Balk question

[grozzly]

Hello USA ! 

I was watching a french game on FB this week-end and saw something i've never seen before.

R3, outs don't matter, OBR.

RHP is in wind up, starts his motion, and as he raises his free foot, stops for a good second, "fixing the runner" before going towards home plate to make his pitch. 

I know we call a balk if the pitcher does this if in set-up, but what about if he does it during a wind-up ?? 

Thanks ^^

[Stk004]

Still a balk in the wind up. Cueto got called for this in SF a while back. Once he starts his motion to deliver home it must be continuous. 

[ALStripes17]

Hello USA ! 
I was watching a french game on FB this week-end and saw something i've never seen before.
R3, outs don't matter, OBR.
RHP is in wind up, starts his motion, and as he raises his free foot, stops for a good second, "fixing the runner" before going towards home plate to make his pitch. 
I know we call a balk if the pitcher does this if in set-up, but what about if he does it during a wind-up ?? 
Thanks ^^

Typically not called because he has committed to his windup pitching motion... No advantage gained anywhere so true umpiring will not call this as a 'start-stop' ... He's just giving the runner more time to steal home if desired.

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[Stk004]

Just now, ALStripes17 said:

Typically not called because he has committed to his windup pitching motion... No advantage gained anywhere so true umpiring will not call this as a 'start-stop' ... He's just giving the runner more time to steal home if desired.

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Very true. I'm surprised I haven't seen a R3 break for home when the pitcher starts his wind up, trying to draw and pick off and in turn a balk. 

[grozzly]

1 hour ago, ALStripes17 said:

Typically not called because he has committed to his windup pitching motion... No advantage gained anywhere so true umpiring will not call this as a 'start-stop' ... He's just giving the runner more time to steal home if desired.

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Exactly ! that's what i was thinking about. Once his free foot has moved off the plate, he has no other solution than pitching to the batter, so it doesn't change anything if he stops his motion for a second, he must throw to the batter anyway...