Balk or not?

[David B]

Anyone know anything about this?

Seems Frank Robinson is on another tear, this time with Gerry Davis.

On Tuesday, Robinson showed reporters a DVD of Powell's delivery, in which Powell picks up his right foot twice before throwing a pitch. Robinson believes Powell balks before every pitch, but Davis was not swayed by the argument.

I watch the Braves pretty regularly, but had not heard of this, saw it on their webpage.

Just wonderin if anyone had seen what he was doing?

thanks
David

[BigUmp56]

David,

I have seen Powells delivery from the set position. The article you mentioned about his delivery was misworded.

He is a right handed pitcher that lifts his left foot slightly before coming set in order to remind himself that he needs to stay back on his delivery, and not overextend himself.

After he sets his foot down he always comes to a full stop before he begins his motion. He never attempts a pick off on this initial move, and when asked, several MLB umpires have suggested that if he ever does attempt a pick off while doing this, they will balk him and no longer allow it.

They went on to say that if he did not come to a complete stop after this move, they would balk him as well.

They seem to think that his unorthadoxed pitching motion, however different it is, is consistant enough that there is no deception involved.

I hope you get a chance to see this guy pitch. He is unique to say the least.

Tim.