Players are just gonna have adjust, the deep breakup the double play slide is illegal. It's not that complicated. You have to slide normally.
When the fielder is not touched and has no intent of even trying turn a DP, a DP should not be awarded. I could understand if the slide beyond the base influences a fielder's decision to turner not turn the DP, but in no way, shape or form, did Rasmus interfere with a DP attempt OR attempt to take out the fielder.
For Rasmus to have been safe, he would have had to stay in contact with the base which would have negated an illegal slide.
Adam Everett and Eric Bruntlett are turning over in their graves... the authors of the greatest double-play in Astros history now wouldn't even have to have attempted a throw!
Rough week of Houston Sports...but there were some bright spots...White, Devinsky with 3 solid innings and the bats woke up at the end of the game...hopefully this carries over into tomorrow
Leave it to the Stros to be the poster child for a new BS rule that before was in place got F'd over so many times in the past.
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Again, weak way to end game but other then a few hitters stinking up the joint at the plate, this team is scoring some runs. The pitching again is not giving the team a chance overall so far. Can't be giving up this many runs.
I somewhat disagree... he wasn't just sliding into 2nd routinely. There was a purpose. However, I agree that the fielder should have to make an attempt to turn it... and/or discretion (or replay) can be used to determine if the batter would have been safe at first regardless.
Valbuena making an out was the difference in the game? Good Lord.....I thought it might have been the Braun HR or Carter HR or Gomez getting picked off or the end of game DP or any number of plays by either team. But no...it was Valbuena making an out against a left handed pitcher.
Another good at bat by Tucker, this guy needs to continue playing. The question is, once Gattis is healthy, IF Tucker continues this hitting, who is our DH????
Obviously, the rule was violated. But I'm in the camp that it's a stupid rule to begin with. I honestly didn't mind when players broke up double plays with hard slides or railroaded the catcher.
I imagine that would be a judgement call. It is just a bad rule. While he may have slid "with a purpose" as Nick wrote, he still did not come close to causing an injury or throw out a hand to try and grab the fielder.
