I'm a bit upset as a Doosan fan.
The 3-foot out call was not unfair. We made some shortcomings in our play, so that's understandable. It's not about fighting at all.
Why isn't the umpire criticized? Why wasn't a four-umpire system used? Those are also issues with the rules.
But there is no line drawn between second and third base, and there is no mention that the grass is the standard. It simply states that it is judged by the umpire's discretion. They draw a virtual line between the bases and gauge 3 feet on each side. The rule states that if a fielder tags a runner "outside of 3 feet from the virtual line," it is considered a 3-foot violation. The runner's position at any other time besides being tagged doesn't matter, nor is it subject to the 3-foot judgment.
Usually, when you see a second baseman running, they rush towards home plate by making a wide turn from second base and tagging third base. Naturally, the play takes place outside of 3 feet.
However, in Jeong Soo-bin's case yesterday, the third baseman caught the ball far outside of 3 feet and then moved towards the runner to tag him. Jeong Soo-bin had been running straight from the inside before that and twisted his upper body to avoid the tag. At this point, he was clearly within 3 feet. Moreover, he remained on the inside for several steps after dodging.
According to the rules, it wasn't a 3-foot out.
After avoiding the tag, he took a few more strides with one foot on the grass and then the other. There is no basis for claiming that the grass line is the 3-foot boundary. It's said to be the umpire's discretion, but compared to the baseline between home and first base, the grass boundary between second and third base appears narrower. They say there's a 3-foot line somewhere on the grass.
This rule was originally intended to prevent runners, especially between home and first base, from excessively deviating and interfering with the defense or preventing injuries. It wasn't meant to be applied so strictly at other bases.
I wish they would improve the 3-foot rule more clearly.
I wanted to beat LG this year... but it's still a long way off. I guess I'll try again in two years.
