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The Balk Off Because of A.J.?


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The reason for the Balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the runner on a base. What I never understood is why the Balk rule still applies when the bases are loaded, or when a runner is on 3B. The rule assumes the "deception" is the pitcher fooling the runner into thinking he's throwing to home. If a runner is on 3B, how would a pitcher deceive a runner at 3B if the bag being stolen IS home plate? You could argue, " Well the pitcher could throw to third and get the guy in a run down", but if he's attempting to steal home, the pitcher isn't going to have a better chance of getting the guy out by throwing to 3B, he would just finish his delivery to the plate

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QUOTE (Real @ Jul 5, 2011 -> 02:53 PM)
The reason for the Balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deceiving the runner on a base. What I never understood is why the Balk rule still applies when the bases are loaded, or when a runner is on 3B. The rule assumes the "deception" is the pitcher fooling the runner into thinking he's throwing to home. If a runner is on 3B, how would a pitcher deceive a runner at 3B if the bag being stolen IS home plate? You could argue, " Well the pitcher could throw to third and get the guy in a run down", but if he's attempting to steal home, the pitcher isn't going to have a better chance of getting the guy out by throwing to 3B, he would just finish his delivery to the plate

 

The balk rule is also in place to prevent the deceiving of the batter. Thats part of the reason why the pitcher must come to a set position before delivering a pitch.

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QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Jul 5, 2011 -> 03:01 PM)
The balk rule is also in place to prevent the deceiving of the batter. Thats part of the reason why the pitcher must come to a set position before delivering a pitch.

 

I guess thats part of the rule i didnt realize was part of balking, i can think of one time where a guy at 3B was dumb enough to get picked off at third, and it also protects guys from getting picked off a base who arent trying to steal but just leaning towards the next base

 

I still dont like the rule applying when a runner is on 3B or bases loaded

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I don't know. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I've never seen it.

 

I have seen guys gunned down at first or third by a catcher when they've fallen asleep. Especially if the catcher is a Pudge Rodriguez type.

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QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Jul 5, 2011 -> 04:12 PM)
Was Podsednik picked off third at a very crucial time in a very crucial game?

Yes, I remembered he got picked off every base in the same week with the one at third being with less than 2 outs in like the 11th, against seattle two years ago.

 

edit: found it. http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SE...200908120.shtml

 

Was by the catcher though.

Edited by kjshoe04
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