[jammin' jamey]

We can argue the merits of having Moeller on the team all day, but at least we can probably agree he'll be the one to go when Encarnacion comes back up. Conine, Valentin, and Castro aren't going anywhere, and Hopper has done too well as a pinch-hitter.

Oh, and I could not believe that happened last night. I was watching the game live, and I've never seen anything like it. Really a shame that they had to call a balk just because a guy tripped. Seems like I had heard in the past that a balk is only supposed to be called when there is a blatant attempt by the pitcher to deceive the runner (which Harang was obviously not trying to do), but neither Narron or the TV announcers made a big deal of it so I guess it was the correct call. Still a shame, Harang could've even been injured if he had landed badly. Guess I just don't like the rule as it is written.

A balk can be called after a pitcher begins his motion to pitch and interrupts his pitching motion.

There are several instances where a balk can be called on a pitcher...

• switches his pitching stance from the windup position to the set position (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber;
  
• when going from the stretch to the set position, fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch;
  
• throws from the rubber to a base without stepping toward (gaining distance in the direction of) that base;
  
• throws from the rubber to a base where there is no runner and no possibility of a play;
  
• steps or feints from the rubber to first base without completing the throw;
  
• pitches a quick return pitch, that is, pitches with the intent to catch the batter off-guard;
  
• pitches or mimics a part of his pitching motion while not in contact with the rubber;
  
• drops the ball while on the rubber;
  
• after a feint or throw to a base from the rubber, fails to disengage the rubber before reengaging and pitching;
  
• after beginning to pitch, interrupts his pitching motion;
  
• begins to pitch while the catcher is out of the catcher's box when giving an intentional walk;
  
• while pitching, removes his pivot foot from the pitching rubber, except to pivot or as a natural consequence of stepping forward to release the pitch
  
• inordinately delays the game;
  
• pitches while facing away from the batter;
  
• after bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw; or
  
• stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball

In addition, if a pitcher commits any of the following illegal actions, it may result in a balk under certain circumstances:

• expectorates on the ball, either hand or his glove;
  
• rubs the ball on his glove, person or clothing;
  
• applies a foreign substance of any kind to the ball;
  
• deface the ball in any manner; or
  
• delivers a ball altered in a manner described above or what is called the “shine” ball, “spit” ball, “mud” ball or “emery” ball

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balk