I'm going to explain it:
FED 3-1-2: If a pitcher is replaced while his team is on defense, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to the batter then at bat or any substitute for that batter until such batter is put out or reaches base or until a third out is made. To ensure that the requirements of this article be fulfilled, the umpire will deny any coach-defensive player conference that will violate the rule.

Read it again:

the umpire will deny any coach-defensive player conference that will violate the rule.[/

The coach makes the change, goes back to dugout, decides he wants to come back out. Umpire should say, "No, coach, you can not come back out for a conference until the pitcher has faced a batter or recorded a third out."

The part you seem to be missing is "THE RULE" -- and "THE RULE" is that a pitcher must face one batter (or have the side retired) before he's replaced.

So, we all agree -- if the conference would require the pitcher to be removed, then the conference should not be allowed.

But, if the conference would NOT require the pitcher to be removed, then the conference is allowed.