Annoying catcher

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I'd cover it under Catcher's obstruction.

I have to disagree. The FED obstruction rule has very specific instances in which it can be applied. He is not changing the pattern of play as in 5-1-3 and 8-3-2, nor is the catcher hindering the batter as in 5-1-2b, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c, and 8-3-2.

If I were a coach, you would have an argument on your hands if you told me my catcher couldn't talk to himself. You would have a tough time selling that the catcher was hindering the batter in any way.

Catchers (good ones) are always trying to get inside the batter's head. It's part of the game.