I know they're not allowed to stand in front of the plate without the ball but is the catcher allowed to go after the ball like Pierzynski did? If he is, then you can't call him for blocking the plate. If he isn't, then it is blocking the plate. Never saw a good view of whether or not Pierzynski made the tag but it didn't appear like his glove moved when he made the swipe and his reaction made it seem like he missed the runner. Plus, as the SD announcers pointed out, why didn't the ump make the call right away. If he thought Pierzynski got the runner with the swipe, signal it immediately because nothing else matters. But he let the play go and then had to think about it for a couple seconds after. Not sure about the whole going for the ball portion of it, but the way the rule has been enforced (which I hate by the way, but still, that's how it is being enforced) AJ's position without the ball caused the runner to change his route because he did not have a clear lane. If the catcher's intent for the blocking the plate without the ball is also up to the umpire's judgement then there is just way too much judgement allowed in the rule. And when judgement is involved with the Cardinals then something stupid is going to happen (see: infield fly). Also, the best shot I saw did not show daylight the entire time between the glove and the runner, but it was "clear and convincing" that the tag was missed. Again, judgement is involved in "clear and convincing," so, advantage Cardinals.