No, that's a balk!

[Thunderheads]

At least, ...that's what I think Wendelstedt said ?!

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18491897

[sdix00]

At least, ...that's what I think Wendelstedt said ?!

http://mlb.mlb.com/v...ent_id=18491897

I love that HW tells Tracy to stay put. "That's a step balk, skip. No need to come out here." Then he tosses him before he even gets close.

The best part of the clip is where the clip ends just as the commentator is starting misinformed rant.

[mstaylor]

Absolutely a balk, PU said not to come and showed a step balk. That is automatic if he comes.

[noumpere]

I love that HW tells Tracy to stay put. "That's a step balk, skip. No need to come out here." Then he tosses him before he even gets close.

I thought I responded to this but maybe I forgot to hit submit. Anyway, that's the correct procedure and protocol. Tracy knew he would get run.

[johnnyg08]

It states right in the MLBUM that you can't argue a step balk, which is why he probably pointed to his leg as a mechanic to show that it was a step balk. I will watch the clip now to see.

[johnnyg08]

Yep, after watching the clip he put his foot back down where it started, no distance and direction. Balk. Announcer says, "that's the first base umpire's call." Oh, another announcer that went to umpire school. Very nice.

[mstaylor]

I heard the crack about it being the U1's call and I thought the same thing. Another rocket scientist heard from.

[bigblue89]

Great call. While watching that clip i saw the other clips from that game including the balk called the previous inning and the baseline call that hunter made earlier in the game.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18493723 thats the baseline call

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18493723 thats the balk from the previous inning

[mazzamouth]

Great call. While watching that clip i saw the other clips from that game including the balk called the previous inning and the baseline call that hunter made earlier in the game.

http://mlb.mlb.com/v...ent_id=18493723 thats the baseline call

http://mlb.mlb.com/v...ent_id=18493723 thats the balk from the previous inning

In the 1st video, that is a great call...textbook..

[mstaylor]

It was a textbook running lane violation and proper mechanics on the enforcement. The second link was the same as the first.

[carolinablue]

To save time I think MLB should add a rule stating that upon calling a balk the umpire shall immediately turn to the offending teams manager and eject him. It's going to happen anyway.

[bigblue89]

sorry about that guys, i didnt mean to put the same one twice

[Thunderheads]

this has to be it .........

Look at Davidson...he looks like freakin' bird trying to take off!! LOL

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18493823

[noumpere]

It states right in the MLBUM that you can't argue a step balk, which is why he probably pointed to his leg as a mechanic to show that it was a step balk. I will watch the clip now to see.

Yes, thats the proper mechanic -- well, more of a slapping of the leg than pointing to it.