Mid-day talker: Fake to third, throw to first play -- among the worst in sports -- might be going away

Good times.

May 10, 2012 at 5:35PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

In a move that would make so much sense you might wonder why nobody thought of it, oh, a century ago, MLB might be doing away with the old "fake to third, throw to first" play. Per the AP: The Playing Rules Committee has approved a proposal to make it a balk, too, with MLB executives and umpires in agreement. The players' union vetoed the plan for this season to discuss it further. MLB is allowed to implement the change after a one-year wait — no telling whether that would happen if players strongly object. Under the new wording, a pitcher could not fake to third unless he first stepped off the rubber.

To discuss it further? What more is there to discuss? It is clearly an attempt to deceive a base runner, which is the very heart of what a balk is.

Please: get rid of this awful play.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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