F2 Obstruction

[ricka56]

Its gonna be awhile for F2s and PUs to adjust to how MLB wants this play called.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/27334974/v32228617/

 

FWIW, I think this is a good IR review call. If they want to reduce concussion/collisions, they can't let F2 block the plate like this anymore. If F2 wasn't there, R1 might have gotten to the plate in time (unknown). And if its a toss-up, like in ths play, you have to give the benefit of the doubt to the offense.

 

Has there yet been a F2 obstruction call that hadn't needed IR review to call ?

[maven]

The ball arrived before the runner. Legal play.
 

Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the Umpire, the catcher, without possession of the ball, blocks the pathway of the runner, the Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe.

[acpar72]

They called him safe? 

[ricka56]

If R has to adjust his route because F2 is blocking access before the ball arrives, then that is obstruction. I think that is what they saw on replay. A real nut-cutter. 

[SteveJ]

I worked a college scrimmage with a AAA umpire who also works MLB as a vacation/replacement official.  He asked me and the other 2 guys about how we called this type of play in high school/college. I think that it's going to take a while before the MLB guys become comfortable calling the new rule (assuming it stays around).

[scrounge]

Wow, I'm not sure that's even obstruction in HS. Sure looks like a lot of plate is open and unobstructed.

[johnnyg08]

I worked a college scrimmage with a AAA umpire who also works MLB as a vacation/replacement official.  He asked me and the other 2 guys about how we called this type of play in high school/college. I think that it's going to take a while before the MLB guys become comfortable calling the new rule (assuming it stays around).

They get the benefit of replay. I don't think it'll be a big issue w/ them.

[maven]

Here's the review and the overturn.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v32217919/?game_pk=380800

 

F2's back foot blocked the runner's front foot off its path before F2 possessed the ball. Didn't see that first time around.

[Thunderheads]

I've seen this NOT reversed when they've looked at replay in worse cases than this one (blocking) ..........seemed to be a decent path to me