Quote:
Originally Posted by mbyron
The standard for B-INT is different: according to 7-4-1i, we call B-INT when the batter "intentionally deflects a foul ball which has a chance of becoming fair." This rule provides a narrower standard: merely being contacted by the batted ball does NOT constitute B-INT. An intentional act of actively deflecting the ball is required: if he merely fails to get out of the way, he's not out, and it's a foul ball.
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I think you're being too narrow on "intent". It doesn't (imo) require an active movement to get in the way or provide a new impetus to the ball. It can include a concious decision to stay put and prevent the ball from completing it's previous path and motion. "unintentional" would include not having time to react, or trying to avoid but failing; other action are not "unintentional", they are "intentional".
It's much the same as a batter getting hit by a pitch -- if the batter has time to move and just stands there, and watches the ball hit him, we don't (or shouldn't) give the base. I'd apply the same general principles in the play at hand.