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Originally Posted by Spence
I copied this from another thread onto a different board that was discussing balks:
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(b) There is no violation if a pitcher attempts a pick-off at second base and, seeing no fielder covering the bag, throws to the shortstop or second baseman, neither of whom is in the vicinity of the bag nor is making an actual attempt to retire the runner.
Someone has challenged me to come up with a reference to prove I didn't just "make it up."
I'm not an ump. Can someone help me out?
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The reference is 8.05. Nothing in the balk rule requires F1 to throw to 2B, since he's allowed to feint. If he does not throw directly to 2B, he's not balking. Thus, if he throws to F4 off the base, he's not balking. QED.
MLBUM, J/R, JEA, and every other respected source agrees on this point. FED rule is the same.