Why is the ruling on this move being changed?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by mbyron

1. No official statement AFAIK.

2. No, I believe that it's an attempt to rebalance the rules to favor runners a tiny bit. This happens every so often with OBR.

FWIW, it seemed to me that Papelbon balked in the video you posted, and not in the way you're asking about.

I had a balk on the play as well. Possibly for two reasons.

One - Looked like the free foot crossed the back plane of the rubber. (maybe)

Two - Also looked like he may have started to rotate toward home rather than step directly toward third. (or more to home than third).

Tim.