28 replies to this topic

[Oriole85]

ESPN: Ban on plate collisions seen as likely

 

http://espn.go.com/m...m-officials-say

[Russ]

It's just common sense.

[Oriole85]

It's just common sense.

I don't like it, but it's probably inevitable.

[Russ]

It's just common sense.

I don't like it, but it's probably inevitable.

What's your argument for keeping them?

[Oriole85]

What's your argument for keeping them?

I don't think I'm changing anyone's opinion so I don't feel like arguing my point too much. I think it's a very exciting play.

[Russ]

What's your argument for keeping them?

I don't think I'm changing anyone's opinion so I don't feel like arguing my point too much. I think it's a very exciting play.

Okay. Just wondering.

[Oriole85]

Okay. Just wondering.

Sometimes I avoid stating my opinion when I know it's going to be a protracted debate that isn't going anywhere. On this one, I think you're either for or against the rule changes, not too much gray area. I'd like to see some numbers though on how injury prone the play is. It might change my play somewhat.

[Russ]

Okay. Just wondering.

Sometimes I avoid stating my opinion when I know it's going to be a protracted debate that isn't going anywhere. On this one, I think you're either for or against the rule changes, not too much gray area. I'd like to see some numbers though on how injury prone the play is. It might change my play somewhat.

I really wasn't interested in a debate either. Just wanted to know why you wanted it kept. I'm a satisfied man.

[Markus]

So, how long before they put that 2nd, orange base down at 1st for the runner to touch/run through?

[BSLChrisStoner]

So, how long before they put that 2nd, orange base down at 1st for the runner to touch/run through?

 

Ghost runners.

[SportsGuy]

It's part of the game.

Does it need to be part of the game? Probably not but banning them is dumb to me.

[BobPhelan]

So, how long before they put that 2nd, orange base down at 1st for the runner to touch/run through?

No leads, can only go when the ball crosses the plate.

[Russ]

So, how long before they put that 2nd, orange base down at 1st for the runner to touch/run through?

No leads, can only go when the ball crosses the plate.

Everybody plays! Even Felix Pie.

[DJ MC]

I saw a good point made, either by Rob Neyer or by a commenter on his site. He said that plays at the plate are among the most exciting in baseball, because they involve quick decisions made by coaches and runners, a great throw by a fielder, a great play by a catcher, and the runner attempting to get to the plate before the tag.

 

However, he said that collisions are not that exciting, because usually they involve a major mistake by the runner or coach which leads to a last-resort attempt to dislodge the ball from a fielder who has position.

[SammyBirdland]

I've never really understood why that catcher is allowed to block the plate, but other basemen can't block their bag.

[DJ MC]

I've never really understood why that catcher is allowed to block the plate, but other basemen can't block their bag.

 

Fielders ARE allowed to block the base...as long as they have the ball. If they don't have possession, they have to leave an open path to the bag (usually they just block some of the bag with part of their foot or knee). Catchers have often fully blocked the plate while waiting for a throw, but after some high-profile injuries, like Posey a couple years ago, that has mostly solved itself.

 

This is the other side of the coin; the catcher has the ball and is set up to make the tag, and the runner just bowls him over.

[Oriole85]

ESPN: Pete Rose: Collisions 'natural' plays

 

http://espn.go.com/m...ions-home-plate

 

"You can't eliminate that. If the catcher blocks the plate, that's what is going to happen," Rose said. "In the case with myself and Ray Fosse, he had the plate blocked. I started to slide head-first. And if I slide, I'm going to break both collar bones."

 

"And to be honest with you, he was breaking the rules because I think the rule book says you can't block the plate if you don't have the ball," Rose said.

[Mackus]

I like seeing close plays with collisions at the plate, but won't enjoy baseball any less if they get rid of them for safety reasons.  I think Pro and maybe college are the only levels you can run over the catch like that anyways.  Youth and HS you have to either slide or avoid contact.

[Sangar]

Hey, even football has made rule changes to stop unprotected players from having their bolts loosened. 

[mweb08]

It's part of the game.


Does it need to be part of the game? Probably not but banning them is dumb to me.

Sure, but if it had never been a part of the game and someone proposed the idea now, it would seem much dumber IMO.