MLB to Investigate Houston Astros
Following the Red Sox 7-5 win in game two of the ALCS over the Astros, many fans accused the Red Sox of cheating. Fans said they believe that the Red Sox pitchers used pine tar to get a better grip on the ball. However; that was swept under the rug for a potentially bigger cheating scandal.
During the Houston Astros sweep of the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS, Indians security removed an alleged credentialed Astros employee near the dugout with a small camera who was seen texting often. The Cleveland Indians then alerted MLB about the issue. Furthermore, Red Sox security executed the exact same scenario with an Astros employee at Fenway Park after game one. Reportedly, the Astros, deployed the employee there to make sure that the Red Sox were not illegally using a video monitor in the dugout, this according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
“I’m aware of something going on, but I haven’t been briefed … I’m worried about the game.”
That was Astros manager A.J. Hinch take after Tuesday’s Game 3. And Red Sox manager also chimed in
“Somebody mentioned [it] to me right now. That’s an MLB issue,” Cora said. “They’ll do what they have to do. But I just heard today.”
What Next for the Astros?
Everybody cheats. It’s a part of the game. Teams are just trying to get a competitive advantage and most of us get that. But at what point does MLB step in and say enough is enough? Their owners meetings will take place soon after the season and you’d have to imagine that will be a talking point.
Now most likely the Astros will just get fined for this instance as many teams do receive just a slap on the wrist for these infractions. Notably, the Red Sox were caught cheating with the use of Apple Watches last year and nothing happened to them. So don’t expect much from baseball when it comes to a possible punishment for Houston. Even though they did sweep Cleveland in rather convincing fashion it’s hard to imagine that their elaborate scheme was the cause of several missed spots from Cleveland pitching. Interestingly enough, since the Astros got caught for the second time, they’re now 0-2 against Boston with game four tonight which would be a huge momentum boost for both teams.
-Brian Berard (@CouchGuyBrian)
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