"We're making it very clear to everybody in the league that we're giving the plate," said Matheny. "We're making it clear for a purpose because if (opposing players) start taking runs at us, this new rule should protect our guys to some degree.

"I would hope that if a guy does go out of his way to get somebody, he would be made an example of. I hope the league comes down hard on him."

Matheny, noting that Yadier Molna, his own Gold Glove catcher, long has tried to tag rather than block, said, "I don't know how it's going to play out except that we think it's the right thing. And the right thing is trying to keep our guys on the field."

Hopeful that the matter will be revisited for next season, Matheny said, "The bad thing is there's that gray area. There's still that 'Am I going to run over him or not? Is he really blocking the plate or is he not?' There are going to be those plays where the throw takes you a little up the line more than you want and you kind of lose your position.. . I think there are still going to be some train wrecks at home plate. I'm just encouraging my guys to do what they can to avoid it _ if it is avoidable."

But, Matheny warned, "If somebody tries to take advantage of us, we're not going to sit around and let that happen."