New ASA Mechanic for 2008

[BHBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

First I've heard of this. Sounds like someone thinks they had a great idea and convinced the staff it was worth instituting. If this is a NCAA mechanic, I can understand why it was approved.

But, I'm with you. May I note that on many fields, even in championship play, there is no additional room to conduct routine business or to avoid an errant warm up pitch or be struck by a bat in the hands of the lead-off batter swinging it while approaching and watching the pitches.

I cannot think of a valid reason to support such a change.

Not sure why ASA would pick this mechanic to adopt, but I can say that I have never been in fear of being hit by a errant warm-up pitch while on either base line extended and 8-10' from the plate. Secondly, I am facing the team coming to bat and can't see how the lead-off batter could come up and hit me while I'm watching her. Besides, I don't allow hitters to approach the plate between innings.