As a method of last resort, dekes can be an infielder’s best friend. They’re most frequently enacted in an attempt to slow a baserunner’s progress by making him think that the ball is somewhere on the diamond other than where it actually is–and can end up saving runs .
They are deceptive by nature, but, done right, are entirely by the book. (They’re especially by-the-book if the fielder plays no part in deking a baserunner who has clearly just been deked.)
Some explanation: In WBC action on Monday in Japan, Chinese baserunner Fujia Chu swiped second base following Cuban catcher Eriel Sanchez’s botched transfer of the ball to his throwing hand. Chu pulled into second as Sanchez was trotting toward the backstop to corral the ball, then, near the end of the play, inexplicably started jogging back toward first. (Watch it here.)
The initial impression: One of the Cubans told him it was a foul ball.
The more likely scenario, especially given the language barrier: Chu caught a glimpse of the ball in foul territory and made the assumption all on his own.
These are the kinds of things that happen to an inexperienced squad. (China was mercy-ruled, 12-0, in this game. Say no more.) The reason one never sees this happen in the big leagues is that runners are trained to look in to the catcher mid-stride to see the result of the play. Had he been aware of his surroundings, Chu might even have tried for third.
As it was, Cuba gets credited for a heads-up baseball play it likely had nothing to do with.
The Baseball Codes 
As a baseball nerd, how would you score that??
This is where the box score comes up woefully short. Tough to tell on the video, but 2-3-1-6? A line that doesn’t begin to describe what actually happened. And who you calling a nerd?
Haha I definitely meant both of us as a nerds. Imagine what would happen if he made it back to the 1st safely. Does he get credit for the stolen base?
Reminds me of keeping score in Little League games.
The most famous instance of this happening occurred in 1911, with the great Germany Schaefer. From SABR’s bio:
Guess that means, no he wouldn’t get credit for the steal. Unless I’m reading it incorrectly, which could well be the case. 2-3-1-6? Come on!
JT:
Nice & meaningful reply. Love TBC book.