runner struck by thrown ball

[BlueLawyer]

Originally Posted by gsf23

So let me get this straight. We are saying that in FED ball, if a runner that is being forced doesn't slide or get out of the way, then the fielder can hit him with a throw, anywhere, for an automatic double play? My pivot man could take a flip, see the runner from second hasn't slid yet and just flip the ball into his shins and the runner going to first is out?

I'm not doing that, and will do my best to avoid it. What I am saying is that "chance that the defense will make the play" is not a factor, and yeah, smart defenses might plunk runners when they have no reasonable chacne to turn two. The potential benefits outweight the risks, in my mind.

Strikes and outs!

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by BlueLawyer

I also believe that if more umpires call this rule as called for in the book, offensive players will be endangered. If I'm F4, when in doubt, plunk R1. I have nothing to lose.

If F4 plunks R1 after R1 has veered to avoid altering the play, he has a lot to lose, like participating in the rest of this game and the next.