Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy
This change to the rules was discussed extensively at the UIC Clinic this past weekend.
Here are the highlights:
- A team may bat up to the total number of players they have available
- The first nine players listed are considered the "starters" and must have a defensive position listed on the lineup
- A team may use the DP/FLEX with more than nine batters, if so, the FLEX is always listed in the last position in the lineup and must have a defensive position listed. The DP must be one of the first nine batters
- Any batters in the batting order beyond nine are considered "substitutes"
- Any substitute (whether batting or not) may pinch run for any starter. The batting order DOES NOT change. Example: B4 reaches base and B12 enters to pinch run. This is legal. B4 has left the game, but is still part of the batting order. B4 would only use her re-entry when she is put back in the game on DEFENSE
- If a substitute in the batting order is entered to run for a starter and the substitute is due to bat while she is on base, an out is declared for that batting position. She cannot be subbed for or the starter re-entered to allow the substitute to bat
- The courtesy runner rule is not affected. Any player in the batting order is not eligible to be a courtesy runner. If a team is batting all players present, they will not have the option of using a courtesy runner
Many questions were asked and much conversation was generated. Personally, I still think there are loopholes and situations that have not been thought of. |
Just to add another point. Expanding on the shaded point above, B12 "enters" the game for B4 as a runner. This would also make B12 a defensive player in the next half inning unless B4 re-enters. Suppose B4 does re-enter and B12 once again runs for B4. Now B4 can no longer play defense
BUT she will still continue to bat in the 4th batting position.
Key point: B12 can "enter" for B4 on offense as a runner only; those two will always bat in the 4th and 12th spots, respectively, even if they do not have "entry" into the game (in essence, being removed from the defense twice).
I struggled with the concepts until I drew out a line up. Becomes easy when see it written down.
The short handed rule will come into effect when a player leaves due to injury or disqualification, not because they have use their one re-entry. Ejection still requires a legal sub (one not listed in the original batting order). As Andy stated, DP/Flex relationship still applies, as does the ability to have a CR ("one who has not participated" - being listed in the batting order is participation).