Story by
New MLB rule enforcement will ensure base coaches stay in coach’s box
- Story by
- New MLB rule enforcement will ensure base coaches stay in coach’s box
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a little-publicized step taken two weeks ago by Major League Baseball owners, first base and third base coaches will this season be required to remain in their respective coaches box – or be subject to ejection.
The enhanced enforcement was voted on during the quarterly owners' meetings in Florida. Reportedly, the decision was made in response to allegations last season that some organizations were using their base coaches to detect pitch tipping and other competitive advantages while moving around and outside their specific position.
Advertisement
"It doesn't really change anything for me," said Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson. "I'm going to have to start in a different position at times because, especially with (a baserunner) at second base, I usually get pretty far down the (base)line and pretty deep. I can still get deep, but I can't get too far down the line. I've got to stay within that box, obviously, and then I can kind of move after the play.
"So that's going to be a little bit of an adjustment. I've been feeling it out out here and messing around with it. It shouldn't be too bad (of an adjustment). It's what they're doing across the league. It is what it is."
Under the measure adapt earlier this month, base coaches will be required to remain within the parameters of the coach's box while the pitcher is on the rubber.
In recent years, some coaches, Hudson included, would edge closer to the plate in anticipation of better judging where a baserunner is in his relation to a fielder and the runner's chances of scoring. Under the new guidance, coaches will only be allowed to move out of the box once the ball is thrown.
Advertisement
The change comes as teams are increasingly vigilant about guarding against uniformed personnel — in the dugout or on the field — detecting positioning and other clues to try to determine what pitches are coming.
Coaches will also not be allowed to get close to a baserunner to convey information if the pitcher is setting up on the rubber. The coach must be positioned in the box once the pitcher is getting set.
"I think the space from the actual base and the foul line and where the box is at, I think that will be an adjustment," conceded Hudson. "I do like to get up close and be with the runner so I can be in their ear a lot of times. And having to be back in the box when the pitcher toes the rubber, it's going to be a little bit of an adjustment for me.
"We've had to do that a little in the past couple of years. One time in Toronto , they made is stay in the box. It's not like it's something totally new. But it's definitely going to be an adjustment. The information that I'm giving the baserunner is going to have to happen a little bit quicker so I can get back to the box, for sure."
Advertisement
Coaches will be warned for first violations, then subjected to possible ejection for additional violations.
"I think there's going to be some leniency," said Hudson. "If a guy is just trying to give information and he's working himself back (to the box), the umpire can use his discretion. I think they're going to use their common sense."
More Red Sox coverage
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
