Krovahn
Playing the Waiting Game
It's a good rule, though I don't always like the way it's currently called.
You can't block any other base without having the ball, so I've always felt it was dumb that at the plate suddenly a catcher can just lay down in front. What I don't like is when a catcher is technically in front of the plate but still gets the ball well before the runner is there and they call it anyway. It should only come into play when the catcher is there before the ball as the runner is making a slide or attempt at the plate.
This one was a little borderline because he was standing slightly in from of the plate but there was still room to slide under him. Still ok with it, though. Again, you can't do that at any other base.
If you want to go back to being able to block but also being able to truck the catcher, fine. But they're never again going to allow that, so you have to have this rule. Otherwise you have a situation where catchers can block and the runner has to try to simply go around. If AJ can't run over him, then he can't be there.
I know where it is coming for and why it is there; I just don't agree that it should be there. It was fine for 100+ years and players, especially catchers knew what they were signing up for. There is danger in the play; but IMO it is one of the most exciting plays in baseball.
It is what it is, though.