Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightfyre
I think the rule is good. Catcher can't block the plate without the ball. Batter can't demolish the catcher if he has the ball to try and jar it loose. Safer for everyone. The catcher still must have the ball and apply a tag so it's not like it's an automatic out.
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I think the objection is what if the runner makes a mistake and he's gonna be out by a mile? Before, he'd just try to destroy the catcher. Now, the catcher can block the plate and there's no way (barring a crazy Houdini move) to score.
I don't have much sympathy for the runner because if he makes such a bad decision rounding third that the catcher's got the ball with plenty of time to block the plate, then he probably should be tagged out.