Extra warm up pitches

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

So you're saying that the process of handling substitutions is not a reason to allow extra warm-up pitches because the coach initiates the process? Then why is it specifically mentioned in the rulebook as an example of when we should allow the extra warm-up pitches?

If you are confused, then you just aren't reading what I am saying. I said

Don't get me wrong; I'm not always a hard case about this. We are talking about the cases where we know what they are doing, and you say we have no options. The black and white is we do NOT have allow additional warmup pitches.

It is that simple. If a coach does his job, and umpire does his job, it shouldn't take more than the 1 minute between innings; or more than 20-30 seconds between batters. If the umpire is sloooooooooooooooow, and there is a delay because the umpire is slooooooooooooooow, then the pitcher can use that time to take an extra pitch, or two. If both coach and umpire do their job, but doing their job takes a bit too long, then, yes, the pitcher can take another warmup pitch or two.

BUT, if the coach delays until the one minute is up, then wants to give the umpire his subs, that isn't the umpire delaying the game, so that clause does not have to apply. It isn't stated that anytime an umpire takes substitutions that the pitcher can take excess warmup pitches without penalty, nor does it say we should allow them. The rule uses that (handling substitutions) as one of several examples when we may allow them, and not penalize them.

And that's the difference; you are saying the black and white is that we have to allow it. The rule says we do not have to allow it, but we may, and gives some examples of when you might.