New ASA Mechanic for 2008

[WestMichBlue]

What do you make of this?

2008 Mechanic Changes

Between Innings Mechanics: (All Systems) The plate umpire shall take a position at the 1B baseline extended facing the 1B dugout when that team is coming to bat and the 3B baseline extended facing the 3B dugout when that team is coming to bat.

Comment: Permits the plate umpire to observe the offensive team and removes the umpire from the area near where batters normally warm-up.

I do not understand this. Does baseline extended mean behind home plate? How far? All the way to the backstop? Otherwise, what prevents us from getting hit by a warm-up pitch?

If not, then are we are on the baseline in typical position (1/3 to 1/2 way between home and 1st base). If we are facing into the dugout, what protects our backside from getting hit by a wild throw? And what umpire wants to be standing there staring into the dugout like a policeman? (Or is that required in adult games to stop illegal activities {smoking, drinking, etc})?

Finally, what were we doing that put us near batter's warming up?

Any ASA folks want to respond?

WMB