Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

It's now been adopted as an official rule per deadspin.

News!

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...ts-for-angels/

It worked for the Angels both last year and in 2011.

Lefties can't do it, because it's a balk for them. That's the only reason i can see getting rid of it. Speed the game up? nah, there's a million other things they can do to speed the game.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

I've watched a ridiculous number of baseball games and I never saw this work one time.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

I've heard Marty say when someone tries it that "that play hasn't worked since Abner Doubleday was a baby." :laugh:

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...rticleid=16893

Works about once a month, in 2012, per this BP article from last year.

What, next they do away with the hidden ball trick? :D

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

Ah, the hidden ball trick. I haven't seen that one in a while. I always love seeing that baby work. Just so fun to watch. :O)

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

Ozzie Guillen getting nabbed twice. Classic stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLVH3sxZt0s

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

Seems to me you will see this play work about once a year. I don't see the necessity to change the rule. Why not concentrate on calling getting umps to call a consistent strike zone.
I dont understand why lefties could not do this move. Certainly would be more awkward but not impossible.
So pitchers can still fake to second or third but they can't then throw to first right? (on a fake to third)

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

Baserunners should be more aware now too. If the pitcher does fake to third, the runner should move slightly toward second or stay put, and try to draw the pitcher's throw to first. Balk.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

The pitchers will just step off the rubber more and slow the game down that much more. At least with the fake to third there was the slightest chance someone could get picked off. Now what we will see is the pitcher stepping off the rubber and the umpire throwing his hands up for time. Whooopeee.........

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

I'm not sure why their panties are in such a wad about the play to change the rule.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

In all the baseball I have watched I have never seen a pick off attempt at 3rd base. I have long wondered why no team has put that play one. Granted its a riskier move, if the ball gets away the run scores, but it seems like it would be the perfect base to attempt that. The runners often get a larger lead and don't pay attention to the pitcher as much. Especially in a situation where you have the 3b playing in, if you put a play on you may have a better chance at picking the runner off.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

I remember a Reds-Cubs game at Wrigley Field a few years ago in which Carlos Zambrano attempted to pick off Eric Milton at 3B after Milton had tripled. Big Z threw it into the 15th row of box seats behind the Cubs dugout.

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

And somehow Milton still failed to score. :D

Re: Fake to third, throw to first move now a balk.
 

glad they're addressing all the important issues....as for the lefty being at a disadvantage....don't they have a big enough advantage(overall)with the move to first?