Baseball rules corner: advancing runner should be wary when "ball four" is called.(Statistical Data Included)

IN THE YANKEES-MARINERS GAME AT Safeco Field last April 28, the Mariners' Luis Ugeto, on first base, was stealing on a 3-1 pitch to Mark McLemore. The pitch was called "ball four" entitling Ugeto to second base, but the Seattle base runner overslid the bag unaware that McLemore had received a free pass.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter wisely stayed with Ugeto and tagged him while he was off the base. Second base umpire Kerwin Danley seemed confused about the play and made no out sign until Jeter talked to him.

"I knew it was ball four but the runner is entitled to one base," said Jeter. "I just stayed with the play and saw he came off the bag and tagged him. I really didn't think too much about it.

"At first the umpire called him safe. I don't know if he wasn't sure it was ball four. I explained to him (Danley) that the runner couldn't come off the bag since he was entitled to one base."

Seattle skipper Lou Piniella said after the game that Jeter's play was the smartest play he ever saw an infielder make. Ironically, if Jeter had tagged Ugeto before he got to second base, Ugeto would be given the base because McLemore's walk forced him to vacate his base.

However, rule 7.04(b) reads, "A runner forced to advance without liability to be put out may advance past the base to which he is entitled only at his peril." The moment Ugeto reached second base safely and left the bag, he was open game to be put out.

Do you remember the mess involving the Braves' Kenny Lofton in Game 3 of the 1997 National League Championship Series?