obstruction Fed vs ASA

[ronald]

I agree with determining obstruction that way but am wondering what ASA is thinking with the following from RS 36, page 125, 2009 Rule Book.

"If a defensive player is blocking the base or base path without the ball, they are impeding the progress of the runner and this is obstruction."

It affirms this after stating what obstruction is a) not in possession of fielding of the ball and b) which impedes the progress of BR or runner legally running the bases.

Of course if the runner is 10-60 feet away, I would have a hard time with ruling obstruction but at what point does the mere fact of being in the base line impede the progress as ASA states. This as written seems to take out umpire's judgment as to whether the runner deviated his/her path, slowed up or hesitated as a play became imminent and a fielder is in base path without possession of the ball. This says if it happens, the runner has been impeded absence any indication that we often associate with hindrance or being impeded.

Comments? Thoughts?

Thanks