[JohnDorian37]

RH pitcher in the set position, contacts the plate with the heel of his pivot foot (about 1/3 of the foot) outside the plane of the plate toward the first base side.

6-1-3 is unclear (shocker) to me on this but 6.1.3 A seems to be pretty resolute that this is illegal, and that the pivot foot must be entirely in front (and not outside of) the plate.

could be i'm misunderstanding this--if so, let me know. if not, at what point is this called a balk. when he first comes in contact and takes the sign? when he comes set after the stretch? when he starts the delivery?

another question on 6-1-3. my reading is that it is perfectly legal for a pitcher, while in the stretch and prior to coming set, to turn and fire to first (for example) on a pickoff play and there's no need for him to come set first once he starts the stretch. but i want to be sure i'm not getting this wrong, either.

thanks, gents.