Expert: Willie Ansley Jr. - 3/25/2009

Question
What can the pitcher do once he has engaged the rubber,but not yet come to the set position? After reading the rules,all I find is that he must have one arm
at his side.It does not say which arm or whether the ball must be in the glove or pitching hand.Can he turn his shoulders and look at runners or other players?The rules say that he must step directly toward any base he throws to,but does not mention whether he can fake a throw from this position. Can a right handed pitcher point his glove at the catcher and motion the catcher to lower his target mit? Can he scratch his nose?

Answer
After he has engaged the rubber he can no longer fake a throw to any base.He can wipe his face with his glove and can turn and look at a runner.He cannot move his pitching hand. If he moves it as if he is coming to his glove he has to continue.If he lifts his upper body up and stops before he either picks to first or comes to a set position then it is a balk. If he drops the ball it is a balk.