Well???
Steve,
Let's agree it's unlikely either you or I would call anything if the pitcher doesn't take his signs on the rubber . . . or in OBR, from the catcher as well. Okay? I think we all agree that a "you can't do that" would certainly be sufficient.
I'm extending my argument and discussion for NOT calling a balk (under 9.01c) for a couple of additional reasons. First . . . by definition, a balk itself is an "illegal act"; the penalty is the awarding of a base to the runners. The rules DO cite when a balk is to be awarded. They also cite what consitutes a balk. I don't believe 9.01c gives us the right to expand on either of those.
Secondly, it makes no difference whether runners are on base or not. The pitcher is required to take the signs from the rubber in either case. Your imposition of a "balk" penalty (using 9.01c) would be inconsistent and not applicable with no runners on base.
Thus, I maintain that a "Don't do that" is really all you could invoke. Why issue a penalty at all?
Jerry
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