Quick Pitch

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Sven K

OBR addresses the quick pitch with regard to the batter, but I can find no provision as to quick-pitching a runner.

Am I right in thinking that the runner must ask for time or the batter must step out and do the same to afford the the runner the opportunity to dust himself off?

Without asking for time, may the pitcher get the ball back, quickly come set, and deliver the pitch while the runner is still face down in the dirt? It seems a little unfair to the runner to force him to dive back (maybe repeatedly) and then rush through the set position while he is spitting the grit out of his teeth. It seems unfair, but that's how I read it. Thoughts?

It is not unfair, it is the runner's job to pay attention and know where the ball is. As long as F1 is not committing a balk on the pick-off (there is no quick pitch to a runner), let the runner beware.

F1 also does not have to come set, he can attempt a pick-off while not engaged with the rubber. Again, let the runner beware. Also, that's what they invented base coaches for. Unlike some who stand around with their thumbs up their behinds, complaining about every call, the base coach is supposed assist the runner as to when to go or return.

[celebur]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

It is not unfair, it is the runner's job to pay attention and know where the ball is. As long as F1 is not committing a balk on the pick-off (there is no quick pitch to a runner), let the runner beware.

The OP wasn't talking about the pick-off attempt but rather the next pitch after a pick-off attempt in which the runner had to dive back to the base.