Quote:
Originally posted by CecilOne
I'm often glad that Tom types better and faster than I do.
I'm not sure about "preventing the pitcher from attempting a pitch", but the rest is right on. My concern is not giving hints or tips about what is going on and if the runner is deliberately sneaking to 3rd, stopping the pitcher probably would draw attention to the runner.
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Watching an active runner advance and being in the prescribed position when doing so is not offering a team a hint.
Telling the batter to "step out" is a preventive measure which gives no one any indication of what is happening. As I noted, you are stating it quietly which the batter (who has no bearing on a possible play at this point in time) and, maybe, the catcher is going to hear you. I don't believe that statement will draw the catcher to the play toward 3B. If anything, it may draw her attention away from the play.
If you have to literally "stop" the pitcher (batter in the box), then it should be ruled a "no pitch".