Rules question

[Rockin Robin]

If a ball is hit foul into the stands, it's no big deal.

If a ball is grounded foul, it's no big deal.

If a fly ball drops into foul territory, it's no big deal.

So why is it an error if a player goes for the ball but can't quite make it???? I guess if it actually hits his glove, yes it could sorta kinda be considered an error I guess, but if he doesn't even make contact?? It doesn't make sense to me. Who can 'splain??

[RockieBill]

I'm presuming you're talking about David Hands of Stone Wright's misplay of Thome's foul during that 5-run 4th inning yesterday. Did Wright attend Todd Zeile's Gold Glove School of Hot Corner Hustle and Fielding? (J/K there, Mets fans!) This was a call by the official scorer - your home town score keeper, I might add.

It went down in the box score like this:

E - David Wright (14, dropped foul ball)

Even though Thome eventually struck out, he got two more hacks at the ball (with the bases loaded!) because Wright muffed the foul ball.


From the Official Rules:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp

ERRORS

10.13

An error shall be charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or wild throw) which prolongs the time at bat of a batter or which prolongs the life of a runner, or which permits a runner to advance one or more bases.

NOTE (1) Slow handling of the ball which does not involve mechanical misplay shall not be construed as an error.

NOTE (2) It is not necessary that the fielder touch the ball to be charged with an error. If a ground ball goes through a fielder's legs or a pop fly falls untouched and in the scorer's judgment the fielder could have handled the ball with ordinary effort, an error shall be charged.

NOTE (3) Mental mistakes or misjudgments are not to be scored as errors unless specifically covered in the rules. (a) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he muffs a foul fly, to prolong the time at bat of a batter whether the batter subsequently reaches first base or is put out.

[Baseball Guru]

Wright is a mystery to me as 1 day he can make the most amazing play (ala: diving his whole body into the stands to make a play) and the next day he misses a fairly easy play in foul territory.. Plus he makes so many silly errors on routine ground balls I wonder if it is a mental thing....

Good call IMO on last nights call.. He should have made the play...

[RockieBill]

I've only seen him play a couple of times, so I shouldn't be poking fun at him - that's a lot of errors, though, and I immediately thought of Zeile.

He seems to be hitting well, though - a good bat can forgive an error or two.

[Rockin Robin]

Actually it wasn't even the first time I've seen it happen, but it was Wright's play that made me pose the question. Thanks for the clarification.


Yes Wright sometimes has fielding problems, but I'm being patient with him. He's still green. Don't you worry, James, I'm sure he has a Gold Glove in his future. :) And I think he may just be my future all time favorite player. :D

[Baseball Guru]

I'm not sure if he will ever be a GG'er but I do agree he will improve and he may end up being one of my favorites as well.. He is fun to watch at the plate...