Reyes only impeded him because Victorino initiated the contact into Reyes...I'd be interested to see how the crew was evaluated on this call...only because I'm curious not because I really care one way or another.

Thanks, I can't tell you how much time I waste trying to find these things.

Yep, Type A in my book! Not a pretty call, but by the book.

But isn't a runner allowed to take whatever path he chooses?

No.

Watching Victorino's reaction after being tagged out, it didn't appear that he was expecting the obstruction call.

I concur with dash.

There is a basic principle in baseball that a player cannot "go out of his way" to create a call.

For example, from 7.09(j) Comment, we have the language:

Similarly, from J/R, in the chapter on Obstruction, we have:

Ultimately, whether the runner did or did not "intentionally alter his course" is a matter of umpire judgement. From what I saw in the replays, were I the umpire, I would have judged that the runner had done so. Apparently, U1 saw it differently.

To Rich, I would say, the runner may choose his path, but I am not going to call Obstruction if he chooses a path to create contact with a fielder that is not a legitimate attempt to advance.

JM

Just like umpires are taught to sell their calls when necessary, Victorrino did a good job of selling the obstruction. Give him his due. When you see this in real time from the angle he had and only see it that once, it is very reasonable to make the call he did. When he got to the locker room and reviewed it maybe he had a different opinion of the play. I'd have no problem backing my partner if he made that call or if he made it the other way (a nothing).