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I think you already know the answer to your question. It's just that you're letting a few coaches convince to to second guess yourself.
Here's the Evans Customs and Usage for 8.05(d)
If the umpire is convinced that a runner is making a bona fide effort to advance to an unoccupied base, then the pitcher is not guilty of throwing to an unoccupied base. See 8.05 End Notes Approved Ruling (b).
He then has this play and subsequent ruling.
No outs...3-2 count...runners on first and second. The right-handed pitcher has properly stopped at the bottom of his stretch. As soon as his free foot starts up... each runner breaks for the next base. Without crossing the plane of the rubber with his free foot, the pitcher fires the ball to third in plenty of time to nail the surprised runner. Is this legal.
RULING: This is legal since a play was made. If the runner were not running, a balk should be called for throwing to an unoccupied base.
Tim.
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