BMH -- All black maple bats in 2009?

[Birdbats]

Brian,

Since Mark DeRosa was traded to the Cards, I've noticed he's using what appears to be an all-black M9. I thought maybe he just taped the handle with black tape, but in photos, I can't see tape -- just pine tar. There is a "window" of natural color on the upper handle which really stands out. I thought maple bats couldn't be solid black anymore. So, what's the deal with DeRosa's bats? Any idea? Thanks.

[BMH]

Um, I don't know what you are talking about...all bats made by Hillerich & Bradsby are made in compliance with the new MLB rules

[joecoco]

Hey Jeff- I think if you look at the bat closely, there is a little blonde notch where part of the paint was removed to expose the slope of the grain, in order to be in compliance with the rules this year. Lucky for you Brain! You got off easy this time - Joe Cocozzella

[treant985]

I don't think the umps are bothering to check bats at all. I saw Ryan Howard using all black Maruccis a week or so ago. Not much point in having rules that get broken and NOBODY cares!

[cordovacollector]

I don't think the umps are bothering to check bats at all. I saw Ryan Howard using all black Maruccis a week or so ago. Not much point in having rules that get broken and NOBODY cares!

But I thought some Marruci bats are ash. MLB has no problem with black ash bats.