[mick]

Originally posted by Warren Willson
[B
Personally, Mark, I would treat this the same as Umpire's Interference, which is the nearest rule that you could apply. The umpire interfered verbally with the true course of play. Place the BR at 1st and runners advance only if forced. That's what would have happened if the umpire had been hit by the batted ball before a fielder had a chance to make a play, so IMHO that's the best course to take.

BU has to tell PU what he saw. If PU chooses to act, and I believe he should, then the above course is the most appropriate. I don't believe in getting into "what if" speculation about the possible outcomes of such plays. Use 9.01(c) as a justification by all means BUT at least make a decision as near as possible to one that already exists in the book for any similar situation. That's the best way to ensure any subsequent protest will fail.

Cheers,

Warren Willson [/B]

Warren,
You are a sage.
I like it. Thanks.
mick