If F1 attempts to pick off R1 and F3 is not on the base but nearby, what is the ruling?

The correct answer is based on the rules governing pick-off attempts in baseball. When F1, the pitcher, attempts to pick off R1, the runner, the action is considered legal as long as F3, the first baseman, is not required to be directly on the base. The pitcher is allowed to make a throw to the base where the runner is, and if F3 is not positioned on the base but is nearby, this does not constitute a violation or a balk.

In pick-off situations, the critical factors involve whether the pitcher throws to an occupied base and whether the throw is made legally. Since F3's absence from the base does not impact the legality of the pitcher's action in this context, the play remains valid, and therefore a balk will not be called. This ruling encourages strategic plays and allows pitchers to utilize their opportunity to attempt a pick-off without unnecessary penalties when fielders are in the appropriate position to receive the throw.

Other options suggest actions or penalties that are not applicable to this situation, indicating a misunderstanding of the rules surrounding pick-off attempts.