Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu
Well, hopefully the batter hasn't run completely through the strike zone or she might be guilty of a different infraction. 
Typically, drag bunters are in the LH batter's box and they may start from the back of the box and move up to the front/1B portion of the box. But I think the same application of the rule comes into play here - if the bat is being carried through the zone as the ball crosses the plate, it's a strike. If they don't want to offer at the pitch, the bat has to be withdrawn.
I think it's easier when you can see it. What some coaches may argue is that a drag bunt fouled off w/ 2 strikes was "really a slap". Your judgment.
Ted |
The problem is this was a drag bunt attempt that last year would not have been ruled an offer. She had drug the bat fully through the strike zone before the ball arrived. She did not pull the bat back, as the rule requires, but the bat was not in the strike zone, as the rule requires. She made no specific "offer" at the ball (the pitch was high, the bat stayed low - no movement toward the ball).
Personally, I think the authors of the rule got too specific by referencing the bat in the strike zone.