Illegal or not?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by agr8zebra

Has the pitcher satisfied Rule 6-1-1
ART. 1 . . . Prior to starting the delivery (pitch).......
a. Prior to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand, and with the hands separated.
b. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.
c. After completing "b" above, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. The hands may be motionless or moving.

I don't see in any of this where it says that the pitcher cannot perform "b" or "c" if the batter is not ready in the batter's box. What we don't want is for her to start her delivery motion when the batter is not ready.

Stepping on the plate with hands separated, looking in for the signal, and then bringing the hands together are all actions prior to a pitch. There is nothing in the rule that says she cannot do any of this until the batter is ready.