Altered Bat? You make this call (or do you?).

[nc452010]

The league doesn't want to (and doesn't) make arrangements for umpires to confiscate bats (for testing). So.....IF you (the umpire) remove a bat from play (claiming it's shaved), you're doing so on your observation, ONLY.

What rule do you cite for removing the bat in that instance? Let's assume your heart's in the right place....and you cite "safety". Can you REALLY do that? Under what rule? Why couldn't you remove a fantastic hitter from the game, citing the same rule??? What's the difference?

I think the umpire in question (who is a friend of mine....and a VERY good umpire) opened up a HUGE can of worms.