Sean Doolittle sent a series of tweets on Sunday night in which he defended his delivery and argued that it should be legal.
The Washington Nationals closer became the center of attention after Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon complained about the reliever’s pitching motion during and after Saturday’s game between the teams. Maddon really just wanted to bring attention to the issue because he is upset his reliever, Carl Edwards Jr., was told in spring training that his similar move was illegal.
Here is a comparison of their movements as they pitch:
Carl Edwards, Jr.'s Foot Plant vs Sean Doolittle's Toe Tap.
OBR 5.07(a):
"A pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot." pic.twitter.com/hSJrApg8hD— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 19, 2019
Edwards has a plant/pause and was told to change it. Doolittle has a tap.
Doolittle, who took a shot at Maddon over the complaints, wants MLB to clarify things and legalize his delivery.
ok but we still need further clarification from MLB on this. Rule 5.07 says a pitcher can’t take a second step to home with either foot. I don’t really think a toe tap or hesitation violate the spirit of the rule. And it’s not being consistently applied. https://t.co/BcypV24TMV
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) May 20, 2019
I’ve also heard that Edwards originally got his delivery cleared during spring training, then 2 weeks later it was deemed illegal. I realize this is only affecting a few pitchers in the league, but we need clarification so this doesn’t turn into MLB’s version of the tuck rule.
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) May 20, 2019
So much of pitching is disrupting timing. And as long as the strike zone is the size of a cocktail napkin and the ball is flying out of ballparks at historic rates, I think pitchers should be allowed to have a toe tap or hesitation in their delivery if they want but I’m biased
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) May 20, 2019
Even though Maddon thinks the two are comparable, there is a big difference to me. Edwards’ plant includes much more deception, to the point that it crosses a line. The toe tap includes a much more of a natural flow and progression with the delivery. The rule states that a pitcher may not take a second step. Edwards was taking a second step; Doolittle was not.
