Rule Definition

[Southpaw Slim]

Since rules can be vague and situational at times, I can't help but notice that this is the perfect place to debate over specific rules. Does anyone think it important enough to dedicate a topic to it?

[Baseball=Life]

For instance, today I was thinking......

When we have catchers on each team, should bunting be allowed?

Currently any ball that stops within 3 feet of home plate (even when fair) is called foul. Should these batted balls be considered fair?

[Southpaw Slim]

In concept, it sounds good. But the only way to really know is to try it out for a couple of games. The basepaths are so short it may not be of any benefit, or it could make for a 40-39 game. Who knows?

[Cuong]

yea, the bases are really short, but it doens't really matter....maybe we should have our own pitchers to make it more competitive..

[Southpaw Slim]

I'm not too sure about letting the defending team pitch. Visions of baseballs rapidly approaching my face come to mind. Besides, the game is fun because everyone gets to hit. If we had to face real pitching, we might as well join a league... which is where this looks to be headed BTW.

[Cuong]

i mean not throw fastballs and stuff, at least the picthers are not trying to let them score as often as they do like own team pitching...

[Rich B.]

I think if there's an opposing team pitcher it'll start out okay, but as the game goes on it can become more and more competitive which would probably result in fastballs getting faster and more out of control.

I'm still for having same-team pitching.

[Baseball=Life]

I agree it would be hard to contain pitchers. Either you try to get someone out or you try to let them hit, very little gray area. As game situations warrented it, the pitchers would give batters less and less to hit.

Plus, this brings up the issue of called strikes. And the only place called strikes can be called from (besides behind the catcher) is behind the pitcher, by a dedicated ump.

So for several reasons, we should continue to pitch to our own team. I think that having games more often or organized into teams with schedules would make the turnout more managable.

I take it that no one disagrees that balls hit less than 3' from home plate in fair territory should be fair & playable when there are catchers on both teams.

[Cuong]

Aye, I guess scott made a great point...so i guess pitch to thier won teams, but i the idea of making teams to play everyweek...

[retep]

I think the current system of teams and pitching is fine. And the basepaths are way too short for bunts.

[TheLegend]

I think bunting should be allowed. It would make the catcher position more interesting...

and keep the defensive pitcher honest (he really shouldn't be playing out near 2b)

[retep]

Yeah, I guess that could work. it'd give me more work down at 1B as well

[Southpaw Slim]

and keep the defensive pitcher honest (he really shouldn't be playing out near 2b)

Absolutely. Since when did the pitcher start playing SS?

[Baseball=Life]

The MLB rule is actually that infielders can play anywhere between the fair lines (except the catcher, who must be in foul territory). The outfielders, however, must remain on the grass, ie there cannot be an additional infielder.

But at DeFremery, our pitchers are defensive only, so they can move away from the pitching rubber. I agree that this should be limited, to say within 12' of the person actually pitching. How does this range for the defensive pitcher sound? I can't really picture whether that would put them in the SS/2B range.

[retep]

hard to say... it's hard for them to play right up close.. it can be dangerous, and then you can't be very close to the pitching-pitcher either, since he can block your view, or obstuct him in another way.