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It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk.
In this passage from OBR 8.05c, it seems were both actually right. It all depends on if he actually steps towards first before throwing, which you said is practically impossible to do and retire a runner. The pitcher would have to be awful agile or the runner be extremely slow for it to be effective.
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