Last November, former Houston Astros pitcher Mike Fiers alleged the team utilized a camera in center field at Minute Maid Park to electronically steal signs. The Astros of course defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, but whether their purported cheating carried into the postseason is unclear.
Had they continued deploying the strategy, it would in some part explain the curious struggles Yu Darvish and Clayton Kershaw endured in Houston during the World Series. Alex Wood pitched remarkably well, which he has since theorized stemmed from constantly changing his signs.
MLB launched an investigation into the Astros, looking over emails and meeting with current and former members of the organization. All the while there have been questions and speculation as to whether or not they were the only franchise running afoul.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the 2018 Boston Red Sox are now in the crosshairs:
Three people who were with the Red Sox during their 108-win 2018 season told The Athletic that during that regular season, at least some players visited the video replay room during games to learn the sign sequence opponents were using. The replay room is just steps from the home dugout at Fenway Park, through the same doors that lead to the batting cage. Every team’s replay staff travels to road games, making the system viable in other parks as well.
Red Sox sources said this system did not appear to be effective or even viable during the 2018 postseason, when the Red Sox went on to win the World Series.
In light of the claims, MLB intends to investigate the Red Sox as well:
Major League Baseball said in a statement, “The Commissioner made clear in a September 15, 2017 memorandum to clubs how seriously he would take any future violation of the regulations regarding use of electronic equipment or the inappropriate use of the video replay room. Given these allegations, MLB will commence an investigation into this matter.”
During the 2017 regular season, the Red Sox were fined an undisclosed amount after the New York Yankees submitted a complaint and evidence an Apple Watch was used to steal signs. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred warned of harsher penalties moving forward for teams who were caught.
Then in the National League Division Series of that postseason, former Arizona Diamondbacks coach Ariel Prieto was fined for wearing an Apple Watch. The Diamondbacks denied it was part of a ploy to cheat or steal signs, and the Dodgers largely didn’t protest the matter.
Multiple players had voiced disappointment in the wake of allegations levied against the Astros, but also a sentiment that it is in the past and any penalties ultimately would not reverse the outcome.
It would be understandable if their feelings changed should it be determined L.A. lost back-to-back World Series to teams that cheated.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!