Taking signs while off the rubber - with a twist

[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.