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There is a real conundrum here. On ordinary obstruction calls, when the obstructed runner is OUT before reaching the protected base, there is a dead ball. The delayed dead ball in this case is to allow the runner to advance and/or continue beyond the protection with liability, etc., and/or to allow the defense to get outs on other runners, etc.
With catcher's obstruction, the delayed dead ball is (in part) to allow the coach a choice of play or penalty. The issue of coach's choice does not come in to play with an ordinary obstruction call.
The immediate dead ball when the BR is out is justifiable according to the rules, allowing only the penalty to be assessed.
But, so is the letting the play finish justifiable according to the rules, allowing the coach the choice.
I am very interested in hearing an official ruling on this.
Until then, I am in the "let the play continue" camp, due to the additional aspect of coach's choice with CO.
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Tom
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