Stone on the Astros problems helping the M's

[DanielVogelbach]

Seems to me the problem could be solved quite easily. Here is how: Pitcher and catcher talk between innings and decide "When Player A comes to the plate, on the second pitch we will put down signs for a change up and set up low and away. We will then throw a fastball high and tight" Do this a few times and it's likely the cheating will stop.

From what I understand, they were only able to steal the signs when the other team did not have a runner on second base. Basically, as long as teams use the multiple sets of signs like they do when there's a runner on second, then the system can't work. But, without a runner on second, catchers usually throw down a simple sign that basically anybody can read.

They also do exactly what you're saying. Additionally, catchers will set up inside and then get the throw outside. All of this is typically done with a runner on 2nd, though. It's a long game and a long season, so there's really no reason to do it without a runner on second UNLESS you're thinking centerfield camera trash bang system f#ck the Astros.

[Donn Beach]

fivethirtyeight take on it...

Astros rivals have been concerned about the potential of a sophisticated reconnaissance operation. In the World Series, the Washington Nationals went to extraordinary lengths to prevent their signs from being stolen, with pitchers and catchers employing laminated cards, like quarterback wristbands, to signal in five sets of signs for each pitcher.

The Astros have maintained their performance gains since the end of the 2017 season. In that time, Houston has enjoyed the lowest strikeout rate in baseball and the third-best slugging mark. That efficiency helped them to the most productive lineup since the Murderer’s Row Yankees. Maybe they are that good, but they may have also had some help along the way.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/if ... 538twitter

[Donn Beach]

widening the investigation

After the conclusion of owners meetings Thursday, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said MLB will "investigate the Astros situation as thoroughly as humanly possible." The probe includes the team's firing of an assistant general manager during the World Series for clubhouse comments directed at female reporters, behavior the club at first accused Sports Illustrated of fabricating.

"That investigation is going to encompass not only what we know about '17, but also '18 and '19," Manfred said. "To the extent we are talking to people all over the industry, former employees, competitors, whatever. To the extent that we find other leads, we're going to follow these leads."

something about that sounds ominous to me...

"It's a challenge for our sport and all sports to regulate the use of that technology in a way that makes sure that we have integrity in our play," he said.

When the Red Sox were fined, only weeks before the Astros won their first World Series title, Manfred said all 30 clubs were notified that future violations would be subject to more serious sanctions, including the possible loss of draft picks.

"I wrote what I wrote because I did not believe that the discipline that have been handed out in the past were in line with the significance of the issues that we are dealing with," he said. "I viewed them with a particular level of seriousness."

As to whether he felt that was sufficient and his message was received, Manfred responded: "Well, we know at least one instance it probably wasn't heeded."

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/281 ... -3-seasons

[D-train]

I'm literally eating popcorn right now. Can't wait until sentencing day

[bpj]

It doesn't sound so much like they were using sophisticated technology as much as they were just flat out stealing amd relaying signs.

If a catcher is leaving his legs too far open, or hand too low, that's one thing, but if you're using a camera in center field and a mic in your hitters helmet it's just cheating.

[Donn Beach]

and this goes beyond cheating, that is what has become interesting...Before i didn't think they get hit too hard because there was evidence of various teams doing it. Manfred had fined the Yanks and Red Sox, and there was evidence of Toronto and some other teams at it. What I hadn't realized was his decree, that the Astros seemed to have ignored his edict to stop I think is going to be viewed more gravely than the cheating itself.

that there...that is straight challenging Manfred's authority, I think that flips him out...

As to whether he felt that was sufficient and his message was received, Manfred responded: "Well, we know at least one instance it probably wasn't heeded.

[D-train]

and this goes beyond cheating, that is what has become interesting...Before i didn't think they get hit too hard because there was evidence of various teams doing it. Manfred had fined the Yanks and Red Sox, and there was evidence of Toronto and some other teams at it. What I hadn't realized was his decree, that the Astros seemed to have ignored his edict to stop I think is going to be viewed more gravely than the cheating itself.

that there...that is straight challenging Manfred's authority, I think that flips him out...

As to whether he felt that was sufficient and his message was received, Manfred responded: "Well, we know at least one instance it probably wasn't heeded.

Yep if he were to go light on them it would totally make any future decrees worthless. I just can't believe they did it knowing how good their hitters were, how easy it would be to get caught and after already being warned. The cost benefit was horrible and they did it anyway. So much for them being so smart. Now they are going to pay like any idiot common criminal. So joyous. lol

[Coeurd’Alene J]

A fine won’t satisfy anyone, let’s hope it’s several draft picks and international money. No doubt bullpen pitchers on opposing teams could have lost big time because of this.........Start with Hinch. This is equal to steroids and potentially worse.