Trick play?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Just where and why is the defense throwing the ball anywhere, but back to the pitcher on a supposed walk and a runner on 2B?

That's what I was wondering. If the defense is throwing the ball around in this scenario, shame on it. Where would the first throw go? If the batter is trying to fool the defense into thinking it's Ball Four, then the catcher should simply be tossing the ball back to the pitcher. The only possible play I could envision is a pick-off back to second base, and the batter's action has no bearing on that.

If I were the PU, I would simply say, "That's Ball Three." No different than saying, "Batter's Out," when she takes off for first base on an uncaught third strike but she cannot advance. I don't consider that coaching; coaching would be saying something like, "Catcher, don't throw the ball since she can't advance."