But even Sandy admitted that it's a gray area as to when the blocking rule comes into effect. He specified "25-30 feet out", then added: 'or something like that', but it's exactly that sort of wishy-washiness that's getting everyone confused. Is 35 feet OK? How 'bout 40? Catchers are being called for blocking a runner who isn't close enough to be blocked. I think an umps discretion can and should be a factor, but only within logical reason (and I'm more so talking about the field ump than the review ump-right now field umps feel they dont have to make the right call.- Or maybe they just don't want to so as to assure these extra ump jobs don't go away [i'm reaching there]). If the guy is rounding third when the ball gets to the catcher where he takes the throw should not be a factor. I know that's an exaggeration. If I was an ump I would not want the catcher blocking the plate if he doesn't have the ball yet and the runner is entering the average cutout area around home plate. But that would be me, so it don't matter. It's almost as if people in the game are trying not to grasp this rule.