Now, for some actual baseball

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Think about it. If what you are saying is true was true, runners would not need to run to bases at all... just find the nearest fielder and run into them.

If a fielder in your way causes you to deviate (whether by contact or by changing directions to avoid, or slow down, etc) - it's obstruction. if the fielder NOT in your way requires you to deviate in order to draw contact, it's nothing.

He changed directions as part of the rundown. Did he take a step in the direction of the fielder? Yes. Did he do it intentionally? Probably. He's entitled to take that step, though -- the fielder was too close.

This is why I said we'll just have to agree to disagree -- I don't see either of us moving from our position.