Quote:
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Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve
Here is J/R's take on this:
Pitchers:- a) must take signs from the catcher while in contact.
- b) cannot habitually disengage the rubber after taking a sign,
- c) upon disengaging, must separate their hands.
No penalty is mandated or suggested for violation of (a) through (c). Such action is simply prohibited. |
Hey all,
In a), I agree that it's intended purpose is to
prevent a quick pitch.
In c), my understanding is that, at this point, the pitcher would already be in the set position, not taking signs from anyone. How many pitchers have you seen take signs with their hands together in the set position?
If there is no penalty, why be concerned?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve
Also, the following is a balk:
It is a balk when the pitcher:
15......... tries to deceive a runner or the batter by imitating and throwing a pitch while not in contact with the rubber, or by quickly stepping on the rubber and pitching without taking a sign. Such actions constitute an illegal pitch.
Notice that the penalty is for quickly stepping on the rubber and pitching. If the pitcher does not quick pitch the batter, no sign would be required.
Perhaps this stuff about "simulating taking a sign" just means pause to let the batter get reasonably set in the box. That's my take on it.
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The rule quote seems to apply if you know when the sign is given. In the case of the "one pitch" pitcher the sign could be F2 letting F1 know he's ready to receive the pitch, not the traditional fingers for the type of pitch signs. If you don't know when the signs are actually given, the only thing left to judge, as per the topic, is the quick pitch.
LomUmp
