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Originally Posted by David Emerling
Disengaging the rubber prior to throwing to first is almost never done - particularly at the MLB level. There is no point in doing so. All it does is serve advance notice to the runner of an impending pickoff attempt. Why make the pickoff a two-step maneuver when it can be a single maneuver?
On occasion, you will see the "slow move" by a MLB pitcher. Randy Johnson uses it almost exclusively - although, in general, he rarely attempts pickoffs. Some pitchers deliberately use a "slow move" to set runners up with a better (i.e. faster) move.
The speed of the move is not the deciding factor as to its legality (provided it is continuous). The key is that the free foot moves directly toward 1st. That can be done quickly or slowly.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
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You're phunni...using lefty Randy Johnson to try to validate your mistaken opinoin on RHPs pick off moves to first.
Damn few MLB RHPs step and throw to first. Watch a few games. It's jump turns, jab steps and the occasional disengage. As occcasional as it is, it's still more prevelant for RHPs than stepping and throwing.
He!!, I've met major league pitchers and former major league pitchers who swore a RHP COULDN'T step and throw or it would be a balk. There's a former Minnesota pitching coach living in town who now coaches summer ball and who argues that point every year. Rats....gotta love'em.