TEX/TOR 7th inning play

[BoomerSooner]

The question to me on the slide into home is whether this type of play will be included in the Chase Utley rule that we all know is coming in the near future. I'm a Rangers fan, and I don't have a problem with the play as the slide was legal by the letter of the rule and it is how players for decades have been trained to play.

That said, I don't think we should have variable rules regarding sliding and avoidable contact depending on where the play is or whether it is a force or tag play, nor can the penalty be dependent on whether or not someone involved is injured.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

That said, I don't think we should have variable rules regarding sliding and avoidable contact depending on where the play is or whether it is a force or tag play,

Ummm...force or tag play? The two are not mutually exclusive, and every other level has specific rules regarding contact on force plays.

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by Matt

Ummm...force or tag play? The two are not mutually exclusive, and every other level has specific rules regarding contact on force plays.

I was referencing the note to Rule 6.01(i) Collisions at Home Plate (previously 7.13) that says 6.01(i)(2) shall not apply to force plays at home plate. I realize this rule covers the prohibitions placed on the catcher related to blocking the plate, but my point is that if additional rules are put in place to protect fielders, the rules need to be simplified.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

I was referencing the note to Rule 6.01(i) Collisions at Home Plate (previously 7.13) that says 6.01(i)(2) shall not apply to force plays at home plate. I realize this rule covers the prohibitions placed on the catcher related to blocking the plate, but my point is that if additional rules are put in place to protect fielders, the rules need to be simplified.

Why? So there's one exception to a rule. It's not complicated.

[BoomerSooner]

That's my point...it isn't that complicated right now. I would prefer it stay that way. We all know, however, that rule books are frequently flawed in any number of ways when written and/or amended. We deal with everything from poorly defined language, to bad formatting and illogical placement in the book. I'm not complaining or saying this issue prevents us from doing our jobs, but I hope they don't take this issue and make it more difficult to officiate.

I guess where I wasn't clear was that I'm looking at this proactively. I don't have any major issues with the existing rules. I just don't want people to overthink this and turn it into a mess.