My first post back.

[Andy]

I am of the belief that ANY type of move to avoid being hit by the pitch qualifies as an attempt, and that includes freezing in the batter's box.

As the players get a little older, they get a little more craftier about sticking a knee or elbow out there on an inside pitch in an attempt to get on base. At the younger levels, my experience is that the players are still somewhat "scared" of being hit and will do whatever they can to avoid an errant pitch.

I, too, like the NCAA change this year. One of my mentors gave me this perspective several years ago.

Why do we require the batter to "make an attempt" to avoid a pitched ball that is not where it is supposed to be in the first place? In essance, the offense has to make up for the defense's mistake in order to be rewarded.