Straddling rubber to take signs

[David B]

Originally posted by catch9
As some have said - in my humble opinion. There really is a dis-advantage to the runner in straddling the rubber and taking signs. Notice I said dis-advantage and not deception. I think it is a balk - most pitchers from high school and higher do it to add some deception - it is not accidental - they've been coached to do it. As long as they don't look in for a sign while doing it I think we are at a fair balance. If the runner is picked off before the pitcher looks in - hey - he's fair game - he should have known better. Once the pitcher looks in and takes a sign - the runner is getting his full lead based on that. Most base coaches are telling the runner when the pitcher is on or off the rubber. That lets the runner know when to get his full lead.

Bottom line - I'll warn, then call balk.

Disadvantage to the runner ??

Let's see, so anything that as an umpire I see creates a disadvantage for the runner I need to "make up" a rule to make that fair?

Not only does that make no sense, but to play your game, how in the world is this an advantage for the pitcher?

Or maybe you're playing a different game or something ...

Umpires need to umpire, nothing else.

Thanks
David