MIN 5, MIL 4: Rosario Scores Go-Ahead Run on Balk, Polanco Collects 4 Hits

This is why I love watching Eddie Rosario. Who else on this team has the stuff to pull off that gambit, starting with a rocket line drive over the RF's head? Only Rosario. Mauer might drive a double, but he wouldn't induce a balk. Neither would Kepler. Polanco can't hit the ball that hard. The only guy that's got the physical talent, the baseball savvy, plus the cajones gigantes to pull off that stunt is Eddie Rosario. 

I doubt there are any contenders out there who would have any interest at all in Belisle as closer. He might be a general pen addition for someone, though, likely in exchange for "cash considerations" (like Neal Cotts a couple years back).

Sorry, should have phrased that differently. If he shows he can be good/trustworthy late in games, another team may want to add him as a bullpen piece.

Pretty much.   That was straight out of little league/Rec ball. 

I totally agree.  There is no one at third to throw too.  I would have to look again but he was already over half way to home.  Granted he was bluffing but it was a good kmbluff.  I honestly think given the shift he could have stolen home with the pitcher looking right at him.  He just needed to time it right.  

 

I really don't blame the pitcher I would have been nervous the way Eddie was running around as well.  If they cover third he can't take that kind of lead.  If the other team didn't think he would take off for home at some point they don't know Rosario.  They might have nabbed him trying to steal home but I wouldn't bank on it.  I think the Brewers should have been smarter there and they might have pulled the game out in the end.

Definitely a tough spot to be in as a pitcher. He probably should have stepped off the rubber and talked to his infield and catcher...but I guess sometimes you just decide to roll with your coaches decision.

He could pitch home as long as he comes set. Potential to balk if he just tries to throw home quickly, in addition to the balk he committed.

 

Agree that it was a savvy play by Rosario. He knew exactly what he was doing and called the balk at the same time as the ump.

 

Such an interesting play. Could he have scored on a straight steal? Would they have played the 3B closer of Buxton is on third?

 

I don't believe I've ever seen someone with a clean steal of home with the pitcher looking directly at and focusing on the runner, and pitching out of the stretch?  Someone else correct me if I'm wrong?  I don't think he could have made it cleanly. Even if he's half way down the line, a perfect sprint to home would be about 2-2.5 seconds, based on 28 feet/second sprint speed plus acceleration.  A delivery to home out of the stretch takes about 1-1.5 seconds?  Any decent throw and he'd be toast.

I get your timing but I think it leaves a few time windows.    I don't think he can just fire it home so if Eddie times it well he is off and running before the pitcher even starts the delivery or can start to step off the rubber.   Catcher also needs to catch it and and apply the tag.    I don't think he can jump out before the ball crosses the plate.    Probably not a sure thing but I think the odds were pretty good.

 

I'm not an ump, and I don't know the answer for sure, but I think if he throws home he wouldn't have to step off because he's delivering a pitch. Throwing to another base, yes.

I think you are right but all the rules of throwing a pitch apply.   He has to come to a set position and I think there is some kind of rule about the delivery being a natural pitching delivery but the nuance is vague.   His best bet would be to step off the rubber and throw but that takes some presence of mind when also thinking about making a good pitch.

I think you are right but all the rules of throwing a pitch apply. He has to come to a set position and I think there is some kind of rule about the delivery being a natural pitching delivery but the nuance is vague. His best bet would be to step off the rubber and throw but that takes some presence of mind when also thinking about making a good pitch.

Of course, if the pitcher stays on the rubber and throws an actual pitch, the batter has every right to swing at it. If he thinks the runner will be out, he would probably try to foul it off (ideally toward first).