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.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree, we should not be holding rules clinics. I was just basing my comments on the original thread. Given the new information, I probably would have handled it the same.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by waltjp

This particular batter had been stepping out all night and calling time when at bat.

Shame on you for letting him get away with that.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Shame on you for letting him get away with that.

Maybe you can be specific and tell me exactly what I let him get away with so I can correct it next time.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Maybe you can be specific and tell me exactly what I let him get away with so I can correct it next time.

You don't say whether you granted time at every request, but that would be one thing (if your request here is serious). You're probably aware that 6.02(d) prohibits the batter from stepping out of the box after most pitches. It has penalties, depending on what happens.

Slow batters make slow pitchers, and slow pitchers make long games.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by mbyron

You don't say whether you granted time at every request, but that would be one thing (if your request here is serious). You're probably aware that 6.02(d) prohibits the batter from stepping out of the box after most pitches. It has penalties, depending on what happens.

Slow batters make slow pitchers, and slow pitchers make long games.

No, I don't grant the TO on every request. If the batter puts his hand up I'll watch to see what's going on. If TO is required I'll call it. If not, I'll instruct him to get in the box. I have no problem telling a batter to stay in the box after every pitch.

My games have a good pace to them. One of my pet peeves is partners on the plate who do not control the tempo between innings or during ABs. Like you said, it slows the game down to a snail's pace.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by waltjp

I have no problem telling a batter to stay in the box after every pitch.

Originally Posted by waltjp

This particular batter had been stepping out all night and calling time when at bat.

These two statements seem somewhat at odds with one another.

[NFump]

He didn't say he tells them to, just that he has no problem doing it when he does it.

[BigTex]

Originally Posted by waltjp

This particular batter had been stepping out all night and calling time when at bat.

Batters do not call time, they ask for time. Umpires call time, but not every time it is asked for.