quote:Originally posted by Jeff Connell:
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.
The interpretation is distance AND direction toward the base. Stepping backward, even if distance is gained toward the base, is a balk.