Stepping to second base with pivot foot

[Vikki]

Cal Ripken (OBR), 11-12 year olds. I have seen this move from several different pitchers and I don't know if I should balk it or not (so far, have not).

R2, RHP in the set position. After coming set, the RHP picks up his pivot foot as if disengaging, but actually steps toward second. He leaves his free foot planted. At the same time, he twists his body around backwards as he's awkwardly stepping to second with his right foot and attempts a pick off with a horrible, limp throw.

I would add that I:

1) hate seeing this move

2) know that it's the result of poor coaching

3) have seen a 0% effective rate

So far I've treated this as a disengagement and then a throw and thus allowed it, but I would like to hear from the forum. 

I now suspect it's actually a balk, so if so, I would appreciate the rule book language or umpire manual that I should cite that makes it a balk. Thank you!

[jimurrayalterego]

10 minutes ago, Vikki said:

Cal Ripken (OBR), 11-12 year olds. I have seen this move from several different pitchers and I don't know if I should balk it or not (so far, have not).

R2, RHP in the set position. After coming set, the RHP picks up his pivot foot as if disengaging, but actually steps toward second. He leaves his free foot planted. At the same time, he twists his body around backwards as he's awkwardly stepping to second with his right foot and attempts a pick off with a horrible, limp throw.

I would add that I:

1) hate seeing this move

2) know that it's the result of poor coaching

3) have seen a 0% effective rate

So far I've treated this as a disengagement and then a throw and thus allowed it, but I would like to hear from the forum. 

I now suspect it's actually a balk, so if so, I would appreciate the rule book language or umpire manual that I should cite that makes it a balk. Thank you!

It is a disengagement. But if you see the hands come apart before the pivot foot lands it would be a balk. When I say see I mean see. Any snap throw or move like this that is done quickly we usually accept it as a disengagement. 

[noumpere]

It's like the lefty step-back-and-snap-throw to first.  But, it's usually done much more slowly and the hands are apart well in advance of the foot hitting the ground.

 

If you balk it, they'll stop doing it. ;)

[jimurrayalterego]

I just noticed @Vikki request for a cite. One of these two would apply depending on the timing:

"6.02(a)

(1) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery;

(7) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate;"

[Vikki]

Thank you very much! That all makes sense. I will keep an eye on their hands.