I really dislike USSSA's new courtesy runner rule!

[TwoBits]

Mostly a rant. You have been warned.

USSSA rule 8.04B.2 states that a team that is batting a continuous line-up (everyone on the roster bats), the courtesy runner (for pitcher or catcher) shall be the player whom recorded the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, it shall be the previous batter not on base. If a courtesy runner is determined ineligible, a proper replacement will be used without penalty.

Courtesy runners were originally an idea to help speed up the game: Get the catcher off the bases and into his gear or getting the pitcher ready for his warmups the next inning. However, with this new rule, this is what I'm seeing: Pitcher, batting third, grounds out. Catcher, batting fourth, hits safely. Pitcher now courtesy runs for the catcher. Even one better: Both pitcher and catcher hit safely, but pitcher throw out trying to score. Pitcher then immediately goes to courtesy run for the catcher.

Furthermore, in a particualary long inning, coaches are scrambling to remember who made the last out. Sometimes that last out was made in the previous inning! And what happens if you put the wrong kid out there? Nothing. Just replace him with the proper courtesy runner. So some dishonest coaches "mistakenly" are putting their fastest kid on base to courtesy run since there is no penalty if their "mistake" is discovered.

Okay, rant over. Discuss.