Did he balk?

[scarolinablue]

I haven't seen a good replay yet (missed that segment of the game last night), but from what I've seen, a good no-call (based on the video at mlb.com). Close, but looked like some distance and direction - albeit close to the 45° line.

[OzUmp]

I got a balk here. You should not only consider his foot. his upper body was certainly going home (albeuit slightly) before he changed his mind and picked off to 1st. It was not huge but it was a balk. I can't remember the last time I saw a big league coach come out and discuss a possible balk. Madden would not have come out if there was not something to it. He certainly had a better angle than Welke. Danley should have made the call but we know they just don't call balks in the bigs. Danley can be forgiven. when you only see a balk once in a blue moon you can be forgiven for not recognizing one when it does happen.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

I haven't seen a good replay yet (missed that segment of the game last night), but from what I've seen, a good no-call (based on the video at mlb.com). Close, but looked like some distance and direction - albeit close to the 45° line.

45 degree is only a guideline though right? it's not written anywhere in the rulebook right?

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

45 degree is only a guideline though right? it's not written anywhere in the rulebook right?

No, there is no OBR reference to any number of degrees or imaginary line, etc. Umpires will use it as a guideline to determine if the pitcher stepped toward the base before throwing there.

[JR12]

I like how you could clearly hear the manager sayin "come on Timmy, thats a balk, Bull $h1t!!! Then suddenly that mic was shut off.

[bossman72]

Pickoff play looms large in Game 1 | raysbaseball.com: News


Also, very tough to call from the camera angle