On-deck batter and blocked Ball or live Ball?

[rwest]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

No, because they are justified in being in that part of the field. However, it's still their responsibility to avoid hindering the defense.

However, it sounds like they are involved in the game at that point. Maybe its just schematics, but I interpret the ODB to not be involved in the game when they are in the ODC, but involved when they leave it to direct a runner. The results are the same. If they are involved they can't hinder the defense but they do have some protection. A bad throw by the defense that hits them and in no way hinders is a live ball. Had that same throw hit them while they were in the ODC, then we have a blocked ball.