Batter must verbally call time?

[umpjim]

When the batter enters the box with his hand up I usually don't give the pitcher a stop sign unless we have a pitcher who appears to ignore the batter not being ready. Once the batter is established in the box and then puts his hand up I consider that a request for time and will grant it if appropriate or tell him no. It's usually not appropriate if F1 has come set or started his windup. Time would be granted if something had affected the batter or a set pitcher held too long.