Quote:
Originally Posted by mbyron
I suppose you could make a case for protecting F3, but it's a weak case. F2 had a better play on the ball.
Here's one of several errors made by the crew: if U1 calls R1 out for INT, why is he allowing play to develop? Why are we throwing the ball across the diamond? Isn't it DEAD on INT?
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First, play has to develop to see if ball goes fair or foul, because THAT decision will effect how you enforce the INT. And you can call/holler/demonstrate/signal a runner out all day and some infielder is still going to play it out - as they've been taught. That's not the umpiring crew's fault.
Second, No Way does F2 have a better play. Without the INT, that's F3's play all the way. F3 is coming in for a routine catch using normal effort (which is why U1 initially signals for the IFF); whereas F2 has to either come out far enough to then turn around
or make the catch over his shoulder. Protecting F3 is the correct decision; thus no OBS.
Once the ball settles foul, you enforce the INT - R1 out; B/R returns to bat with an extra strike added to the count.