Fed. Substitution Question

[insatty]

Kyle McNeely's October 7 piece, "Federation Substitution--Part VI, No Illegals Allowed," notes that it is illegal when a player (call him Adams) "is a player who has a DH batting for him and enters the game as a batter or a runner in a different position in the batting order."

But what if Adams is substituted out and reenters in a different position in the batting order? Example:

Adams starts at 2B in the seven spot, but DH is batting for him. In the 4th inning, Baker substitutes in to play 2B. In the 5th inning, Adams reenters game to play 3B in the five spot.

Legal, or is Adams locked into the batting order in the seven spot?

[bluezebra]

A fielder, and the player batting for him, are locked into the same slot in the batting order. PERIOD!

That means he cannot enter in another slot, even if there are multiple substitutions. The rule is VERY clear.

Bob

[Bfair]

So.....Adams comes by and says he's reentering in the 3B slot and takes the field defensively for Mr. 3B (who now sits the bench) while Baker remains in the game. Seems quite likely that the ump would look to his card, show Adams as reentered for Baker, and continue on. He cares little of defensive changes positional changes except for meeting pitching restrictions.

---

Did Adams legally reenter into the 7th spot and Baker is the illegal sub defensively a this time?

Or has Adams entered into the 5 spot held by Mr. 3B even though Adams has not yet batted in that position?

IOW, since Adams has legal reentry privilege, is his return defensively considered legal if he were to be involved with a play during that half inning that later was properly appealed by the defense, and should Baker be considered as removed and now in the game illegally?

Afterall, Adams properly reported into the game to the umpire on his reentry (and the umpire assumed it was for Baker).........
It seems the official just didn't take the time to confirm WHO Adams reentered for, and what batting position Adams felt he was occupying.

If the ump blew this one on reporting, and a defensive play occurred that was appealed---who is the improper defensive player on the field---Adams or Baker? Remember, neither of these players have been to bat since the DH is hitting for them..........
Do you uphold the appeal?


Just a thought..........


Freix