Major League Baseball has a rule against players from opposing teams getting too friendly on the field. That would be Rule 3.09, which prohibits players from opposing teams fraternizing “at any time while in uniform.” Until the early 1990s, a member of each umpiring crew showed up during batting practice to observe if opposing players chatted for extended periods of time.

Anyone who shows up early before a baseball game today knows that fraternizing is a common practice between opposing players these days. No one fears whether pertinent information is knowingly or unknowingly shared with the other team.

But what about a player, coach or manager providing instruction to an opposing player? Does that cross the line for which Rule 3.09 exists?

That seems to be how some Florida Marlins officials see a July 31 exchange between then-manager Joe Girardi and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jon Lieber. Girardi and Lieber were former teammates with the Cubs. They also crossed paths when Lieber was pitching for the Yankees and Girardi was one of the club’s broadcasters.

Reportedly Lieber received a heads-up from Girardi that his pitches were flat because he was getting underneath the ball during his delivery. Asked if Girardi’s advice was helpful, Lieber said, “Yeah, there is no question.”

The question is whether Girardi should be offering advice. Many baseball officials and fans would say no, considering the Phillies and Marlins were part of the equation for a wild-card berth in the National League. Little has been said on the record by team officials from either club.

Somehow the issue seems like much about nothing. Just as Girardi changed employers again this winter after one year at the helm of the Marlins, hitting and pitching coaches are moving between organizations all the time. Players stay loyal to coaches who were critical to their development, a relationship that continues even after one or the other moves on. Getting advice from that mentor is common place, regardless of team affiliations.

Baseball is a large fraternity, made up of managers, coaches and players who will hook up with numerous organizations over their careers. When the information is shared and what affiliations they have at the time seems like small stuff in the big picture. We’re not talking about opposing parties sharing signs or inside information about their teams. It’s sharing knowledge that isn’t likely to ever be the difference in a pennant race.