Have no idea why that would change, the runner is allowed to leave at the same moment now as they have been in the past.

<b>Have no idea why that would change</b>

Because runners are now leaving early, hoping the ball gets away from the catcher.

I can't remember ever calling a runner out for leaving the base too soon in SP.

Granted we are speaking of AA, but it still makes no sense to me. That's about as stupid as a runner on 3B leaving early on a retouch on a fly ball caught at the fence in RC field.

I wonder if the catchers know they can pick-off that runner at 1B?

Just a guess from a FP umpire... maybe they've never had a real reason to try to time the pitch so closely before.

Now, maybe they are trying to be moving just as the ball reaches the plate, just like FP runners try to be moving just as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

Tom,

I don't see the difference. A SP player trying to get a jump on a possible batted ball is nothing new. Players have been doing it for years.

I think that it's just the case that some of them get in their heads "I'm going to steal" and take off, whereas before they were thinking "I'm taking off if he hits it" and they just haven't gotten used to it. Also there is occasionaly a new guy and when I hear "You know you can steal now" from the dugout that I might as well get ready to call out the out, had one was at the 2nd baseman when I called dead ball. Coaching at the AA level sometimes leaves a little to be desired.