Thanks. I get the general concept for MLB. But I am looking for details. Like, what happens if a batter (less than 2 strikes), with no runners on base, bunts down the first base line, the first baseman charges forward to field the ball, the pitcher hustles over to/toward first base to, ostensibly, take a throw from the first baseman, but the first baseman allows the ball to slowly move foul before he fields the ball. Then he tosses the ball to the pitcher, who has just begun to move away from first base back toward the mound. Is this still a 15-second pitch clock? Does it start when the pitcher receives the ball? Does it start when the pitcher gets back on the mound (with the ball)?
I think I got part of the answer in a video I saw moments ago. The plate umpire will have an O2O-style field mic, with which he can communicate with the pitch clock operator. So, he can tell the PCO to set the pitch clock to 15, 20 or 30, and when to start it.
And, I found out that the pitcher has a combined maximum 2 pickoff attempts/step offs per batter. Still don't know what constitutes a pickoff attempt, i.e., does he have to throw the ball? Or, does a fake (to 2nd or 3rd) qualify as an attempt?
Refresh my memory - my professional baseball umpiring career ended in 1980, and my NCAA career ended in 1987. So, it has been a while. When a pitcher, in contact with the pitcher's plate, wants to fake a throw to 2nd or 3rd, does he have to step toward the base? Or, can he remain flat footed and just throw with his arm?