and yet another..... :)

[Tyennie]

Interesting discussion today, during a mini clinic. LHP, R1 LHP comes set and then does a scissors move and lands with his left foot (pivot) toward 3b, and his right foot (free foot) gaining distance and direction to first, followed by throw. balk? definitely not a legal way to disengage. so i am thinking yup balk, but his free foot did gain D&D.

[johnnyg08]

So a "jump turn" to 1b with a lefty huh?

[Tyennie]

lol if you want to look at it that way. I didn't see it, only was told the "story" by another umpire.

[UmpTTS43]

Legal as long as he gains D and D. He is considered in contact with the rubber. Same is true with LHP using the jab step to pick off to 3rd, although he is not required to throw, D and D is required.

[UmpJM]

Sounds legal to me.

The pitching regulations do not constrain the movement of the pivot foot on a pick off move, simply that the free foot make a "..direct step..." to the base (i.e., by interpretation, gain "distance and direction", as TT suggests).

Many people misinterpret the constraint on the pivot foot when disengaging as imposing some sort of constraint in other situations, but that's not what the rules say.

JM

[Replacematt]

definitely not a legal way to disengage. so i am thinking yup balk, but his free foot did gain D&D.

You are correct--this is not a legal way to disengage. This is a legal way to throw without disengaging. Since his free foot gained D&D (fighting the dragons of yore,) it is legal.

[Tyennie]

thanks for your input folks, i am sure someone will be screaming balk if this particular move appears during this season. but it won't be from me. :)

[SanDiegoSteve]

definitely not a legal way to disengage. so i am thinking yup balk, but his free foot did gain D&D.

Since his free foot gained D&D (fighting the dragons of yore,) it is legal.

I got this immediately, which means I'm still on the ball!