http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=1 5201733

So Buster Posey is likely done for the year after breaking his ankle and possibly tearing multiple ligaments in his knee on this collision. This is the second one like this in 2011 (the first one being Swisher with a hard slide into Nishioka's leg)! After this, Posey's agent in now calling for rule reforms to the collision rule (basically, one doesn't really exist - if they're in your way, you get them out of your way). Any thoughts on the rule or the possible changes?

Josh Hamilton got broken at a play at the plate as well

same thing happened to justin morneau. the rules wont get changed though, no collisions would ruin plays at home plate.

Originally Posted by LBJ.MVP

same thing happened to justin morneau. the rules wont get changed though, no collisions would ruin plays at home plate.

If they changed the rules, that means no blocking the plate anymore. With that being made a rule, the defence could easily argue that Selig is giving the upper hand to the offence because it becomes much harder for the catcher to tag them out. I'm of the belief that collisions are apart of baseball, but the calls for rule changes strike a chord with me, specifically reminding me of what Goodell has done to the NFL (yes, I realize they're completely different sports, but taking away collisions in baseball is like taking away hard hits in the NFL).

Originally Posted by Phil

Josh Hamilton got broken at a play at the plate as well

I actually forgot about that, it was a rough one too.

Originally Posted by J. Dorey

If they changed the rules, that means no blocking the plate anymore. With that being made a rule, the defence could easily argue that Selig is giving the upper hand to the offence because it becomes much harder for the catcher to tag them out. I'm of the belief that collisions are apart of baseball, but the calls for rule changes strike a chord with me, specifically reminding me of what Goodell has done to the NFL (yes, I realize they're completely different sports, but taking away collisions in baseball is like taking away hard hits in the NFL).

ditto, i just dont see how they can take away collisions, this would pretty much take out a big part of the game itself. The NFL is really going after head hits but the NHL on the other hand is barely taking a stance. Crosbys career could be in jeopardy and this guy is the face of the NHL. If anything the NHL needs some rule changes.

"Slides" like that are ridiculous. The runner's focus should be on getting around the catcher, not trying to barrel over him... and if the runner can't do that, then the throw clearly beat him. I understand trying to knock the ball loose from the catcher, but a line should be drawn somewhere. I doubt there will be a rule change though.

I feel bad for the Giants and Posey now. :\

Originally Posted by oranges

"Slides" like that are ridiculous. The runner's focus should be on getting around the catcher, not trying to barrel over him... and if the runner can't do that, then the throw clearly beat him. I understand trying to knock the ball loose from the catcher, but a line should be drawn somewhere. I doubt there will be a rule change though.

I feel bad for the Giants and Posey now. :\

Getting around the catcher? When I play at least, good luck finding a part of the plate to touch in that scenario. Let alone doing so in a timely fashion.

it should be part of the game. they have multimillion contracts for a reason

Originally Posted by oranges

"Slides" like that are ridiculous. The runner's focus should be on getting around the catcher, not trying to barrel over him... and if the runner can't do that, then the throw clearly beat him. I understand trying to knock the ball loose from the catcher, but a line should be drawn somewhere. I doubt there will be a rule change though.

I feel bad for the Giants and Posey now. :\

Slides like that are a part of the game. In Swisher's case, when he broke Nishioka's leg, it's called breaking up a double play. You are putting yourself in jeopardy to save an out, and on the defensive side, putting yourself in jeopardy to save a run. In Posey's case, that wasn't really a slide. Posey was blocking the plate, so there was no way that Cousins could have slid around him. Posey was in the way of the play and, just like if a SS is on the baseline during a play, contact is allowed. I feel bad for Posey, he's a great player, but Cousins hit was completely clean, and I really don't understand the outcry about this from his agent - just because he's an all-star doesn't mean there should be an entirely new rule created. None of this came when Morneau, Nishioka, or Hamilton got injured. It's only because Posey is the heart of the Giants offensive gameplan.

Originally Posted by oranges

"Slides" like that are ridiculous. The runner's focus should be on getting around the catcher, not trying to barrel over him... and if the runner can't do that, then the throw clearly beat him. I understand trying to knock the ball loose from the catcher, but a line should be drawn somewhere. I doubt there will be a rule change though.

I feel bad for the Giants and Posey now. :\

Also, head first slides are just as dangerous, and that's the only way you are going to get around anyone on the basepaths.

Originally Posted by J. Dorey

Slides like that are a part of the game. In Swisher's case, when he broke Nishioka's leg, it's called breaking up a double play. You are putting yourself in jeopardy to save an out, and on the defensive side, putting yourself in jeopardy to save a run. In Posey's case, that wasn't really a slide. Posey was blocking the plate, so there was no way that Cousins could have slid around him. Posey was in the way of the play and, just like if a SS is on the baseline during a play, contact is allowed. I feel bad for Posey, he's a great player, but Cousins hit was completely clean, and I really don't understand the outcry about this from his agent - just because he's an all-star doesn't mean there should be an entirely new rule created. None of this came when Morneau, Nishioka, or Hamilton got injured. It's only because Posey is the heart of the Giants offensive gameplan.

That's all true. But in Posey's case, I still feel as if Cousins could have let up a bit somehow when barreling into him. Of course, I guess that's difficult when the runner is in the moment and all they're thinking about is trying to score. But oh well. It's just unfortunate that injuries like this happen (seemingly) so often. Definitely doesn't warrant a rule change though.

And you're definitely right in that it was a clean hit. All of the hits involving those players were, if I remember correctly.

Originally Posted by oranges

That's all true. But in Posey's case, I still feel as if Cousins could have let up a bit somehow when barreling into him. Of course, I guess that's difficult when the runner is in the moment and all they're thinking about is trying to score. But oh well. It's just unfortunate that injuries like this happen (seemingly) so often. Definitely doesn't warrant a rule change though.

And you're definitely right in that it was a clean hit. All of the hits involving those players were, if I remember correctly.

It definitely is unfortunate. I mean, I wish all the best to Posey, he's one of the few great catchers in the league still and has a great career ahead of him, but I think the agent's actions were a bit unwarranted.

I'm waiting to see someone post the video of the baserunner jumping over the catcher and touching home plate in college ball. Baseball needs more frontflips.

woah...imagine the runner looked like he wanted to kill posey...