The biggest news in the MLB to come out since the World Series deals with sign stealing and the Houston Astros. The Houston Astros, who were our MLB Pick to win the World Series this season, are accused of sign stealing in 2017 after former pitcher Mike Fiers detailed that a camera was set up at center field and the Astros used a buzzer to steal signs. The 2017 season was the season in which the Houston Astros won the world series. Let’s take a look at what sign stealing is, how the Astros allegedly stole signs and what type of punishment the Astros could be looking at for stealing signs.
What Is Sign Stealing?
Before every pitch in the MLB, the catcher signals to the pitcher what type of pitch and location the pitch will be. The way an opposing team can do so now deals with technology which makes it a lot easier to steal signs. One of the most prevalent ways to do so is to set up a camera and record the hand signs that the catcher uses in communication with the pitcher.
How Did the Astros Steal Signs?
Mike Fiers admitted that the Houston Astros set up a camera at center field at home where they would have a live feed sent to the monitor in the dugout. The trainers and office personnel would then watch frame by frame to find out what each hand signal meant. Then those who watched the feeds would use a trash can to communicate for each pitch.
Possible Punishment for the Astros
The only other team that has been found guilty of sign stealing was the Boston Red Sox in 2017 which were fined an undisclosed amount. However, Commissioner, Rob Manfred, said that all 30 teams were put on notice and if it happens again there would be more serious sanctions. I look for the Astros to lose draft picks, lose money in the international signings, and to be fined if these accusations are accurate and they did steal signs.
