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"allow the runner to leave the base in FP when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand OR "when the pivot foot leaves the pitching plate on the delivery."
"After reading Andy's explanation from the ASA National Staff, I am beginning to warm to this rule change. Clearly, (IMO) something needs to be done to address leaps, crow hops, etc."
This is crazy. I can't believe we are even discussing it.
Just how much time will elaspe between the time the pivot foot starts to drag and when the stride foot lands and the pitch is delivered? A fraction of a second? And a runner is going to gain two steps in that time? Maybe if they are shot out of that cannon the circus left behind, but I don't think they are doing it on their own.
I don't know what you guys do, but I try to judge when the pitcher's hand reaches the bottom of the arc, assuming that the ball will be released within a few milliseconds. Before the hand reaches that position I have to leave the pitcher to focus on the runner's tag foot - to asure that it does not break contact with the bag before I judged the pitcher's to be at the bottom. Now you are suggesting that the foot can leave the base while the pitcher's arm is somewhere on the down swing. (Worst case, just coming over the top.)
From the B position I cannot tell when the pitcher's pivot foot breaks contact with the plate. The motion is directly away from me. I would have to stay focused on the pitcher's foot and not sure how I am going to see the runner's foot.
Just for kicks, I stuck a pitching video in the VCR and tried to clock the time between the drag and release. Couldn't do it! To quick!
For what its worth, I am seeing more and more top level pitchers abandoning the leap 'n drag style. A lot of pitching coaches are pushing the basic "K" style. They are willing to give up a little speed for consistancy - thus accuracy. In a few years nobody will be having this argument about umpires unwilling to call the leap or crowhop.
WMB
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