How is it a balk? The rule clearly says that he has to simulate his pitch not a pitch. The pitcher raising his hands when he does not normally do it is not simulating his pitch but a pitch. That is not a balk. I said he stepped back with his pivot foot and then raised his hands. Clearly thought out and cleanly done.
I also love when umpires say he deceived the runner. Every pick-off move done is about deceiving the runner.
Explain how this is a balk.
I will give you another one. A right-handed pitcher steps backwards directly toward first base and throws to first. Is it a balk?
The rule does not say he has to step forward, just directly.