Quote:
Originally Posted by Dholloway1962
Because I disagree is the best reason I can think of  But another reason is that if you don't send them back to TOP there is really no realpenalty attached to it (other than BR being out, which she will be anyway).
Didn't mean to get you all riled up Irish!  |
The penalty is an automatic out attained by the defense without actually executing a tag.
Just because the defense fields the batted ball doesn't mean the BR is automatically out. Why should the runners NOT be allowed to advance while the defense is attempting to execute the play?
This is a rule which exists merely for the purpose of protecting defense players from their own stupidity. The delay is a voluntary action by the defense just like a 2B chasing a runner forced to 2B back to 1B instead of just flipping the ball to F6. The only reason the BR is out and the runner isn't for this action is because s/he has no base to achieve safely at home plate.
So, why should the team not making the stupid moves be overly penalized for the opponent's ineptness?