Steve,
Not presuming to speak for Tim (or LakeErieUmp), but I don't believe they were suggesting there was anything illegal about the pitcher's actions - just that it would be a little bit "odd" for the pitcher to be on the rubber and have already taken his signs when the batter had not yet taken his position in the box. After Tim's post, I also realized that it would be a little "odd" for the R3 to have taken off for home prior to the batter taking his position in the box.
It's certainly possible it happened that way. In my experience, it's more likely that the batter had already taken his position and then (perhaps wanting to double check with his base coach that a "suicide squeeze" or "straight steal" of home was ON), stepped his front foot out of the box to "retake" signs. If that's what happened, I find Tim's comments "on point", and I would concur with what he said.
Since none of us were there, we won't know unless & until TwoBits provides some clarification.
JM
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