[mikebran]

I love it when such a short query can generate so much good discussion. It is a very good question. And thanks for the announced v unnounced. I would not have thought of that, but it is valid and affects rulings.

Let me play with this:

Lineup

Al
Bill
Charlie

Al batting but Charlie is on deck.

Al doubles.

Manager sees Charlie coming to the plate and decides to pinch-hit for him with Dusty.

Dusty doubles in the run. Before next pitch defensive team manager notifies the umpire of the batting out of order.

Lets break at the Manager Sees portion. Two scenarios now.

1. He simply calls Charlie back and says, "Dusty go hit". Dusty goes to bat and NOTHING is said about it. Absolutely unnounced.

2. He calls time and goes to PU to announce his change. He says Dusty is hitting for Charlie. PU pulls lineup card and crosses out Charlie and inserts Dusty.

In #1. If DEF appealed after Dusty double there is NO violation, yet. Dusty in game on line 2 for BILL. Charlie is DUE UP.

in #2. I wonder if PU is even going to notice. AFter all, he is simply looking at the card, line 3. Charlie and writes in Dusty. PU is not tasked with looking out at field and seeing who is on 2nd, or remembering that the guy on 2nd was the last batter. Seems it is going to happen as coach wants. Dusty gets a hit. Appeal. Bill called OUT and Dusty HITS AGAIN! (or does he?)

more #2. But what if as PU you just happen to know that Al just batted and is on 2nd and you KNOW that Bill is due up and you know this coach is messing up. But you furtively glance over at the DEF dugout door and there is Coach Rulebook looking straight at you and Coach R is a good guy overall, but he is sending telepathic messages that he knows what is going on.

Do you tell OFF Mnger, "Uh, you know, this is a problem?"