Is the ball dead?

[GarthB]

Steve:

This is why we get paid the big bucks, I guess. We have here yet another instance of the umpire devining the intent of a player.

First time, I'm speaking to F1...calmly, no accustion, just a statement that any repetition of this behavior this entire season will be read as throwing at or near the batter. (Fed)

Second occurence, F1 is gone, dead ball or not. Most likely a coach goes with him. Safety and protection of the players takes priority over rule semantics and intent fudging. Always.