[BSUmp16]

I, too, thought the rule had been changed so that both sections were consistent, but I can't verify that and the current OBR at the MLB website does not reflect a change. But thanks for recognizing the point

Look, I'm aware of the differences between 6.05 and 7.08e as they currently (?) read - 6.05j applies to runners going into 1st and 7.08e applies to runners going into the other bases. 7.08e states that "Any runner is out when he or the next base is tagged before he touches the next base", which is the opposite of 6.05j. I know that. And if UmpJim is correct, I agree it is a significant change.

Even if the two rules still are inconsistent, it doesn't change the basic question. If, under 7.08e, you can't say that the runner touched the base before he was was put out (i.e., before the ball arrived at the base), because the human brain can't physiologically make that determination (see reference to NTSB above), under 7.08e you call him out ("too close to call = out"). Under 6.05j "too close to call" = safe. Now you can ignore the rule (6.05j), as some say they do, but that seems to be a funny position to take for a guy (*cough* mbyron *cough*) who complains that MY position is "arbitrary" or "subjective". Unless you have a consistent approach to those plays, you're the one who will be making calls arbitrarily.

This is what drives fans and sports announcers crazy. On plays that are too close to call sometimes the runner will be out and sometimes he'll be safe - no consistency, which then prompts more agitation for instant replay - which I think will ruin the game.

If you want to avoid continual outbursts about the need for instant replay, one way (not the only way) to do it is to develop a consistent approach to calling those type of plays (which do happen with some frequency - see data cited above) which approach is also consistent with the published rules. Saying "there are no ties in baseball" is just putting your head in the sand and feeding the demand for more and more instant replay.

My final 2 cents. Take your best shot.