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Houston Astros: The Balk Seen ‘Round the Baseball World!

By James Zeankowski

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of Houston Astros rests his hat and glove in the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 10, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Jose Altuve #27 of Houston Astros rests his hat and glove in the dugout before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 10, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Astros leave Arlington with a sweep of their in-state division rivals, the Texas Rangers. But how they did so is getting so much attention!

Going into this weekend, the Houston Astros wanted so much to beat up on the Texas Rangers. It’s a rivalry as big as the Lone Star State. Boy, did they ever succeeded in that task, thanks in part to the balk seen ’round the world!

Even though the pitching performances by Charlie Morton and Dallas Keuchel over Saturday and Sunday respectively were not that great, the offense picked both of these gentlemen up. The result was a 4 game sweep and the success of keeping the coveted Silver Boot in H-Town.

However, Sunday’s game was the specific nail-biter of the entire series. For those that may not have watched or heard yet, here’s how yesterday went down.

Buy in Balk

In the top of the 9th inning, Evan Gattis was up to bat against Rangers reliever, Keone Kela. Jose Altuve was on second base, and George Springer was on third. On a 1-2 count, Kela decides to quick pitch Gattis, who then check swings and got the call in his favor.

But wait, there’s more to it. The entire Astros dugout all began shouting at officials. Skipper A.J. Hinch walks out to have a chat with the entire game crew of umpires. After a few moments of wondering, the umps then call a balk against Kela.

You can watch it unfold in the video provided by MLB.com.

Needless to say, this is a move that has gotten a lot of buzz over the past 24 hours or so. But here is the thing about the balk that really has people talking. It was done after the fact. Typically, balk calls are made before the pitcher even throws the ball.

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Is that inscribed in the balk law of the league? Not exactly. While it does not fall under review-able plays, there is nothing set in stone as to the timing of when a call of a balk is made.

Yes, the transpiring of events looked askew. But contrary to those on the opposing side, nothing was done against the rules. Hinch and the Astros dugout saw something that umpires calling the game did not.

Nevertheless, the rule does state that the balk moves any runner up 90 feet. Since Springer was already on third base, guess what? He gets to come home and score the go-ahead run. Unfortunately, Gattis struck out the next pitch and was not able to send Altuve for another run.

All’s well that ends well. Am I right?

Give and Take

Recent pitching problems have led to speculate over what the team will do at the trade deadline next month. Our own Brian Patterson believes that they will be buyers. It will be interesting to see since the bullpen can certainly use some upkeep.

Next: Houston sports gifts for Father's Day

But I digress, the Astros now head to Oakland to start a 3 game set against another division rival in the Athletics. From there, the team then goes on to Kaufman Stadium to face the Kansas City Royals for another 3 games before a 9 game homestand. Is it likely that we may see more bizarre moments like the balk? Highly unlikely, but never say never!

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