Balks and hit by batted ball...

[LDUB]

Originally posted by Rbn3
Official Rules:

8.01
Legal pitching delivery. There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either position may be used at any time. Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing on the rubber. Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides.

That is talking about if he steps off and just stands there. Think about this, pitcher comes set, then steps off. He should drop his hands to his sides, in order not to confuse the batter. If the pitcher were to step off and keep his hands together, then take a step foreward with his non pivot foot, this could be considered a balk according to rule 8.05 (g).

8.05
If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when (g) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher's plate;