Not every time, but more than a few times he bounces when his glove is at its lowest point before starting the delivery. That's certainly deceptive to the hitter.

But seriously, not hating, I like these conversations and they're some of the last we will get to have until 2018.

How do you not rule it a balk by the letter of the rule book? Same with a lot of lefty pickoff moves

lead said:

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Discussed above: it's not deceptive. His pick-off move is kinda separate from the wind up weirdness

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His pick off move is definitely separate, and after watching video, is completely legal and very sneaky. He has amazing balance to where his body appears to be moving towards the plate while his feet haven't moved yet. His right foot moves directly towards first base when a step is taken. His quick move from off the rubber is also very good. His feet will always tell the story though.


After watching quite a bit of video of his stretch positioning on an actual pitch, I'm still having problems with calling the stop with his hands above his head his "set position". By the letter of the rules, the set position must be with two hands "in front of" your body and accompanied by a complete stop. A stop above his head doesn't meet that qualification to me.

Since he doesn't move his feet and assume a traditional stretch position, what he considers his set position in his mind is open to interpretation and is likely given the benefit of the doubt by umpires.

I would also argue that if that is his set position (above his head) then his lowering of the glove without a complete stop at the bottom then becomes part of his continuous natural pitching motion, and wouldn't allow for a pick-off (he then has to make his move to the plate).