WilsonFlyer

I really gotta start reading closer around here. I thought 1 AND 2 were both referring to R1, thus the confusion in response to question 2. Sorry for MY confusion. I think I'll return to just reading instead of replying.

Well the other guys (I think) are saying he's not out, so my argument is with them. I can't figure out how they're rationalizing it based on one of the exceptions. A good read. http://umpirebible.com/index.php/rules-base-running/runner-touched-by-live-ball

I can't envision why he's not out. Apparently I'm missing something in the interpretation but that's on me, not you guys. I fail to see any of the defined exceptions here the way I envision what you're calling a "shift." To me, a "shift" has always been a infielder moving left and right but continuing to follow the "diamond" that is directly behind or in front of the 90 degree basepath. To me, your description puts F4 behind 2B or just to the 3B side of 2B towards where the SS normally plays yet still behind the bag. The ball hit him. He's out. Dead ball. BR gets 1 and in your scenario, any other runner would return to TOP.

I'm confused. Maybe because the description isn't clear to me. In "1)," are we assuming the runner is behind F4? Based on what? "Playing a few feet towards third base?" In what direction? Apparently so?

It is whatever he ultimately tells you it is and he has a teaching moment.

Why was anybody forced once the line drive was caught (OP), assuming it was in the air, of course? R1 wasn't forced anywhere, unless he tagged up at 1B and went for second and even then, he'd have to be tagged. I obviously missed something. Y'all lost me. (Never mind. NOT caught would be the key here. )

There's a question in there somewhere. I guess.

Are you sure the count was 3-2? OP said it was 2-2 and that matters if he called it a ball.

IMO, the runner is more likely to catch a pitcher (an untrained pitcher) off-guard in this situation and draw a balk. Aside from a safe call at the plate or a hit, this is about the only good outcome a coach could expect from trying this. Not a very high percentage play at most upper levels where balks are called, again; IMO.

This doesn't answer your question but in addition to, people have asked me for years why I don't do "weekend ball." This is why.

He's right up top ya know.

Wow. Judgemental much? That's pretty harsh. Tough call in a tough situation. Easy to watch it all in replay and slow motion and see the error. Not so much in real time. Casting the first stone kinda thing.

I doubt these guys will end up on the Braves' coach's Christmas card list.

And EXACTLY why I don't do "weekend/pay to play" baseball.

My bad. Read too much between the lines.