[greymule]

And, if the defense has no possibility of making a play (defense not in position), then the runner is not out and play continues.

So... R2 (on 2nd), hit by line drive with the shortstop in position to make a play/out (perhaps F6 could make more than one out)... Dead Ball, R2 is out even if standing on the base, no one advances, next batter.

Is the Fed rule now that if a runner is hit with a line drive, either on or off the base, he is not out unless a fielder was in position to make a play?

Abel on 2B. F6 shading toward the hole, F4 deep and cheating toward 1B a little. Baker hits a smash that neither F6 nor F4 has any chance to field. The ball hits Abel (whether on or off 2B) and continues to center field. Is anybody claiming that, because nobody was in position to field the ball, Abel is not out and the ball is live?