Mike Candrea play

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Who has the right of way? The runner. F4 isn't in possession of the ball, fielding a batted ball, nor making a throw, or any protected activity. Unless you are prepared to rule malicious contact, flagrant contact, or an unsporting act, the runner can choose her running path, even to the effect of hindering the unprotected fielder.

At the same time, if you don't rule obstruction, the runner (R1) has made a play on her at 2nd easier for the defense.

Aaahh!!! This is where that judgment-thingy comes into play. IF you judge the runner was running out of their way for the purpose of drawing OBS, they are not being impeded by the defense.

I doubt, however, that such a move would ever be that obvious, much like the Japanese use their F4 to obstruct a runner coming off of 1B. This is something that was noticed (and maybe discussed here) a couple years ago during the World Cup. I believe one of the talking heads (Michelle Smith?) pointed it out. The movement is so slight it is barely noticeable, yet it will force the runner to take an extra step or two to the outside.
It is a calculated risk that they are willing to take to gain a possible advantage.