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this might be a bit nit picky, but because of this specific line in the rules "From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration", i would assume that the pitcher HAS to pitch the ball. If he doesn't, then what is the penalty? there has to be some sort of penalty because a rule was violated.
as to the rule "8.01
d) A ball which slips out of a pitcher's hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base"
i would say that at least in that case the pitcher did attempt to pitch, meaning he did commit and tried to finish, or at least the ball actually left his hands. so the rule addresses that...but it doesnt address, what if a pitcher goes through his delivery and fakes a pitch, meaning never lets go for whatever reason...could you imagine??! i think the umpire would look like the bigger fool if nothing is called here, or at least a warning. you cant keep calling something like that 'no pitch' if it happens a few times.
i am not posing this as an argument, but i would like to see anyone else's opinion on this because i've talked to six umpires already and two have said i made the right call even though i really didnt 'need' to call anyhitng, and of course the other four felt no pitch.
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