BOO and USC

[WestMichiganBlue]

Something that bothers me about the BOO rules is that it creates the potential for unethical conduct from the D-coach to gain an advantage.

Situation: late innings, D-team leads by 1 run; O-team has runners in scoring position with 2 outs. B4 was the last batter, but B6 is now at bat.

From the D-bench you hear from the player keeping the book "Hey coach, that's the wrong batter." You look over to see the D-coach waving her off, telling her to be quiet.

#1 - do you pay any attention to any comments anywhere, anytime, if they are not specifically addressed to you within the rules of the game?

#2 - would you (a) ask the batter if she is the correct batter? (b) Ask the O-coach if the correct batter is up? Or (c) look to the D-bench and say "Do we have a problem, coach?" (Of course he/she says no.)

You let it go, and the batter drills the ball to the fence, scoring two runs. Now the D-coach comes out and appeals BOO. Had the batter stuck out you wouldn't have heard from him, but now the D-coach is going to use the rules to get an out where his players could not.

So what are your feelings? "Too bad, that's the way the game is played?" I don't think that you can deny the appeal, but might you be inclined to give him the out, and then toss him for USC?
WMB