DP/FLEX Memory Tools

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Jul 6, 2014
50
0
Ohio
What do you use to help understand the DP/FLEX?

I begin by thinking:

1. Flex=DeFlex (Defense)
2. DP=DH + can play defense
3. Anyone else can potentially "Hit and Sit" - *if they sit for the DP*

From there I can consider contexts:

I. Within the framework of using ten players without a removal from the game (not having to depend on a re-entry):

1. Flex=DeFlex (Defense)
2. DP=DH + can play defense - in this context this excludes for the FLEX (see#6, context III)
3. Anyone else can potentially "Hit and Sit" - *if they sit for the DP*

II. In terms of removing a specific player from the game (i.e., maintaining ten using subs):

4. Flex (DeFlex) player leaves Defense she's left the game.
5. Any other player only leaves the game when they leave Offense (note the logic of #3).

III. In terms of removing a designation from the game (i.e., going to nine):

6. FLEX is replaced by DP
7. DP is replaced by FLEX

Related things I find helpful to note:

Defense: Players can float positions
Offense: Players positions are fixed

Subs CAN re-enter once, like starters

A sub cannot courtesy run
A courtesy runner can sub
 
Last edited:

coachbob

Banned
Apr 26, 2012
543
0
SoCal
That's all correct. A sub can courtesy run before she has entered the game; I assume you meant that a sub cannot courtesy run once she has been entered. Courtesy runner can sub, but not in same half inning as courtesy.
Good memory cues.
 
Mar 2, 2013
444
0
I prefer the KISS method:

1. Both cannot be on offense at the same time.
2. Both can be on defense at the same time.
3. The DP may never play defense only.
 
Jul 6, 2014
50
0
Ohio
I prefer the KISS method:

1. Both cannot be on offense at the same time.
2. Both can be on defense at the same time.
3. The DP may never play defense only.

I agree. Though the rest of my post might seem to go against KISS, 1-3 really helped (and still helps) me grasp the rule, it's the KISS for me. I found 4-7 stuck in the back of my head rather easily... I like yours too.
 
Mar 2, 2013
444
0
I agree. Though the rest of my post might seem to go against KISS, 1-3 really helped (and still helps) me grasp the rule, it's the KISS for me. I found 4-7 stuck in the back of my head rather easily... I like yours too.

It's probably a terminology thing, but I didn't see where it said that BOTH the Flex and DP can play defense at the same time. I may have missed it.
 
Jul 6, 2014
50
0
Ohio
The "anyone else" of number three is meant to exclude the FLEX. Since anyone else can sit while the DP plays defense for them (#3), and the FLEX has to be in at defense (#1), then they both can be in on defense. Of course, I'm not saying my cues are good cues for everyone... I love to hear others though.. Really is a useful Rule.
 

Big Dave

Sitting on a bucket
Jan 11, 2013
74
0
Oregon
Just to make sure I'm not totally stupid - the DP can play defense for ANYONE correct? Can she play defense for multiple players during the same game?
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Yes the dp can play defense for anyone including the flex. But, if the dp does play for the flex, the flex has left the game and it does count as a substitution for the player in the flex position. Any other player it does not and yes it can be for multiple positions and players throughout the game. Most rule sets don't even require the defensive change to be reported. The only time you would want to is if the dp is playing for the pitcher or catcher for courtesy runner privileges.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
Yes the dp can play defense for anyone including the flex. But, if the dp does play for the flex, the flex has left the game and it does count as a substitution for the player in the flex position. Any other player it does not and yes it can be for multiple positions and players throughout the game. Most rule sets don't even require the defensive change to be reported. The only time you would want to is if the dp is playing for the pitcher or catcher for courtesy runner privileges.

No, it is not a substitution. This thread has already complicated this more than necessary :)
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
The flex has left the game and would have to use a reentry to come back into the game. Calling it a substitution is the simplest way to explain it.
 

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