Malicious contact or nothing?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

The catcher did not set up in a manner to impede the runner.

"F2 runs back to home and ends up setting up in foul territory on 3rd base line extended for the throw from F3. R3, running at full speed, steps on home plate and collides head-on with F2."

The onus is on the runner to avoid the collision. He could have slid, remember?

I don't believe I've ever heard you be one of those "He gave the runner part of the base" people. But this smacks of it. Yes, the runner CAN slide, but forcing him to is obstruction. Yes, the onus is on the runner to avoid the collision, but if he does so at a point in time that the catcher doesn't have the ball, then he's been obstructed. The instant he does anything to avoid the collision, he's been obstructed.

Further... if he causes the runner to change his path, how can you say the catcher did not impede the runner.