Is it a balk if the pitcher alters his pitching motion to deceive the runner?

[Guest Alan]

The pitcher's motion to the plate is normal. He picks his leg up and goes directly to the plate. Is it a balk if he picks his leg up, turns toward second (back to the plate), then pitches to the batter?

[blue23ll]

Maybe

 

[ZebraStripes]

Not enough information

[Richvee]

Sounds legal to me from what I'm envisioning. As long as he's not turning and kicking his free foot out in the direction of 2nd base and then, changing direction and throwing home. Sounds like he's just rotating his torso.. That's OK, as long as it's a continuous motion and he's not stopping all motion while turned toward 2nd. 

[umpref19]

This sounds just like if a left hand pitcher crosses the pitchers plate and throws home. Not a balk as long there is no stoppage to the plate

[grayhawk]

Remember, it's the pitcher's JOB to deceive the runner.....legally.  He can alter his pitching motion on every pitch as long as it's legal.