Taking signs while off the rubber - with a twist

[waltjp]

Let me clarify a few points. I'm not a hard *** when I ump. If someone asks a legit question I'll answer it as best I can in the time allowed. Like others have said, I'm not out there to conduct a rule's clinic.

This particular batter had been stepping out all night and calling time when at bat. By the time he asked about the pitcher taking signals I was out of patience with him. And even with that my answer may have been different if his tone was different.

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by spokanelurker

I absolutely understand where most of you guys are coming from! Why would any of you want a player to think you're not just another arrogant prick? But seriously, Georgia, if the kid was right about the rule, what's your point in saying, "Leave him as dumb as he was when he stepped in the box"?

Waiting for the "rat" references.

What was he right about for any rule? He said the pitcher wasn't on the rubber when taking signs. He made a statement and was countered by one. He wasn't right about any rule. As far as I could tell, he was making an observation. If he wants to make one, then make it. Otherwise, leave him as dumb as he was.

He obviously had no idea why he was making that statement. I guess the myth of it being a balk was in his head. So, I'll leave him as dumb about it as he was since all he was doing is making an observation with absolutely no point by it. So, why am I going to try to teach him anything? He doesn't even know how to approach it to say "He took the signs off the rubber. Is that a balk?" Then, he gets a "No" and let's go.

If he isn't smart enough to get to the answer he is looking for, then I will not give it to him and "Leave him as dumb as he was when he stepped in the box". I'm not a mind reader. He made an observation and I agreed with him on the observation. What's wrong with that?

[Steven Tyler]

[QUOTE=GA Umpire;611 So, why am I going to try to teach him anything? He doesn't even know how to approach it to say "He took the signs off the rubber. Is that a balk?" Then, he gets a "No" and let's go.

I[/QUOTE]

Depends if they are playing by FED rules. This is supposedly a balk in their rule set.