rosin bag
 

After watching a couple of spring training MLB games, I noticed there is no longer a rosin bag for the pitcher to use. Is this a new rule?

Not according to MLB. This is the current rule interpretation concerning rosin bags:

"All umpires shall carry with them one official rosin bag. The umpire-in-chief is responsible for placing the rosin bag on the ground back of the pitcher's plate. If at any time the ball hits the rosin bag it is in play. In the case of rain or a wet field, the umpire may instruct the pitcher to carry the rosin bag in his hip pocket. A pitcher may use the rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to his bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to his glove or dust any part of his uniform with the rosin bag."

I've watched Yankees, Mets, and a game on ESPN and there were rosin bags there at all of them.

FYI

Latest update (posted on MLB site 2/16/07) now says the umpires just have to make sure there is one there.

bag on the mound for Cubs/Sox yesterday...