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vs. RAYS, 3/26 (Spring Training) [GAME TWO]

OFFNY

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AdamK Major Leaguer Rising Star

AdamK

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That right there (play at plate) is how we will be playing that this season. Apparently that will be different from other teams. There was an article (or blurb) recently that Buck wants to play home just like Hardy does at second where you let the runner come to you, standing behind the bag and apply the tag in front of it - but letting the runner have a clear path. It will apparently give Matt more time to read the play/bounce too since he won't have to try to swipe tag.

Glad to see it in action.

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AdamK Major Leaguer Rising Star

AdamK

Posted
Posted
That right there (play at plate) is how we will be playing that this season. Apparently that will be different from other teams. There was an article (or blurb) recently that Buck wants to play home just like Hardy does at second where you let the runner come to you, standing behind the bag and apply the tag in front of it - but letting the runner have a clear path. It will apparently give Matt more time to read the play/bounce too since he won't have to try to swipe tag.

Glad to see it in action.

Found MASN article...To read during commercial break.

The Orioles are taking an interesting approach to the rule. They are having their catchers take throws from just behind the plate. In the past, we've seen catcher Matt Wieters often take a throw from just in front of the plate and make a backward sweep tag of a runner. With the new rule in effect this year, that is going to change.

Wieters provided this take on the O's approach to the new rule:

"The way we thought of it is there is no reason why home plate should be any different than second or third," Wieters said. "We feel we have one of the best taggers in the game in our shortstop, J.J. Hardy, so why can't we try and emulate how he tags guys at second. Everyone slides in there and no one gets hurt. Why not try and do something like that at home plate?

"This is what we've implemented and (bench coach John Russell) came up with the idea of having us stand behind the plate and we still can reach and tag anywhere around the plate. As a catcher, it actually gives you more time to read the throw and get a better hop.

"If you catch the ball in plenty of time, you can take a step forward (to block the plate) to make the tag and be sure to get them out. If not, you still have enough reach to tag them from behind the plate on a bang-bang play."

Wieters likes the new rule and admits, without naming anyone specifically, that some players have taken unnecessary shots at him back there before.

"There are guys in the game who you know are going to try and run you over, no matter the situation or the score," Wieters said. "I think that is the main thing with the rule, stopping unnecessary contact at the plate."

But, as Wieters pointed out, there still can be some contact on plays at the plate.

"If you are blocking the plate, the way the rule is now, the runner can still run over you," Wieters said. "This year, you really have to be able to protect yourself as some players are still learning the rules. An injury can happen if a catcher thinks he is not going to get hit and you still can get hit.

"From a player's standpoint, any time you can get more safety in the game, it's welcomed. But at the same time you will have to make an adjustment and figure out a way to where you can play the game at a comfortable level."

There are sure to be some plays at the plate this year that will be tough for umpires to rule on. If there is a collision, did the runner have the chance to avoid the catcher? Did the catcher block the plate at some point before he had the ball?

This rule is experimental and it's clear that baseball officials, in conjunction with the players association, reserve the right to change this rule for the 2015 season. So we'll see how it goes. Wieters, of course, is as curious as anyone.

"We'll see how it is called," he said. "You want consistency and to know, 'I can do this, I can't do this.' Until we have experience with it during the season, we may not have that."

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