I think <strong class=”art”>7-3-1 applies here, in that he can step out since it’s a passed ball and while it doesn’t specify where he can step out to, it does specify how long he has to be back in the box; 20 sec once the pitcher has the ball or it’s a called strike. I also disagree he can run to first on every pitch. 7-3-1 specifies when a batter can leave the box. If it is one of those, well, he’s on ‘the clock’. If it’s not one of those, and he’s taking off, then I’m thinking I have either a delay of game or a ‘travesty of the game’ issue. I’ll have to ponder that situation some more.
