Quote:
Originally Posted by alnorth
We should also note that there's one situation where the old rules still apply. If the catcher set up properly giving the runner part of the plate, but the throw home forces him to step in the runner's path to field the ball and in the umpire's judgment the catcher had to go there to catch the ball, then its game on, the runner can try to wreck the catcher and knock the ball loose, and no one would be penalised for blocking the plate or for running into the catcher.
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I didn't read the extended version of the new rule, but I read the abridged version to say that the runner is not forbidden to blow up the catcher unless he deviates from the direct path to home base.
With the new rule, I think that it's still in a catcher's best interest to block the plate straight-on if he's intent on making an out. If he stands off to one side of the line or the other, it becomes much easier for the runner to slide around him on the other side (which he's still allowed to do, I think).
If I'm correct on that, we should still see plenty of physical clashes at home, for better or for worse.