Marlins vs. Mets 4/7/10

[JamesC]

In the Marlins/Mets game on Wednesday, Laz Diaz called a balk with the bases loaded. Why did he stop the play? Under OBR, it isn't an immediate dead ball is it?

[kcfan102]

Well... yes and no. The rule book says that the ball is dead unless the pitcher decides to go ahead and pitch, in which case it's one of those "delayed dead balls".

Most pitchers stop their motions when the balk is called though. I looked for it on MLB.com but I could only find a story, no video.

[yawetag]

In the Marlins/Mets game on Wednesday, Laz Diaz called a balk with the bases loaded. Why did he stop the play? Under OBR, it isn't an immediate dead ball is it?

It's not, but the balk was called for moving his glove and not completing the pitch (starting and stopping). Once he stopped, the ball is dead.

If the balk had been for not coming set, they would allow the pitch to be made.

[Mr Umpire]

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7320349

It's a tough call to make for me. Maybe the movement looked worse from 3B. Especially when he has the line between the pants and shirt to go by.

[Thunderheads]

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7320349

It's a tough call to make for me. Maybe the movement looked worse from 3B. Especially when he has the line between the pants and shirt to go by.

Holy crap, I didn't see anything:shrug:

[Mr Umpire]

Holy crap, I didn't see anything:shrug:

It was very, very small. Watch his glove. It slightly twitches up and down after coming set. And, probably looks worse from 3B side.

Or, U3 was being picky. IDK. Not one I will ever be calling anytime soon.

[Guest]

Holy crap, I didn't see anything:shrug:

Watch the glove.

[Thunderheads]

Watch the glove.

Ahhh, ....the double "drop" ....I saw it .....I think

PLUS ...no one argued!!!

[Mr Umpire]

Ahhh, ....the double "drop" ....I saw it .....I think

PLUS ...no one argued!!!

Can't argue balks. But, F1 did slightly.

[BrianC14]

Double dip.

Even the batter knew it - watch him back away and raise his arm to celebrate the tying run.

U3 must have called it, and sold it well.

[JamesC]

Laz Diaz called the balk from the plate. He came out from behind the plate with his arms up mid-pitch.

[Mr Umpire]

Laz Diaz called the balk from the plate. He came out from behind the plate with his arms up mid-pitch.

I don't think he did. U3 called it. Look at Laz and the batter. Both are looking at 3B before Laz steps out to see what is going on. He isn't even looking at the pitcher.

Plus, look at U3. He is the one making the awards. Laz is only echoing the award of HP.

I think U3 made the call and made it obvious b/c of how the batter and PU reacted.

[BrianC14]

Laz Diaz called the balk from the plate. He came out from behind the plate with his arms up mid-pitch.

That's what he's supposed to do - but without seeing what U3 does, I'd say it's impossible to know from watching the video. He could have been echoing a call from another umpire.

[yawetag]

Plus, look at U3. He is the one making the awards.

Is that what that little dance was? Awarding bases? I hope I don't look that silly.;)

[Umpire in Chief]

I'd have to say by how animated Wally Bell is it was his call. Laz, by his demeanor seems to be echoing.

[BrianC14]

I'd have to say by how animated Wally Bell is it was his call. Laz, by his demeanor seems to be echoing.

I agree - he's selling it, and why not? Balks are fairly rare with the big boys, and this one has just tied the game. You can't NOT sell that - at any level.

[mstaylor]

He absolutely popped his glove. It doesn't have to be big to be illegal.