Pitcher taking signals.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Bob paints a picture of a pitcher on the mound, then bending over to take his signals all while stradling the rubber.

This is extremely deceptive to a runner who may easily assume that the since the pitcher is getting his signals, he's on the rubber.

What makes you think most runners know the rule requiring the pitcher to be on the rubber when taking signs? I'll bet Joe Morgan doesn't know . It has been my experience that most players have a very limited grasp on most advanced rules. I would also submit that a runner should be watching the pitcher rather closely to determine whether or not he is on the rubber by looking at his feet, not by whether or not he is taking signs.

I tend to nip taking signs off the rubber in the bud by telling the catcher not to give signs until F1 engages the rubber.