Pitcher stumbles on pick-off attempt

[mrm21711]

Originally posted by jstone999
Didn't see this, but it's being discussed on a local umpire forum in Germany. Last weekend, White Sox against the Dodgers. Pitcher attempts a pick-off to first from set position (without disengaging) but stumbles during the attempt and overthrows first. Blue gives TWO bases.

Did anyone see this? Why two bases? Does stumbling during the throw constitute disengagment, or did the umpire blow the call, or what else could explain awarding two bases on a pick-off overthrow?

jeffstone
goettingen

Everybody seemed to focus on the overthrow, but isnt it correct that a stumble on the pickoff, as long as he didnt stop his motion and made a throw to first, would not be a balk in itself?