A lefthanded pitcher pitchout?

In my opinion, this should only happen in a squeeze situation. Otherwise, there would be no reason whatsoever to pitch out with a lefty on the mound.

The idea of a pitchout is to throw a runner out at 2B. When a lefty is on the mound there should be different rules that govern your decision making when it comes to whether or not you want to use the pitchout as a defensive weapon.

The pitchout is effective in that it gives the catcher a "head start" in throwing to 2B. He is allowed to set his feet up and make a strong and accurate throw by gaining some additional ground as well.

With a lefty on the mound we need to consider one of two options that the base runner must be considering. He is either going

a) on first move
or
b) after he "reads" the lefty's move.

In either case, it doesn't make sense to pitch out when a lefty is on the mound and a straight steal is suspected.

If the offensive team is going upon premise A then there is a chance that his jump will be too good anyway. It's difficult to ask a pitcher to slide step on a pitchout for fear of the runner not going alltogether. Why would we ask the pitcher to throw an intentional ball when we know that the runner is breaking as soon as he lifts his leg?

If the offensive team is stealing on "reading" the move, there is always a chance that he won't read it correctly. I wouldn't want to throw an intentional ball if I can't be guaranteed that he is running- even if I know the steal sign was given.

Another reason why the pitchout should not be considered with a lefty on the mound is because the hit and run. The pitchout is an effective tool against a hit and run. However, the hit and run is not considered a consistent threat vs. a lefty because it doesn't move the middle infielders quickly enough. So, most defensive managers abandon the idea of a team using this strategy with a lefty on the mound.

For all of these reasons, I think the lefty pitchout should not be considered in almost all 1B situations.

But, there is always the exception to the rule.