The pitcher stepped off to throw to first, sees that Rizzo isn't covering, and just spikes the ball right near the mound (presumably to avoid the balk). A balk was still called. Does there have to be actual intent to throw to first? Is it a judgment call on the umpire's part? Cubs manager didn't seem to have a problem with the explanation.

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Does there have to be actual intent to throw to first?

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I believe this is the case.

I forget who it was, but the same situation happened a few years ago where the first baseman wasnt covering, and right before the pitcher threw it, he noticed the bag was unattended, and he basically just did a slow lob over the bag so the first baseman could get over there to field it.

could be wrong though

If he stepped off the rubber then it shouldn't have been a balk.

If he stepped OFF THE BACK, it should not be a balk.

http://m.cubs.mlb.com/chc/video/v33606493/chcpit-ramirez-loses-grip-on-a-pickoff-try-to-first

He didn't step backwards off the rubber, and the rest of his footwork may be a little fuzzy.

[This message has been edited by TXAggie2011 (edited 6/12/2014 1:07p).]

Judgement call. If the umpire believes he did not intend to throw to first, it's a balk.

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If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when --
(b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw;

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[This message has been edited by Disarmer (edited 6/12/2014 3:26p).]

Pitcher is right handed...can't throw to first without stepping off.

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Pitcher is right handed...can't throw to first without stepping off.

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In order to disengage, he has to step directly backwards off the rubber. Any other movement is considered to be from the rubber. This means that when stepping your right foot towards third base in order to set your feet for a throw to first, it is all considered a throwing motion to first base from the rubber, not disengaging.

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(e) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher’s plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder.

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[This message has been edited by Disarmer (edited 6/13/2014 1:23a).]