I also noticed where the runner was, part of how great Ruiz did was throwing over the runner w/o throwing over Howard.
I would give the ump the benefit of the doubt on a newspaper quote and assume the implication that he know there has to actually be a hindrance, like Howard not being able to catch the ball because of the runner in the way.
Of course, we don't need misstatements of the rules to further mislead the public and players; but that would mean shutting down all sports reporters and commentators.
