[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Let me be clear here. The majority of the times I have encountered pitchers taking signs off the rubber, they have invariably quickly engaged the rubber and went right into their motion, thereby quick pitching the batters. They never take their signs off the rubber and then engage the rubber and take their time. Their taking signs off the rubber has been to gain an advantage not intended in the rules, and thereby defeating the purpose of the rule in the first place.

Steve:

You just made my case. Taking the sign while not in contact with the pitcher's plate, is not the infraction of the rule in your case. Quick pitching is the infraction and their rules that take care of that situation. But taking a sign while not in contact with the pitcher's plate is not against the rules.

MTD, Sr.