Properly noting a "benched" defensive player
 

As the start of the game (pregame), if a coach wants to defensively bench someone other than his DP, how should it be properly noted?


Order Position
1....... 6
2.........7
3........ 8
4........5
5........4
6 ........Not playing defense
7........3
8........DP/2
9........ 9
10........Flex/1


I've heard "10", I personally think leaving it blank is fine.

Is there a by the book way to do it?

This coach wants his flex tied to his catcher, not to the batter in the #6 spot and that is his strategy.

Wade,
There's a couple of ways you might want to note this.
"B", for BENCH as the defensive position - I thought this was a pretty "SLICK" idea. Or, you might note "HO" for hitter only. Either way, you have noted what you ought to note.

The DP and Flex can play defense together at any time. Doesn't have to be reported to umpire does it? Why do you even want to denote a "benched" player that is still in the lineup? Never heard of this creature :confused:

Defensive position changes must be reported in NCAA; to do that effectively, you need to mark it on your lineup.

I use 'B'; my teaching method is defensive bench. If DP or FLEX is out, dropping to 9, I use an 'X'.

As the other Steve said, only NCAA requires positions on the line up card. So in a game other than NCAA, why keep position changes, other than the pitcher and catcher of record, as they could have courtesy runners.

Even in NCAA where positions are required, there is only a penalty if someone is listed in the wrong position and makes a play. Therefore, you could have two players listed in F8.

The reason why the coach is asking is because so many umpires dont know the #$%$#$ rule that he gets grief at pregame and was asking me the best way to do it. He also said a UIC told him to put "10" there, which I dont agree with. I told him just leave it blank but I was just checking some other thoughts. Since this thread I told him to leave it blank and let the umpire put whatever they want there.

I went backand reread the entire thread, and realized that we skipped over something, here. What is shown really isn't legal as a starting lineup.

To be legit, the coach needs to turn position 6 as his catcher (2), and position 8 as his DP; period. As soon as the lineup is accepted as official, he then announces that his DP will be playing catcher. Let the PU then mark whatever (or not).

In that case, as I said, I would note #8 now at 2, and #6 now at B. But I wouldn't take the starting linup that way (not sure I can't, just wouldn't).

I kinda had that on my mind as well, if we were to require a dog and pony show line up and then a change.

Reading that, that might be most legal. Have the 6 slot as F2, after it official, put the flex in at f2..

Youre right, thats the best way to do it. In reviewing Rule 4 and considering eveyrthing and for the least grief for this coach from umpires, that would be the best way to do it and also it would be fully compliant with the letter of every single rule.

Thanks!
C

Wouldn't this have implications for the CR rule? I don't have my book at work but doesn't it say that in the top of the first the catcher is the player listed at that the position in the starting lineup. So I'm thinking until the DP has actually caught, no CR?
________
condos in Pattaya

Nobody noticed this yet? I'm disappointed...:p

Hope the coach doesn't get a good look at your lineup card...:D

If the DP is put in as F2 at the plate conference they they are the catcher of record, thus eligible for a CR in the top of the first if they make their way on base. Again a reason to keep track of the DP's activity on defense!

Yes I noticed I was thinking if you needed to talk to that player you could just say " Hay HO" but that might land you into some hot water....best to just make defensive changes as you would offensive player subs. Make out the position and write in the new one....for the player going to the bench they have their original position marked out with no new postion listed they must be riding the pine.

Agree with original lineup must show starting positions.
And, tracking DP on defense for whom is needed to figure possible BOO and ensure less confusion about FLEX status.
Also, having coaches report all changes is less likely to have something actually need be unreported. I tell them there are 9 things they can do and I need to know 8 of them, so report all.