fake to third pickoff move

[godallahstar]

apparently you guys haven't heard of the 3-2

[mikegp]

It was close, but it looked to me like he stepped towards third although he was very very close to stepping towards home. After he stepped towards third he took his foot off the rubber and threw to first. Could have gone either way IMO. Extremely close call.

[pokerplaya]

It was close, but it looked to me like he stepped towards third although he was very very close to stepping towards home. After he stepped towards third he took his foot off the rubber and threw to first. Could have gone either way IMO. Extremely close call.

I am on board with this....

As a Mets fan, I'll put it to you this way: I would have rather seen Randolph arguing the call, but can see why he didn't....

As unbiased as I can be, I really do think the evidence does show he balked...however it wasn't blatant, and I'm sure worse has been let go in the past...

[Mercer Boy]

I've seen the move work twice before. While managing the Pirates, Lloyd McClendon used to do it every time there were guys on 1st and 3rd...it got annoying after a while. To me, one successful usage every two years isn't worth the wasted 45 seconds of my life that it brings every time they try it.

[jealousblues]

I have never EVER seen this actually work. Until just now in the mets cards game to pick off Reyes of all people. Just when you think youve seen it all.

INK

You are right, that never works. First time I saw it too.

[dclark0699]

I'll go the other way and say I did not think it was a balk. Granted he was very close to the 45 degree angle you are allowed. But I think it was clean.

[GotowarMissAgnes]

I havnt seen it but the pitcher doesnt have to go all the way to third in can be between the two or even leaning twords home more. Ill have to see it but it could of been a good move.

That ain't the rule:

8.05 If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when-


(c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base

Now, I know they don't call it this way, but the rules call for the pitcher to step DIRECTLY toward a base. Not 45 degrees. Not between the two. Not even leaning towards home.

I'll have to look at last night again, but it looked to me like he almost stepped directly towards home.[/b]

[tvv44]

I've seen it work. Kenny Rogers can do it.

[StlSluggers]

Kenny Rogers can do anything with that stuff on his hand.

Anyone have a video of the pick off? I can't find any clips of it on the Cards page or on ESPN. I didn't get to watch the game, either.

[j24jags]

The fake to 3rd only works when the runner on first is stealing on "first move."