[Jim Porter]

This isn't a situation where CS&FP allows us to ignore an infraction of the rules. Although there are many of those types of calls in baseball, this isn't one of them.

Instead, this situation is one in which two rules are diametrically opposed. The batter is required to make an attempt to avoid the pitch. In avoiding the pitch, the batter is then placed in a position of illegal action.

As far as I'm concerned, the batter's first responsibility is to avoid the pitch. If that causes him to hinder the catcher's play, tough noogies. As we have learned from delayed dead ball situations, baseball rules are ruled upon in order. The first situation in the play requires the batter to make an attempt to avoid the pitch. If the result of that attempt to avoid places him in a position of illegal action, that is irrelevant.

However, if the batter, in my judgement, uses the inside pitch as an excuse to stumble across the plate and thereby interfere intentionally, then I wouldn't hesitate to ring him up. It would have to be pretty obvious to me though. The batter gets the benefit of the doubt when he's attempting to avoid in my game.