pete@umcp-cs.UUCP (Pete Cottrell) (02/16/85)
Ok, here is a question concerning substitutions. I think it is legal, but
I'd like to know for sure. Scenario: 2 outs, pitcher (batting ninth) coming
up to bat. Manager pinch-hits for pitcher, pinch-hitter makes 3rd out. Then
manager makes a defensive substitution for the #1 batter, but puts
the new fielder in the 9th slot, and the new pitcher in the 1st slot. Next
inning, the #1 batter is to bat (new pitcher), but manager pinch-hits for him.
So, the manager gets a pinch-hitter in 2 consecutive innings. The scenario
is a very possible occurrence in a close game in the late innings, where the
defensive substitute is a weak batsman; by tucking him away low in the lineup,
you get good defense and a fairly decent atbat from the pinch-hitter, while
probably not having to risk the sub batting (because it is late innings). Of
course, a penalty is that you have to go thru a few pitchers.
As I said, I think it is legal, since I have seen times when thru substitutions
the pitcher ends up batting in a position other than ninth (not to say that
there is any rule that says the pitcher has to bat ninth!!). On second thought,
this sort of lineup change may only be permissible when the 1st pinch-hitter
stays in the game as the defensive substitute for the #1 hitter; he is then
constrained to bat in the #9 slot, and then the new pitcher has to take what
is freed by the substitution (#1 slot). Sufficiently confused? Now I am too.
I haven't found anything in the rule book dealing with this (I have an old
set; I'm not sure how complete they are). Anyone knowing the correct answer
please respond, and cite chapter and verse if possible. Those who don't know
can always opine ;-) .
--
Call-Me: Pete Cottrell, Univ. of Md. Comp. Sci. Dept.
UUCP: {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!pete
CSNet: pete@umcp-cs
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