Pitcher as DP?

[MTR]

Easy.

Using a DP/FLEX, 10 player roster.

Any 9 may play defense at any time.

The first 9 in the line-up must include the DP; the FLEX is always the 10th. The first 9 must bat to remain in the game.

IF the FLEX is used on offense, that player must bat for the DP. The DP has left the game, the line-up is reduced to 9. The DP may re-enter the game in accordance with the rules governing that action.

IF the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX has left the game, the line-up is reduced to 9 and the FLEX may re-enter the game in accordance with the rules governing that action.

It should be noted that "DP" and "FLEX" are positions in the line-up, not a particular player or defensive position.

[Anti-Clone]

In order for a team to use the DP on defense, the defensive team will have to choose between the two following options:

1) Drop the Flex from the game (for the time being) reducing the number of players from 10 to 9. The DP then assumes both offensive and defensive responsibilities.

2) The Flex plays defense for someone other than the DP and that "someone" else only plays offense. Note: The Flex is still restricted to enter the game into the original DP's position. To keep is simpler in the umpire (or coach's) mind, you can consider this "someone" else as a TOP (temporary offensive player). Again, I have moved away from calling her a temporary DP because that term could lead to confusion if the coach attempts to put the Flex into the game.

AC ... You are mistaken ... The DP can play defense for anyone ... The Flex can play defense for anyone ... But if the FLEX bats for the DP the DP has left the game ... If the DP plays defense for the FLEX the FLEX has left the game ... But that is not position by position ... If the FLEX was F1 and the DP comes in at F1, the FLEX can go to F9 and F9 can go sit, no one has left the game ...

We still are not saying inconsistent things. From the question posted, I don't know if the Flex is the pitcher who is trying to enter the game into the DP's spot or if the player listed as the DP is now going to be used as a defensive player.

If the pitcher is the Flex and they want that player to bat, they drop to nine. If the DP is now going to be used on defense, then the team chooses from the two options I listed.

[crashsdaddy]

The pitcher was the DP and another player was the flex. The opposing team challenged the pitcher being listed as the DP before the game started and confusion insued. Not sure if the flex was on the field or not but I think she was.

[GIMNEPIWO]

The pitcher was the DP and another player was the flex. The opposing team challenged the pitcher being listed as the DP before the game started and confusion insued. Not sure if the flex was on the field or not but I think she was.

The Pitcher was listed as the DP to start the game ? ... If listed that way on the lineup card, then the FLEX has left the game and the lineup has returned to 9 if the DP is playing defense for the FLEX ... Or that as the DP she is playing defense for someone other than the FLEX and the lineup stays the way it is ... depending how it was handled, it could be an unreported substitute if no one gave the change to the Blue ...

[Comp]

The Pitcher was listed as the DP to start the game ? ... If listed that way on the lineup card, then the FLEX has left the game and the lineup has returned to 9 if the DP is playing defense for the FLEX ... Or that as the DP she is playing defense for someone other than the FLEX and the lineup stays the way it is ... depending how it was handled, it could be an unreported substitute if no one gave the change to the Blue ...

Why would the flex have left the game if the dp was listed as the pitcher at the start? The DP may play defense for anyone except the flex without it being a substitution. At the start of the game, the coach chose to use the DP/Flex option, and chose to have the DP play defense as the pitcher. Completely legal.

[ontheblack]

The fact that you guys who know this are debating this confusion makes me feel so less stupid about the DP/Flex.

Thank you.

[tvarg]

The Pitcher was listed as the DP to start the game ? ... If listed that way on the lineup card, then the FLEX has left the game and the lineup has returned to 9 if the DP is playing defense for the FLEX ... Or that as the DP she is playing defense for someone other than the FLEX and the lineup stays the way it is ... depending how it was handled, it could be an unreported substitute if no one gave the change to the Blue ...

Why would the flex have left the game if the dp was listed as the pitcher at the start? The DP may play defense for anyone except the flex without it being a substitution. At the start of the game, the coach chose to use the DP/Flex option, and chose to have the DP play defense as the pitcher. Completely legal.

Correct . almost all top d1 top pitchers dont bat and coaches dp flex for them cause there afraid of there PITCHER getting hurt thats pretty much the reason for dp flex lets just say blue had a long night r needs a rule book

[Anti-Clone]

When the line-up card is given to the umpire and the team elects to use the DP/Flex, there should be no defensive position for the DP. By rule, the Flex is playing defense for the DP.

If the Flex is playing defense for someone other than the DP to start the game, then you have the DP written in the wrong slot.

Strategically, let's say the coach wants Mary to pitch. However, he knows ahead of time that he may not want to leave Mary in for the entire game as pitcher but does want to keep her bat in the line-up. The coach can list Mary as the DP. Then, once the line-up becomes official, the coach can say, "I am now entering Mary as the pitcher." Once again, if the coach does this, he will have to state whether he is dropping from 10 players to 9 or if the Flex will now play defense for someone other than the DP.

As for your comment tvarg, keep in mind that the problem initially arose because an improper/illegal line-up card was submitted. Do not start the game with an improper/illegal line-up card. BY RULE, YOU CANNOT LIST A DEFENSIVE POSITION WITH THE DP ON THE INITIAL LINE-UP. SHE ISN'T PLAYING DEFENSE. THE FLEX IS PLAYING DEFENSE FOR THE DP AT THE TIME THE LINE-UP IS SUBMITTED.

[Anti-Clone]

The Pitcher was listed as the DP to start the game ? ... If listed that way on the lineup card, then the FLEX has left the game and the lineup has returned to 9 if the DP is playing defense for the FLEX ... Or that as the DP she is playing defense for someone other than the FLEX and the lineup stays the way it is ... depending how it was handled, it could be an unreported substitute if no one gave the change to the Blue ...

Why would the flex have left the game if the dp was listed as the pitcher at the start? The DP may play defense for anyone except the flex without it being a substitution. At the start of the game, the coach chose to use the DP/Flex option, and chose to have the DP play defense as the pitcher. Completely legal.

THE DP CANNOT BE LISTED WITH A DEFENSIVE POSITION TO START THE GAME. THAT MAKES FOR AN IMPROPER LINE-UP CARD.

This doesn't mean that there cannot be a change immediately after the line-up is made official, however.

[Diesels_dad]

The fact that you guys who know this are debating this confusion makes me feel so less stupid about the DP/Flex.

Thank you.

now thats funny..... Now lets debate "Who's on first".....
or my favorite "are hands part of the bat"