[johnnyg08]

I agree with the just because nobody came out piece. I wasn't necessarily using that as my measuring stick. I guess I'm having a hard time deciding what is coincidence and what is causing the pitcher to balk.

To answer your question JM...If the batter didn't say anything...then I would say that "no, the pitcher probably wouldn't have balked"

I guess I understand giving "time" when F1 is freezing the hitter, and I understand the pieces where offense will try to throw of F1's rhythm by asking for time during their AB's...but how do we judge when to not give "time." By not giving the batter "time" when the pitcher is set and ready to pitch, we seem to be protecting the pitcher, but then as soon as he balks, then we bail out F1.

Obviously, I'm going to try to defend my call, but I can see the other side too...I could've simply called time, with the proverbial "do over" but all the other what if's pop into my mind.

Any pointers out there for how to develop good judgement around these types of plays would be great.

Trust me, I have a few "do-overs" on this type of play every year...this was one of the only ones where I called a balk.