DEFO/DP/Flex explanation

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

I would say the vast majority of coaches who use the DP/FLEX use it simply as a DH provision. Basically, Suzie is batting for Katie. That is almost the extent of their knowledge of the DP/FLEX.

And you would be wrong if you said that. The vast majority of the coaches I see - high school, college, and beyond understand the DP/Flex very well.

Originally Posted by David Emerling

I don't think there are a lot of coaches out there looking for loopholes. And those that ARE looking for "loopholes" are only doing so because the rule is so incredibly convoluted it is practically crying out to be used to one's advantage.

Again, you would be wrong. Coaches are looking to win. It is the coach's job to look for opportunities they can take advantage of - and that's what a loophole is.

As to coaches hoping to take advantage of officials who have not taken the time to learn what they need to know - yeah, they do that. We've got enough so-called umpires around who don't bother to open a book for years and see no reason to attend a clinic or learn anything different that what they learned x-number of years ago.

David, Your opinions in the game of baseball are pretty solid and, rightfully, respected. That's a different game in a number of ways. Your opinions about the game of softball are looked at through the eyes of a baseball umpire. So, rightfully so, they are not worthy of a whole lot of respect. That's a big reason why I say very little anymore on the baseball side.