Initial Play SNAFU

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Manny A

That's just one part of their definition of "Initial Play", Dakota, as you well know.

Of course it is only one part, but you stated they did not recognize step and reach. They are one of the few who actually put this theory into black-letter rule.

Originally Posted by Manny A

It makes no sense whatsoever to say a fielder fielding a batted ball that was deflected by the pitcher is still making an initial play, but then say that a runner who gets hit by a batted ball deflected by a pitcher is not guilty of interference. FED is being inconsistent on how to treat a batted ball deflected by the pitcher, for whatever reason. And they're putting the onus on the runner to know she must still avoid a fielder fielding a deflected ball only if it was deflected by the pitcher.

That is your real objection, right, not the step and reach?

Of course, the runner could just avoid the fielder anyway, as she should anyway. Obstruction does not require contact.