[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

I have an out on this play. Why? When he goes towards the grass, he has established his baseline on the outfield side of the base. He then turns, takes a full length step towards home plate, pivots, and still slides even farther into the grass. There is no way, from the point he turns (and the defensive player is reaching to tag him) that he stays within 3 feet of the baseline he had established. The view from directly over 3rd base is key. I don't see him staying within 3 feet, unless the umpire rules that a defensive player is not attempting to make a tag until the point where the runner turns and runs toward home plate.

I believe you are correct in your assessment that he deviated in excess of 3 feet. It's just not usually called at this level.