MLB Contemplates 5th Base
The Prognosticator has learned that at the winter meetings just past, in a secret session of the Rules Committee, the prospect of introducing a 5th base was brought up. The base itself would be called “The Quintal.” Placed in back of second, diagonally centered on a line representing the perpendicular bisector of the field running from Home to second and extending to infinity, it would reside 10 feet 3 ¼ inchs in back of second on the bisecting line.
Players would have the option of going directly to the Quintal (instead of 2nd) and scoring 1.20 runs if they were to continue onto third and score. Or, may touch both and score 1.3 runs if able to score there after. There was also a discussion of allowing the runner to “rack” 0.17 additional runs for every time the runner touch both markers, before continuing on to third, but the owners couldn’t agree on if the additional scoring should be added to the total immediately or only if the runner were to go on to score. There was also disagreement on the value that should placed on “Stealing the “Q””. Some favored a premium on the theft of the new edition. Others not allowing it to be subjected to thievery.
Also, two lines running at 221/2 degrees off the “5 Line”, with the furthermost point of the Quintal serving as the apex, one to the right and the other to left, would bound an area to be called "Pentaland". Any ball hit in the manner of a traditional homer but in Pentaland would be called a “Pentagon” and count for 1.73 runs. A player would have the option of “Calling the Shot” before each plate appearance. Meaning he could get 1 for a “Homer” or the bonus if he were to hit a “Pentagon.” However if he were to choose one and produce the other he would be charged 1.6 outs and anyone on base would advance one bag only.
You heard it here first.
:rolleyes:
[ April 28, 2007, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Kevin D ]