Balk

[Dave Hensley]

What I'm saying is that, on his pickoff move, Pettitte's free foot lands north of the midpoint between 1B and the plate, and therefore, by professional interpretation of "steps directly towards the base he's throwing to," Pettitte frequently balks on that move. Lefties with good moves generally tend to push the edge of the envelope; Pettitte takes it farther, and gets away with it.

I expect those who are agreeing with me are seeing the same thing. It's not just a lefty thing, it's a Pettitte thing.

[BigUmp56]

The problem I've seen in his move is not so much where he lands his free foot, but that he starts it toward home every so slightly before he steps to first.


Tim.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by PWL

Why would that present a problem?

It wouldn't present a problem unless AH is behind the plate.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by PWL

Why would that present a problem?

It is a balk if a pitcher:

2. Commits to pitch but fails to do so.

b. Set Mode: The pitcher is committed to pitch when, after coming set*, he shows movement toward home plate. Such movement includes leaning his body toward home plate, and beginning or rotating his free leg toward home plate.

I'm always glad to help you two.


Tim.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

It is a balk if a pitcher:

2. Commits to pitch but fails to do so.

b. Set Mode: The pitcher is committed to pitch when, after coming set*, he shows movement toward home plate. Such movement includes leaning his body toward home plate, and beginning or rotating his free leg toward home plate.

I'm always glad to help you two.

Tim.

This is the very type of info I appreciate and why I read this website. Now if you wanna inform the MLB umps about the situation and get back to us on why they are NOT calling a balk on AP, then I will sit here and read every word quietly to my self like a good little boy.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by PWL

So, you're saying he throws his leg out towards home plate and throws towards to first.

No, what I said was he begins his motion by bringing his free foot ever so slightly toward the plate before he throws to first, which should be a balk. I'm not sure why it's not called just as I'm not sure why other balks such as a double set aren't called at the major league level.

Originally Posted by PWL

All I ever recall him doing is pull his right leg high into his chest.

We have a different sense of recollection then.

Originally Posted by PWL

Like Carl said, the rules in this case favor a left hander. Thanx for the help, But if a MLB umpire (ie. Angel Hernandez) is not calling it, I'm inclined to think it is not a balk move.

You must have missed the post in this thread where it was mentioned that Hernadez has balked Pettitte 5 times in his career. You also should have noticed that both Carl and Dave Hensley think it's not a legal move. And, you're welcome.


Tim.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by PWL

Yes, MLB umpires do not call the double set. I feel they do not interject themselves into the game by making calls that have no bearing on the play since there is no intent to deceive. That is their standard set move every time.

Pitchers like Mike Mussina, who's standard set is double are allowed to do it since they do it every time. I have seen the double set balked on pitchers that do not normally do it.

[mcrowder]

It's usually not a good idea to base your thoughts regarding whether something is legal or not on what AH has balked or not balked in the past.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

It's usually not a good idea to base your thoughts regarding whether something is legal or not on what AH has balked or not balked in the past.

Nah, Angel get's balks right. Now Balki'n Bob ....