[greymule]

If F5 was "about to receive a thrown ball and the ball [was] in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder" that he needed to "occupy his position to receive to ball," then he was in the act of fielding a ball and any immediately preceding contact by the runner would not generate an OBS call.

But in Cabrera's play, the contact occurred after the ball got away—immediately after, but still after. Thus F5's contact would indeed constitute OBS. So you're right—this was not an "about to receive" play.

Looking at it yet again, I think Cabrera stuck his leg/hip out just after the ball got away, to entangle himself further with F5. I don't see an intentional INT with the throw.

I wish there was a way to go frame by frame.