Let me toss a question in here.
Do you really think that MLB is going to call this guy for this? Please read the entire rule (I've only pasted the rule, not the casebook comments).
ORB 8.01 (b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his pivot foot in contact with, and his other foot in front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot. Before assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as “the stretch.” But if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption. Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion. The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both hands in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This must be enforced. Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers are constantly attempting to “beat the rule” in their efforts to hold runners on bases and in cases where the pitcher fails to make a complete “stop” called for in the rules, the umpire should immediately call a “Balk.”
Now, Daisuke Matsuzaka (in the picture) has his hands above his head but in front of his body!
1. Remember, this is OBR, not FED.
2. We don't know if the picture (
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/photo?sl..._ny203&prov=ap) is him in the windup or the stretch.
3. Keep in mind that many Japanese pitchers still "pump" in the windup.
4. At over $51 million just to talk to the guy, MLB will do everything possible to allow him to pitch "his way".
JMHO!