Is there a MLB rule to keep fielders in their appropriate spots?

Question

Is there anything to prevent a 3rd baseman from moving all the way into the outfield or something like that? What about on overshifts? Can you let an outfielder come in to act as an extra infielder?

What if there was a left fielder and 3rd basemen twins who switched spots during the game, when the umps didn't notice until after the game... what would be the penalty for such an offense?

Answer 1

you can have 7 players playing 1st base if you want. The pitcher does need to pitch from the rubber, and the catcher really needs to stay behind the plate to catch for the pitcher. Other than that its wide open where they play.

Answer 2

i dont think there is a rule preventing that, but the catcher and pitcher would probably exceptions

i have seen an outfielder come in and act as a 5th infielder (i can remember the july 1, 2004 redsox yankees game) so that is allowed

Answer 3

The only restriction is that all fielders, except the catcher, must be in fair territory at the time of the pitch. The pitcher, of course, must pitch while in contact with the pitcher's plate, and the catcher must be in the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

Answer 4

there is no rule regarding that as long as you have 9 guys on the field.

Answer 5

it wouldn't be against the rules to have the third baseman next to the pitchers mound but it would be stupid because you'd open up the left side of the infield

Answer 6

no you can be anywhere.  when teams face jim thome, they have the third baseman play shortstop and the SS play behind 2b, and the 2b man is in shallow right field.  this is because of his huge pull swing, because he is a leftie.

Answer 7

No, the Marlins shift puts Cantu (3B) in deep 2B territory, Uggla in shallow RF and keeps Hanley at his normal position...

Answer 8

No. Several left-handed pull hitters get the"shift" put on for them.  The 2bman plays in shallow rt field, SS plays to the right side of 2nd base and the 3bman plays where the SS usually is.

EDIT:  Yup.  You can have everyone in the infield if you want to but not reccommended

Answer 9

The only rules regarding the position of fielders are that the pitcher needs to pitch from the rubber, the catcher needs to stay in the catcher's box until the pitch is delivered, and all other fielders must be in fair territory.

Edit - wow - you are curious aren't you? Yes there are limits on the size a mitt or glove can be. And no, a fielder can not throw a glove or mitt at a batted ball. To do so results in a three base award (some people mistakenly call this a "ground rule triple", but that is not the appropriate term) for the hitter with any runners on base scoring.

Link to rules regarding size of gloves and mitts - scroll to rule 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/o...

Answer 10

Nope, just when you're in the mlb you're good because you're good at where you are.  They wont pick you up because you can play the whole field, it will be because you're great at everything, or one thing.  Usually one thing, and thats why you don't see third baseman's playing the outfield, there out of their usual spot.