MLB poised to pick off 1st-and-3rd trick move

A pickoff move that's been part of baseball strategy for years might get picked off next season.

Major League Baseball is poised to eliminate the fake-to-third, throw-to-first trick that teams routinely use.

The Playing Rules Committee has approved a proposal to make the move a balk, and MLB executives and umpires are 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. There's no telling yet 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. If he stayed on the rubber, as most all pitchers do now, it would be a balk.