Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
And yes, the Braves play was absolutely an IFF call even though it was in the OF grass because Kozma (an IFer) had settled under the ball and could've let it drop, then fired to 3rd for one and back over to 2b for two.
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The rule also states "ordinary effort." Kozma was probably 100 feet from his position and the only time he really "settled" under anything was at the exact moment he peeled off of the play and let the ball drop as it landed another 10 feet behind him.
Even if he intentionally let the ball drop in front of him there's no way a double play is made as he was so deep in the outfield both runners were taking leads on the play. The runner on 2nd was 20 feet off the bag when Kozma was "settling under the ball."
How far would you say that ball would need to travel from where it dropped to 3B and then to 2B? 300 feet, give or take? Even if they are throwing the ball 90mph with picture perfect placement on the throw and record speed on transfers, it's mathematically impossible to get that ball to 2B before an even below average MLB runner, that's at least 1/3 of the way to 2B, could get there. The throw would get there at least 1 second late. And in terms of throwing a baseball 90mph 90 feet, 1 second means the 3B hasnt even released the ball yet.