OBR published on MLB.COM website

[UmpJM]

When I went to look for the rule reference to answer TwoBits' scoring question earlier today, I noticed that they had changed the formatting.

A little later I was curious and found that the 6.09(b) language had been changed to "...once he leaves the dirt circle...". I haven't done any kind of thorough check, but it appears that at least some of the "23 changes" are now published on MLB's website.

I couldn't find any kind of press release or statement commenting on the changes.

Just thought folks might be interested to know.

JM

[SanDiegoSteve]

Rule 8.04:

"When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.”
The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.

The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire."

Rule 6.09(b):

"The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out;
Rule 6.09(b) Comment: A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate."

Is there a list of all 23 changes available anywhere? It is very tedious going line-by-line through the entire book!

[NFump]

Labeling Casebook Comments throughout.
Amended rules on pitchers wearing multi-colored gloves (Rules 1.15(a) and 1.15(c).*
Amended definition of League President and added new Case Comment for Major Leagues (Rule 2.00).*
Added gender-neutral reference (Rule 2.00).
Amended rules regarding game baseballs (Rule 3.01(c)).*
Amended rules relating to rosin bags (Rules 3.01(f) and 8.02(a)).*
Amended penalties for pitcher doctoring a ball (Rules 3.02 and 8.02(a)).*
Amended rules on regulation tie games and suspended games (Rules 4.10(d), 4.11(d) and 4.12).*
Amended Case Comment relating to protested games (Rule 4.19).*
Amended rule on consequences of batter refusing to enter batter's box
(Rule 6.02(c)).*
Added experimental pace-of-game rule for National Association play
(Rule 6.02(d)).
Revised Case Comments on catching ball in dugouts and other out of play areas (Rules 6.05(a) and 7.04(c)).*
Eliminated redundant rules on the lane running to first base (Rules
6.05(k) and 7.09(k)).
Added new Case Comment covering batter's use or attempted use of illegal bat (Rule 6.06(d)).*
Amended Case Comment on consequences of catcher's interference (Rule 6.08(c)).*
Amended rules on batter-runner after third strike not caught (Rules 6.09(b) and 7.08(a)).*
Added rule relating to pitched ball touched by detached equipment (Rule 7.05(j)).*
Eliminated redundant rules on batter hitting the ball twice (7.09(b) eliminated and remainder of Rule 7.09 re-classified).
Amended rules on positioning of pitcher's pivot foot on the rubber and delivery (Rules 8.01(a) andd 8.01(b)).*
Added Case Comment relating to pitcher failing to stop at set position with no runners on base (Rule 8.01(b)).*
Amended penalties for possession of a foreign substance (Rule 8.02(b)).*
Amended time limit for pitcher to pitch (Rule 8.04).*
Added Case Comment for penalties for pitcher delaying a game (Rule 8.05(h)).*

Changes marked with an asterisk require the approval of the Major League Players Association for implementation at the Major League level in 2006.

All are in the 2006 edition of The Sporting News Official Baseball Rules.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Thanks Bruce, that saved me a bunch of work that I'm way too lazy to do!