Crib Sheet for Rochelle Strat League
Updated March,2011 (March,2002)
Must ask if you are holding
A rule unique to the Rochelle Strat League (RSL), a manager who is considering stealing a base must ask the opposing manager if he wants to ‘hold the baserunner’. If the opposing manager is not asked and a play occurs, that manager may state his intentions after the play to his team’s best benefit. If the manager whose team is batting asks are you ‘holding the base runner(s)’, the defensive manager cannot change Catchers until the next batter.
Runners being held (-1) running
If runners on first and/or second base are being “held”, lower the runners ‘running rating’ by one.
If runners on first and/or second base are not being “held”, increase their ‘running rating’ by one.
Note: The above addition (+1) or subtraction (-1) is combined with the “+2” for running with two outs in an inning.
Defense cannot play ‘In’
The defense cannot declare the “Infield In” and ‘hold’ a runner on base at the same time. Either one or the other.
‘Hit and Run’ cannot be used
A ‘Hit and Run’ cannot be called when there is a runner on thirdbase.
Double Steal or more than one baserunner advancing
A manager must declare before rolling the dice if he wishes to have a double steal or more than one baserunner advance on an optional hit. Otherwise it is assumed that only the lead runners is stealing or attempting to advance the extra base. If the manager declares more than one baserunner is trying to steal or advance on a hit, then the opposing manager may choose which baserunner he wishes to throw for. If other than the lead runner is thrown “out”, the lead runner is considered to be safe before the out occur. In certain circumstances this could result in a run being scored.
High Error Rating
Because the RSL doesn’t use the Super Advanced Fielding Chart, always refer to the highest error rating possible when a fielder’s error rating is higher than the Advance Fielding Chart.
No throw by Catcher
If a base runner is not being ‘held’ and the combination of stealing numbers (runners’ stealing number + (pitcher’s hold + catcher’s throwing)) is 20 or more, the runner steals the base without a throw and is automatically safe.
Note: The Pitcher’s ‘hold’ number and the catcher’s throwing when combined can never total more than +5 or –5.
“T” numbers for catcher
When a Catcher makes a throw on a runner stealing and the roll results in a “1”, “2” or “3”, a potential error may occur as the catcher may throw the ball away. Roll the 20-sided die again and refer to the catcher’s “T” rating for the result.
“20” is always out, “1” is always safe
In all running situations, except for the one mentioned above when a base stealer is not being held, a runner is always out when a “20” is rolled and a runner is always safe when a “one” is rolled.
Note: A manager may choose not to throw on a steal attempt, thus preventing the “T” rating. But the manger must announce before the roll or it is automatically assumed the Catcher made a throw.
Advancing on a fly ball to RF
On a flyball(B) to RF, and only RF, a runner on secondbase may try to advance to thirdbase. Combine the baserunner’s ‘running rating’ with the rightfielder’s arm, add +2. If the 20-sided die roll is within this combination number the runner safely advances to thirdbase. All other 20-sided numbers result in the baserunner holding on secondbase, except for “20” which is an OUT at thirdbase.
Note: This rule does not apply to “flyball (B) ? ”.
Pitcher’s “ * “
Pitcher’s on Strat’s roster sheet with an *, may start every fourth day (three days rest). Otherwise, all other pitchers may start every five days (four days rest). In the Rochelle Strat League all games are played on consecutive days. There are no days off and no double headers.
Automatic Weakness
A starting pitcher automatically is “weak” at the beginning of the 5th inning following his potential “Inning of Weakness”. Thus a starting pitcher with the potential inning of weakness of ‘5’ automatically is weak at the beginning of the 10th inning of the game.
A relief pitcher automatically is “weak” at the beginning of 3rd inning following his potential inning of weakness.
DH Rule
The RSL has adapted the DH rule. Any team not wishing to use the DH rule, can use a ‘pitcher’s hitting card’ instead of the DH. This can be done for a game, a series or for the season. However, any manager wishing to use a DH may freely do so without regards to what his opponent does and without feeling guilty.
Pass Balls, Wild Pitches & Balks
The RSL has adapted a new Catcher’s Fielding Chart. For a potential Pass Ball or Wild Pitch or Balk, there must be a runner on base, otherwise refer to the result on the Catcher’s Fielding Chart. If there is a runner(s) on base, determine the play by rolling the 20-sided die, find and remember the Catcher’s Fielding Result, but first determine if there is a Pass Ball, Wild Pitch or Bulk from the PB, WP, Balk Chart. Use the ratings on the Catcher’s and Pitcher’s cards (between 1 and 20) to determine the result. (If a pitcher does not throw a wild pitch, then immediately roll for the pitcher’s Balk rating). If a pass ball, wild pitch or balk does not occur, and then recall the result from the Catcher’s Fielding Chart. If a balk, pass ball or wild pitch does occur, then disregard the result on the Catcher’s Fielding Chart.
.
Going from Firstbase to Thirdbase on a Single
If the option single is hit to leftfield, lower the runner on Firstbase “Running” speed by 2.
If the option single is hit to rightfield, raise the runner on Firstbase “Running” speed by 2.
All other running rules (such a “hold’ or ‘no hold’ or two outs) apply. This rule is in addition to those rules.
There is no adjustment on a single to centerfield.
Special Rest for Relief Pitchers
A Relief Pitcher must rest one day if in one or more appearances he pitches the length of his “Inning of Weakness” plus a third of an inning. Thus a Relief Pitcher with a [1] for Weakness, may pitch a second consecutive day if he pitched one (or less) inning the first day. A Relief Pitcher with a [1] for Weakness may pitch a third of an inning on four consecutive days. Innings pitched by a Relief Pitcher on consecutive days must be added together to determine the numbers of days that Pitchers needs to rest between appearances.
If a Relief Pitcher, in one appearance, pitches double his “Inning of Weakness”, then he must rest two days (including extra inning games).
If a Relief Pitcher, in one appearance, pitches triple his “Inning of Weakness” or more, then he must rest three days (including extra inning games).
Reserve Starts
If a team has more than the minimum number of starts needed for the RSL season, the manager may reserve up to two of these extra starts and substitute them for any pitcher already designated on the “Pitcher’s Rotation’ Chart. Of course, the pitcher designated as a ‘Reserve Starter” list must have proper rest before being able to start a game. A Reserve Starter may not be an ‘Extended Starter’ or a “Relief Pitcher who is starting’.
The two reserve starts, whether both by one pitcher or one each from two pitchers, must be designated on draft day at the time the Pitching Rotation Chart is filled out. If a ‘Reserve Pitcher” is going to be used, his manager must declare this substitution before the first pitch is thrown in the four game series.
Super Advanced Charts
RSL uses the super advanced ‘Hit & Run’ Chart, the ‘Sacrifice Bunt’ Chart and ‘Squeeze Play’ Charts.
Rules not adopted by the Rochelle Strat League
Outfielder robbing a hitter of a Home Run
Catcher blocking the plate
“Corner’s in”, also the additional rule of lowering a bunting rating by two instead of one letter grade
Cutoff play to the plate
Injuries
Clutch hitting
Super Advanced Fielding Chart
Ballpark Home Runs or Hits
All ballpark symbols
-- Only trying for a baserunner’s lead once if being ‘held’ by the opposing manager and failing to get that lead unless the opposing manager changes his pitcher or catcher. The RSL allows a manage to try for a baserunner’s lead each time there is a new batter. RSL follows the rule that if you try for and get a baserunner’s lead, you must attempt to steal.