Are baseball players or lawyers coming up with MLB rules?
The
league announced yesterday they will implement a ban on egregious home-plate collisions in what lines up to be a one-year experiment for the 2014 season -- including language that allows for use of the new video-review system on the plays as well. Simple enough, right? Better get your red ink pen and find some blank space in your rule book.
The new rule, 7.13, declares: Quote:
| "...a runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate)." |
So essentially, catchers are still allowed to block the plate if they have the ball or are in the act of fielding a ball that carries them into the path of the runner -- but, runners also have limits:
Quote:
| "...the failure by the runner to make an effort to touch the plate, the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in violation." |
Oh, and get this. The plays will be subject to review under the MLB's new replay system.
Sound Off: Do you agree with the MLB's new ruling that limits home-plate collisions?
Sports Headlines for February 25, 2014