One of the main oppositions I have heard to any kind of rule change is how do you train umps to make decisions about intent on bang-bang plays.
What I suggest is that questionable plays are reviewed after the game by some committee comprised of people from the league and the players association. If the committee finds the catcher blocked the line without the ball - or attempting to field the ball - the catcher if fined. Similarly, if the committee finds the runner made a play on the catcher when there was an open lane to the plate, the runner if fined.
In this way you don't handcuff the umpires with extra rules about how to make the call, but you you let the players know it's expected they are not unnecessarily causing collisions which might result in serious injuries.
As a Giants' fan, I'll admit I'm still upset about Posey's injury. But as a fan of the game, I hate to see unnecessary contact which could cause injuries. While the plays might be exciting to watch, I don't think it's worth the potential cost for one run - even a winning run. Although it has not happened yet, sooner or later we are going to see a player have a serious neck or spine injury as a result of these collisions.
Furthermore, because of slide and avoid rules at the amateur levels, catchers a no longer having hears of practice with these player before getting to the major leagues.
@Dan: I will agree that Sabean isn't making the situation any better by getting on the radio and turning personal toward Cousins. I only heard the first half of the interview, before the negativity really kicked in, but the comments I read were uncalled for.
What I suggest is that questionable plays are reviewed after the game by some committee comprised of people from the league and the players association. If the committee finds the catcher blocked the line without the ball - or attempting to field the ball - the catcher if fined. Similarly, if the committee finds the runner made a play on the catcher when there was an open lane to the plate, the runner if fined.
In this way you don't handcuff the umpires with extra rules about how to make the call, but you you let the players know it's expected they are not unnecessarily causing collisions which might result in serious injuries.
As a Giants' fan, I'll admit I'm still upset about Posey's injury. But as a fan of the game, I hate to see unnecessary contact which could cause injuries. While the plays might be exciting to watch, I don't think it's worth the potential cost for one run - even a winning run. Although it has not happened yet, sooner or later we are going to see a player have a serious neck or spine injury as a result of these collisions.
Furthermore, because of slide and avoid rules at the amateur levels, catchers a no longer having hears of practice with these player before getting to the major leagues.
@Dan: I will agree that Sabean isn't making the situation any better by getting on the radio and turning personal toward Cousins. I only heard the first half of the interview, before the negativity really kicked in, but the comments I read were uncalled for.