Somewhat...but the application of the rules vary depending upon the handedness of the pitcher in certain situations.  For example, once a RHP lifts his left knee, he cannot throw to first base.  However, since a LHP is facing first base, he can clearly lift his knee and then toss over to first base.

Glenn

Sorry, I know my description in the second situation was probably not very clear.

With a runner on 3B, the RHP lifted his left knee to about waist high...but he lifted it up straight and it did not cross the plane of the pitching rubber.  In the meantime, his hands broke and he swung his throwing hand back towards second base--in preparation for what appeared to be a pitch to the plate.  Since he hasn't moved towards the plate yet with his left foot...and his foot was lifted straight up and never broke the plane of the rubber....the question is whether he can now step directly towards 3B for a pick off attempt.

Hopefully this makes sense.  I should probably post a link to a video of what I'm describing!

Glenn

To be honest, I'm baffled by the responses.  I've been coaching for more than 20 years and umpired for a decade.  I've attended numerous baserunning clinics.

I have never understood that a RHP could lift his non-pivot knee as high as his waist--and then deliver a pick off throw to 1B without being called for a balk.  For one thing, he has effectively already moved his knee in the direction of 3B and appears to be in the process of initiating a delivery of the pitch to the plate.

Practically any instructional website I reference specifically points out that a RHP cannot lift his non-pivot knee and then turn to throw to 1B.  Baserunners are instructed to watch the pitcher's feet as a trigger.  Here are three example right off the top:

For example, InfoSports teaches the following:

"For a right hander with a runner on first, the runner usually looks at the pitcher's lift leg. If that comes up, the pitcher must go home (unless there are other runners on base)."

http://www.infosports.com/baseball/arch/2107a.htm

Here is another thread regarding this issue in which several umpires instruct a coach why the RHP cannot lift his knee that high and still execute a pick off move without being balked:

http://www.baseball-excellence.com/sbaseballforums/printthread.cfm?Forum=2&Topic=9413

Yet another reference to this topic from Coaches Corner:

http://nhaasports.countmein.com/CoachesCorner.aspx

There are numerous YouTube videos in which professional pitchers discuss this move as well and instruct young pitchers not to lift their non-pivot foot first or risk being called for a balk.

I suppose I could be wrong on this...the RHP not being able to lift his non-pivot knee as high as high waist and then turn to throw to first base..but .there are many (possibly most) who are also wrong with me!  Baserunners are consistently instructed to watch the feet.  In recent clinics, professional instructors place colored tape in the back of the pitcher's shoes...then tell the baserunners..if red moves, you move into secondary...if blue moves, get back!

What am I missing?

Another umpire (does mostly college games) in our area just provided me with the following explanation:

"8.01 (b) tells us that from the set position the pitcher can:

1. Legally disengage

2. Step and throw to a base

3. Pitch

You are addressing item 2 (when discussing the lifting of the knee of the RHP before throwing to 1B). The issue is that this can be difficult for a RHP without violating 8.05 (a) which prohibits him from making a motion associated with his delivery and failing to pitch. It is indeed in the eyes of the umpire.

Pro school teaches that if the knee comes straight up before the step...balk. A RHP stepping and throwing to first base should take a "glide step", that is lifting his foot up just enough to clear the ground and swing leftward stepping towards first, gaining distance and direction. Any lift of the knee will put him in jeopardy of balking.  Clearly, a LHP does not experience this same issue as he is facing 1B, even when delivering a pitch to the plate."

I guess I'm OK continuing to instruct our baserunners to move on the knee lift of a RHP.