So, I have never thought about the rule much. Whenever I hear guys argue one way or the other, I never much gave a shit. In one ear and out the other. I've always liked the Belichick way. My guess is that he thinks "leverage" is bullshit. Or whatever. But bottom line, he makes his suggestions once a year to the rules committee and after that he coaches 'em up according to the rules. Just call it consistently. Make sure the players know what is allowed.
But, because of this controversy, I decided tonight to have an opinion. I mean what the fuck? Gary Sheffield has one, so why not.
So, I said, self, forget everything. Don't worry about what is "soft" or how it's always been, and even forget that you love the shit out of Pedro who seems to feel strongly. Just ask yourself, what is a good rule? I decided I still don't care very much. But then it occurred to me, why the fuck should you be able to physically block someone from scoring? It's a game about speed and throwing and catching with bases in this amazing pattern at a perfect distance apart that seems to have been impervious to change no matter how big or fast the players get.
Putting old time Ty Cobb Eddie Shore stuff to the side, like when did it ever become a thing anyway that you could like just block a guy from getting to the base even if he is faster than the throw? That's like football. It's totally not consistent with what baseball is.
Like, it's one of those things -- and there are probably millions -- where I got to be an old man without ever actually contemplating and instead just accepting "oh, well, that's just the way it is." It's fucking dumb. We're gonna let someone physically prevent you from scoring even though you would have? Why is that ok? If they said you could push a guy off the bag and tag him it wouldn't be any different. I never would have endorsed that if I had been consulted with or without concerns about concussions.
I know people feel strongly, but I really tried to have an open mind. I think I did a good job, and I've decided I don't get it.