DP/Flex question

[David Emerling]

Wait a minute, something just occurred to me with regards to all the DP/FLEX stuff.

This is more of a general question and does not necessarily pertain the original situation as posted.

Let's say there are 10 active players currently in the game. It's the DP's turn to bat. The offensive coach brings a player off the bench to bat for the DP.

Typically, we would expect that the new hitter is now assuming the "position" of DP.

But! What if the manager's REAL intent is that the batter is actually substituting for the FLEX, who is *now* batting for the DP. That would reduce the number of active players to 9.

This would seem have some important ramifications if done in this manner. This would allow this new batter to LATER assume the role of FLEX, since, that is actually how they entered the game ... as FLEX, not a DP.

Example:

Donna is the original DP

Felicity is the original FLEX

It is Donna's turn to bat. The coach sends Patty to the plate and claims that Patty is replacing Felicity as the FLEX *and* that he is now exercising is option for the FLEX to bat for the DP. So, Patty's original entrance into the game was actually that of a FLEX!

So, later in the game, Donna can re-enter into her original spot in the batting order, as the DP, and Patty can also stay in the game as the FLEX. Is this legal?

I think I'm getting a headache.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN