Intelligence and the ASA rule book

[Dakota]

Originally posted by David Emerling
Understanding how the FLEX, who is occupying the #10 spot in the lineup, can bat in the spot occupied by the DP is *not* an option born out of the understanding that they are "merely positions." Can the second baseman (a mere position), who is batting 7th, bat for the 1st baseman (a mere position), when the 2nd baseman takes over as the 1st baseman? NO!!!! Yet the FLEX, who is 10th in the lineup (but doesn't bat), *can* occupy another spot in the lineup.

Hmmmm.... I think you illustrate my point.

Let's see... when the FLEX bats, she is taking the place of the DP, right?

Ga ga ga ga ... how can this beeeeee!!!

One of the caveats to the "just a position", right?

Your head coach rolls his eyes because there is this exception when DP plays defense for FLEX.

Your unnamed confused masses go ga ga when the FLEX bats for DP! How can this be? Oh, the confusion, the complexity, the chaos!



BTW, apparently unlike some umpires who self-describe themselves as reveling in complexity, I am pointing out how the complex reputation attached to DP/FLEX is for the most part unwarranted.

Resist the tendency to roll the eyes and go ga ga and just remember the routine rules about lineups, substitutions, batting order, and defensive position swaps.

Then, pay attention when DP goes in for FLEX on defense and FLEX bats for DP. You'll have it knocked.