MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...-pickoff-play/

Well, not banning it, but calling it a balk. It rarely ever works, but it's still part of the game. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm just sad I'll never get to hear Marty say "And that's a play that hasn't worked since Abner Doubleday invented the game".

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

True...and ever time he says it, I want to say to the radio "it actually has worked a time or two Marty ! " :D

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

i remember him saying "if you get thrown out on that play, you shouldn't even be on a major league roster"

well, something along those lines lol

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

No need for this play in the game of baseball, therefore I agree with the ruling.

It should be a balk, as it's only a time filler and/or scheme to get batter's to show their hands early.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

It probably should be called a balk the intent is to fool the runner, which the intent of the balk rule is to keep that from happening. Therefore it makes sense to call it as such.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

But the spin to second is OK, right??
I get that its cheap and never works, but as a purist, I prefer leaving the game alone.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

Agreed. It's a part of the game I find endlessly frustrating. If they make the rule change, it will be interesting to see if some pitchers that are accustomed to using the move as a way to buy some time/get their composure still occasionally do it out of habit.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

I've seen a lot of guys picked off second base in my lifetime. It's not that uncommon.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

I assume he meant when nobody is covering.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

It is a part of the game. It is used to get a batter to show a bunt early and it is also used for stalling, which whether you like it or not, is part of the game. Why don't we get rid of mound visits by the catchers?

If we want to stop delays in the game lets make a rule that the only time a player other than the pitcher can come to the mound is if a coach is making a visit as well.

I'm not certain as to the rules but ive seen some posters are saying that it is against the rules for a pitcher to attempt to decieve runners. If that is true then the lefty pickoff move should also be a balk if the pitcher's foot travels in any direction toward first base other than a straight line.

While every umpire is different most abide by a 45 degree angle rule.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

Oops, my bad. :redface:

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

I agree. Leave it alone. The only reason they are changing the rules is because people are crying about it.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

When a runner is stealing second and the throw is going into centerfield; why is the player covering the bag allowed to fake a tag to get the runner to slide and not advance to third? Isn't that intentionally fooling the runner as well? I guess we need to change that too. Personally, I don't have a problem with fooling the runner.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

Is the hidden ball trick intentionally fooling the runner? I believe it is. Get rid of that too. How about letting a ball drop so you can get a double play? Gone.

Re: MLB considering banning the fake to third, throw to first pickoff
 

Even though it's widely accepted, a 45 degree angle is still a balk. It's just not called. But I would argue that most lefties have stretched that to 60 or 70 degrees