Appeals on 3rd out

Question
Great column--I'm really learning a lot by reading through all of the past questions and answers.  I came up with one of my own based on previous answers.

The question is related to the difference between appealing a missed base and appealing a runner who left early on a caught fly.  

From what have I read (and always thought), an appeal play is a 'timing play' and if it is the 3rd out, any runs that had scored before the APPEAL (not the infraction) are allowed.  

However, I read an answer to a missed base appeal that stated:  "If there are 2 outs, if the runner appealed is forced to that base, the offense gets nothing, no runs score.  If there are 2 outs and the runner appealed is not forced to the base, the runners in front of him score but nothing behind him."  I would have applied the "timing play" rule her--am I incorrect?

Side question:  I've never seen it done, but if a player is seen leaving early on a tag-up situation (with one out before the caught fly), it should be appealed immediately before a run has a chance to score, right.  Is this allowed?  Should the ump make the call immediately or wait until the play is over?  Can any player with or without the ball make that appeal?  Can the coach?

Thanks!
Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,

Not all appeal plays at bases are timing plays and yes, you would be incorrect if the appeal was for a missed base that the runner was forced to.

By rule no run can score if the 3rd out of an inning is a force out, either caused by a play or by an appeal.  POE Appeals 1-J states the appeal of a force out for the 3rd out... the effect that no runs score.

Bases loaded, 2 out, inside the park hr,......R3 (1st base runner) misses 2nd and is appealed for the out....No runs score, this is not a timing play.

Side q, a live ball appeal must be made by a defender, who has possession of the ball either tagging the runner or touching the base, so on caught fly ball R2 left early and R1 tagged and is heading home. You can't make a live ball appeal by yelling "blue...R2 left early"  You must either tag R2 or throw the ball to the base before R2 returns.

Mark