Licked Fingers & Others...

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The penalty IS a positive result. I'm talking about before the pitch starts. Why would the pitcher even bother since the situation cannot get any better for them? What are you going to do just stand there with your arm out for 20 seconds? Hell, the pitcher could have some fun and just drill the batter. Or throw it over the backstop. Why not, giving the offense a chance to hit the ball is not a smart option.

I'm not negating your view, but not convinced.
Isn't a base hit often a "more favorable" result and more likely than HBP, etc.? If giving the offense a chance to hit the ball is not smart, then doesn't that mean the offense can do something more favorable?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I'm not negating your view, but not convinced.
Isn't a base hit often a "more favorable" result and more likely than HBP, etc.? If giving the offense a chance to hit the ball is not smart, then doesn't that mean the offense can do something more favorable?

First you want positive and now a more favorable result. Why not just score the lead runner? Why lean toward a maximum possible punishment over some of the most trivial violations? Often, violations that have next to no, if any effect on the outcome of the game.

Call it, kill it, apply the rule effect and move on.