Balk?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LakeErieUmp

What's the pitcher doing taking a sign before the batter's in the box? Unless Tim's right and he stepped out mid-windup.

Where in the rules does it say the pitcher has to wait for the batter to be in the box prior to taking his sign? I don't believe that is a rule. It only says that the pitcher shall take his sign from the catcher from on the rubber, and the only penalty is to tell the pitcher "don't do that." The pitcher is not allowed to take his sign and then quickly get on the rubber and pitch. That is the reason for his taking signs on the rubber.

[UmpJM]

Steve,

Not presuming to speak for Tim (or LakeErieUmp), but I don't believe they were suggesting there was anything illegal about the pitcher's actions - just that it would be a little bit "odd" for the pitcher to be on the rubber and have already taken his signs when the batter had not yet taken his position in the box. After Tim's post, I also realized that it would be a little "odd" for the R3 to have taken off for home prior to the batter taking his position in the box.

It's certainly possible it happened that way. In my experience, it's more likely that the batter had already taken his position and then (perhaps wanting to double check with his base coach that a "suicide squeeze" or "straight steal" of home was ON), stepped his front foot out of the box to "retake" signs. If that's what happened, I find Tim's comments "on point", and I would concur with what he said.

Since none of us were there, we won't know unless & until TwoBits provides some clarification.

JM

[SanDiegoSteve]

Oh....that's very different......never mind.