Windup

[mbyron]

Ozzy got the intent of the rule right: prevent the quick pitch. F1 must separate hands before re-engaging rubber.

As for deception: he's in the wind-up, so whom would he deceive?

Even if you've got R3, if F1 steps off R3 should be going back to the base anyway. If R3 doesn't know the difference between his free foot and his pivot foot moving first, that's not my problem. Remember: deception is not illegal, only illegal deception is illegal.