Obstruction vs. Interference in Baseball: Understanding the Difference

Question
In a recent game I noticed a play in which the shortstop was playing inside the baseline.  I soft line drive was hit over her head and landed at the grass/dirt break.  During the hit the runner on second broke for third and the shortstop broke for the play and they collided.  Could the umpire make a judgment that is was an unplayable ball for the shortstop and rule it as obstruction?  If not, could not the shortstop break for a ground ball well on the second base side of second and collide with the runner to seek an interference call?

Answer
Hi Tom,

Your 1st questions is HTBT.  Because both interference and obstruction are judgments calls.  A defensive player must have a legitimate opportunity to make a play to have interference.

"Could the umpire make a judgment that is was an unplayable ball for the shortstop and rule it as obstruction?"  Yes

Your 2nd question, is probably no they're not going to get an interference call on that, same reason as above, but would instead get an obstruction call.

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