OT Red Sox/Tigers and Cardinals/Dodgers

[GoldenAge50s]

I understand the obstruction rule, but one simple question remains--What is the player (Middlebrooks) supposed to do?---suddenly become invisable?

The call was correct for the rule as written, but it is a Bull---t rule!

---and before anyone says Will tripped him by raising his legs, the runner tripped his own self up on Will's back/butt, not on his legs.

No game should be decided like that, no matter who you root for! The rule definitely needs to be rewritten immediately!

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by GoldenAge50s

I understand the obstruction rule, but one simple question remains--What is the player (Middlebrooks) supposed to do?---suddenly become invisable?

The call was correct for the rule as written, but it is a Bull---t rule!

---and before anyone says Will tripped him by raising his legs, the runner tripped his own self up on Will's back/butt, not on his legs.

No game should be decided like that, no matter who you root for! The rule definitely needs to be rewritten immediately!

Doesn't matter. Craig has a right to the base and base paths and as long as he is within those lines then the responsibility is on the fielder.

[GoldenAge50s]

Doesn't matter. Craig has a right to the base and base paths and as long as he is within those lines then the responsibility is on the fielder.

All well & good, but Middlebrooks was flat on the ground w/ the runner basically on top of him---he can't roll away, he can't get up & he certainly can't suddenly become "the invisable man" now, can he?

There is no common sense being applied in allowing what happened, to happen!

[mattsey9]

I despise the Cardinals with every fiber of my being, but the call was correct. Buzzard's Luck for Middlebrooks but the rule is the rule. If they don't apply it then it isn't fair to the Cardinals.

I'd love to know what the Cardinals brass have been sacrificing at their Satanic altar beneath their stadium all these years. I'd send some to Chicago...

[gabrinus]

secret

[soxinseven]

Does anyone know if the runner has to touch home plate in that situation? I don't believe Craig did. I know he's awarded home plate on the obstruction call, but isn't it just like a walk off where he needs to make contact with the plate? Just curious.

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by soxinseven

Does anyone know if the runner has to touch home plate in that situation? I don't believe Craig did. I know he's awarded home plate on the obstruction call, but isn't it just like a walk off where he needs to make contact with the plate? Just curious.

I don't know the specific rule but his right foot did graze the plate.

[ALR-bishop]

Originally Posted by mattsey9

I despise the Cardinals with every fiber of my being, but the call was correct. Buzzard's Luck for Middlebrooks but the rule is the rule. If they don't apply it then it isn't fair to the Cardinals.

I'd love to know what the Cardinals brass have been sacrificing at their Satanic altar beneath their stadium all these years. I'd send some to Chicago...

Squirrels

[David W]

I am pretty sure Middlebrooks threw his legs up on purpose.

And why not, he had nothing to lose, as Craig scores easily if he doesn't try to do something.

[johnmh71]

How about actually calling the alleged obstruction when it takes place instead of after the runner is thrown out at home? They have only played three games and the umpiring of DeMuth has to seriously be questioned.

[ctownboy]

Fredyoung,

Sucks for you as a Red Sox fan HOWEVER if the rule isn't written like it is then what is to keep Middlebrooks from sticking his leg out and tripping Craig once Middlebrooks sees that the ball is down in the bull pen and Craig is going to easily score the winning run?

Face it, if Middlebrooks does what he did then interference is going to be called and the Cardinals win the game. If Middlebrooks lays on the ground motionless, Craig steps over him and runs unimpeded to home plate and the Cardinals win the game.

David

[Iron Horse]

The rule needs to read: In a case like this the runner is safe and returns to the original base (in this case 3rd). Only if the umpires rule there was intent then the runner is awarded the next base even if thrown out.
Just my thought. I am neither a Red Sox nor Cardinals fan, but to end a World Series game like this?

[ctownboy]

Iron horse,

On fangraphs, they posted a pole about this play and used rule 7.whatever as the guide. However, that is the wrong rule to use. On the MLB network, they showed the umpires' interview and also Joe Torre from the Commish's office. They used rule 2.whatever which deals with interference calls. Rule 7.whatever only deals with what should happen after interference has been called. Two different rules addressing two different things.

David