Bunt

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Apparently you and Don would, so the answer to the specific question is "Yes."

Bob,

I appreciate your opinions, knowledge and experience, but I have a small problem here.

In my last question, yes I would strike it for two reasons
1. I like strikes
2. It's the expected call if the ball misses the bat by an inch or two.
I don't think too many players have good enough hand eye coordination to know the ball was going to miss the bat by one inch. Therefore he expected to make contact. I think no explanation is required on a strike call, a ball call requires a review of the rules to the defensive team. Despite one of the posts, I think a price will be paid for a ball call.

My detractors on this thread keep quoting the rule and seem to be saying that if you don't call this by the letter of the law it's a terrrible thing and you (meaning me, then become a terrible umpire and even a troll) If you and the others were strict constructionsists in all phases of even balls and strikes it would have more credibility, however when it comes to balls and strikes, I don't think any of you are close to being strict by the rules kind of guys.

For example:
1. Curve ball at the knees as it enters the zone, breaks hard and ends up in dirt. "Ball" everytime. Even though it is a rule book strike

2. F2 sets up inside, pitch hits outside corner as F2 reaches across. Most on this board have said they "ball" this pitch because it appears to the masses to be a ball. It is however a rule book strike.

3. F2 sets up outside third expecting curve, pitch comes in on inside corner fastball, F2 expecting curve is crossed up and misses the pitch. Most, I think even you have said you would "ball" it if the F2 misses it even though it is a rule book strike.

In ex. 1 defense did nothing 'wrong' in 2 and 3 they've done nothing wrong but slightly out of the ordinary and the rule book ball and strike rules were ignored. In this sitch the batter is doing something out of the ordinary and I'll ding him if i can.
You guys are all willing to ignore the rules and give up strikes to make yourselves look good and you're calling me the troll because I'm getting one back.
I'm not condemning these calls, it's the way I manage the game as well. I'm only pointing out the apparent hypocrisy.