3rd to 1st move...

[stl_ump]

Is MLB still considering doing away with this? And if so, how will they do it? Make it a balk if you turn and throw (or fake a throw) to 1st?

[noumpere]

Yes they hare considering it and no one knows how they will do it or what the rule will actually be.

[Dragon29]

From an AP article in May of this year:

The Playing Rules Committee has approved a proposal to make it a balk, too, with MLB executives and umpires in agreement. The players' union vetoed the plan for this season to discuss it further. MLB is allowed to implement the change after a one-year wait — no telling whether that would happen if players strongly object.

Under the new wording, a pitcher could not fake to third unless he first stepped off the rubber. If he stayed on the rubber ... it would be a balk.

The article goes on, mostly talking about why they would want to make this rules change when the move almost(!?!) never works anyway. Here's my favorite line from that article:

Seriously, with no previous controversy surrounding this age-old play, I wouldn't be surprised to find that the playing rules committee came around with this idea while wearing shirts that said "Here comes Selig! Look busy!"

[carolinablue]

So now you won't be able to feint to third or first while engaged but second base is OK. Seems stupid to me, why not just make all feinting while engaged illegal. Then again why change it at all? :shrug:

[Umpire in Chief]

If it carries down to rec ball I see balk fests galore the first few weeks. Along with the coinciding ejection fest.

[stl_ump]

Me - "That's a balk"

Coach - "What are you talking about? Since when"

Me - "I told you at our ground rules meeting about this change."

Coach - "Ahh... Ahh..."

[cyclonehokiece]

So now you won't be able to feint to third or first while engaged but second base is OK. Seems stupid to me, why not just make all feinting while engaged illegal. Then again why change it at all?

They did in the early 1900's I believe (I cannot find the reference anymore) for one year, and then changed it the next year that you couldn't feint to first. I would have balkfest/arguefests/tossfests all year long if they make this change everywhere.

[Dragon29]

If it carries down to rec ball I see balk fests galore the first few weeks seasons. Along with the coinciding ejection fest.

Fixed your post.

[Replacematt]

So now you won't be able to feint to third or first while engaged but second base is OK. Seems stupid to me, why not just make all feinting while engaged illegal. Then again why change it at all?

That is what they are doing.

[carolinablue]

So now you won't be able to feint to third or first while engaged but second base is OK. Seems stupid to me, why not just make all feinting while engaged illegal. Then again why change it at all?

That is what they are doing.

I hope so. The article posted made it sound like they are only making it illegal to 3B and of course it's already illegal to 1st.

[Richvee]

So we're saying R2, lift the non pivot foot and put it down behind the rubber and not throw would also be a balk?

[Dragon29]

That's the plan - I guess.

I tried to find the exact wording of the proposal, but was unable to do so. If anyone can find it, please post it here. Inquiring minds . . . .