Why is the ruling on this move being changed?

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Achu

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Hey everybody. Just wondering if there has been an official statement regarding why this move is becoming a balk next year in OBR. (RHP, step to third, look to or throw to first)

Is it a speed-of-game issue? I have never umpired at a level where this is common or even allowed, so, I'm not quite sure what the rationale would be. In my opinion it can be an effective psychological tool (or clue). Sorry if this has been widely discussed as I'm sure all rule changes are, but I couldn't find anything while searching.

First of all, everything I have read has used the word "maybe", so that doesn't mean it definetly is.

Now , What the heck are you talking about? I have to question what level you have umpired at because, this is a common as "Ball or Strike" at all games above LL level.

"it can be an effective psychological tool"

What does that mean? This is Baseball were discussing.

Here is a quote about this move that shows the type of brillance we are dealing with here.

"I think they should get rid of it," Yankees reliever Boone Logan said. "Us lefties can't do that. If we do, they call a balk."

About the only reason I can think of, of why they want to eliminate this is, it shows up the intelligence of some of ther players. The clip already proves that it still works in the game. I don't see why they want to eliminate it but, it's their League.

[tcarilli]

Originally Posted by jicecone

..."I think they should get rid of it," Yankees reliever Boone Logan said. "Us lefties can't do that. If we do, they call a balk."

Unless I am missing something, a left-handed pitcher can step toward third fake a throw there, disengage the rubber, and throw to first. Now it would look silly and I have never seen it. But there is no rule precluding a lefty from doing a third-to-first move.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by tcarilli

Unless I am missing something, a left-handed pitcher can step toward third fake a throw there, disengage the rubber, and throw to first. Now it would look silly and I have never seen it. But there is no rule precluding a lefty from doing a third-to-first move.

Yeah, he left that part out... what he really meant was...

"We lefties can't do that very well and look foolish when we try".

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Yeah, he left that part out... what he really meant was...

"We lefties can't do that very well and look foolish when we try".

Actually, I think he was complaining that lefties aren't allowed to do the fake-to-first-throw-to-third move, essentially mirroring the righty move.

[tcarilli]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Actually, I think he was complaining that lefties aren't allowed to do the fake-to-first-throw-to-third move, essentially mirroring the righty move.

Ya think?

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Actually, I think he was complaining that lefties aren't allowed to do the fake-to-first-throw-to-third move, essentially mirroring the righty move.

And neither are rightys.

[Achu]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Now , What the heck are you talking about? I have to question what level you have umpired at because, this is a common as "Ball or Strike" at all games above LL level.

"it can be an effective psychological tool"

What does that mean? This is Baseball were discussing.

Question away. I volunteer as a Little League umpire in a small Maine town where many parents can't even afford gloves for their kids. I don't get paid and I'm at this forum because I'm trying to learn how to be as good as I can. I was just curious about the rule change.

As is the case with lazy pickoff throws and any check on a runner, it is a way of letting the runner know the pitcher is paying attention. That's all I meant. Thanks for the reply.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Achu

Question away. I volunteer as a Little League umpire in a small Maine town where many parents can't even afford gloves for their kids. I don't get paid and I'm at this forum because I'm trying to learn how to be as good as I can. I was just curious about the rule change.

As is the case with lazy pickoff throws and any check on a runner, it is a way of letting the runner know the pitcher is paying attention. That's all I meant. Thanks for the reply.

The goal of the pitcher is to catch the runner taking some extra lead when he initially thinks the ball is going to third, and then fire back to catch him too far off or leaning. It VERY rarely works, and often gets boo'ed at MLB parks.