johnnyg08 DG wrote"It is possiblea balk if, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and does not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion “wheels” and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk. It is legal for a pitcher to feint a throw to second base." I am not sure I see what the change is. It has been interpreted that if you step to 3b and do not disengage before turning and stepping to 1b that is a balk, but if you come off the rubber as you step to 3b and then turn and step and throw to 1b, that is not a balk, and if you wheel without stepping that is a balk. What, as worded, is a change? Let me see if I can get the attachment on here w/ the "tracked changes." I think if we can see the actual .pdf, it will make more sense. I think I fixed it. See OP.
UMP45 DG wrote"It is possiblea balk if, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and does not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion “wheels” and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk. It is legal for a pitcher to feint a throw to second base." I am not sure I see what the change is. It has been interpreted that if you step to 3b and do not disengage before turning and stepping to 1b that is a balk, but if you come off the rubber as you step to 3b and then turn and step and throw to 1b, that is not a balk, and if you wheel without stepping that is a balk. What, as worded, is a change? You can't fake a throw to third while in contact with the rubber. Simple.
Rich Ives Rita C wroteStill because people whined who don't really understand the game. Rita Somewhere I saw a link to an interview with Joe Torre where he said the managers wanted it killed.
Steven Tyler Rich Ives wroteSomewhere I saw a link to an interview with Joe Torre where he said the managers wanted it killed. Doesn't the MLBPU also have okay all rule changes?
bob jenkins Steven Tyler wroteDoesn't the MLBPU also have okay all rule changes? Yes (with, I think, a few exceptions to the word "all"), but if they don't for a year, then it can get put in anyway.
bluehair bob jenkins wroteThis part is new: If interference is called during an infield fly, the ball remains alive until it is determined whether the ball is fair or foul. If fair, both the runner who interfered with the fielder and the batter are out. If foul, even if caught, the runner is out and the batter returns to bat. That doesn't make any sense.
johnnyg08 I like the "warning" in 8.02a before calling a ball for going to the mouth on the dirt circle.
CT1 bluehair wroteThat doesn't make any sense. I think it does, since there's never going to be more than one out on a foul fly. Punish the player who interferred. Also, add one strike to the batter's count.
bob jenkins CT1 wroteI think it does, since there's never going to be more than one out on a foul fly. Punish the player who interferred. Also, add one strike to the batter's count. exactly. If it was foul, then it wasn't an infield fly.
Spence bob jenkins wroteThis part is new: If interference is called during an infield fly, the ball remains alive until it is determined whether the ball is fair or foul. If fair, both the runner who interfered with the fielder and the batter are out. If foul, even if caught, the runner is out and the batter returns to bat. Is the new part that the ball is still live or is the part that if foul the batter is not out even if caught?
bob jenkins Spence wroteIs the new part that the ball is still live or is the part that if foul the batter is not out even if caught? Yes. The part in blue is all new in the rules this year.
MD Longhorn bluehair wroteThat doesn't make any sense.Sure it does ... what's the ruling on this very same play with IFF not in effect? Runner who interfered is out, batter back up to bat (the interference killed the play, the catch never happened)