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FED rules: F1 steps to occupied third, (1) does not make any arm motion, wheels, (2) remains on the rubber, and picks off R1.
a. (2) This is legal.
b. Balk because of staying on the rubber. No.
Therefore: It's a balk because the pitcher did not feint a throw to third.
At issue are two vague OBR situations:
First: The OBR says the pitcher must step before a throw. It does not say he must step before a feint. I've asked PBUC if Mike Winters (MLU) is right: He said: "Treat as in FED."
Second: The OBR offers some "umpires" refuge with a statement at 8.05(c) CMT 2, where it "possibly" speaks of turning and throwing from the rubber. Evans, J/R, and Winters all say it's a balk if the pitcher does not leave the rubber during the 3-1 play. I've asked PBUC if they are right.
The FED pitcher may stay on the rubber. But he must couple a step to an occupied base with arm motion, whether it's a feint or a throw. (FED 6-2-4b)
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