Astros stole signs electronically in 2017

[stitchface]

I think it's more likely that they were too dumb to pull off what they they were trying to do without getting caught. Like, it's so hilariously high and low tech at the same time. There's no way they HAD to use a monstroso monitor or TV for this.

Yeah that too. Smart enough to be able to decipher the signs, but too dumb (or arrogant) to carry it out in a way that was smart/hidden.

"We're going to set up an elaborate camera relay to steal signs, and then execute it via whacking a trash can and hanging up a horsefeathering towel and hope that one intern doesn't trip and drop the monitor!"

I don't know - this is a sport where the umpires have to all walk off the field and put on monstrous headphones to hear the ruling on a replay. Have they not noticed yet that multiple ref teams that are in constant motion are fully miked and have perfect communication with each other in other sports?

[Regular Show]

The evidence against them keeps coming...

I think a loss of draft picks, a big monetary fine, loss of IFA pool money, and a lifetime ban on Jeff Luhnow and a suspension for AJ Hinch is required at this point. The quotes coming from Luhnow are just embarrassing and there is NO way he didn't know this was happening.

[mul21]

Why would you have some nerd hauling basically a big ass TV around instead of just using a damn laptop?

I’m not overly tech savvy, but maybe it was easier to get the video to a TV vs laptop off the camera they had set up? It looks like the TV was hard wired (wires hanging down from the ceiling) vs having to use WiFi or something from the camera to a laptop. Also maybe they felt they needed a bigger screen to get a better look at the catcher signals vs like a 12” laptop screen?

I think it's more likely that they were too dumb to pull off what they they were trying to do without getting caught. Like, it's so hilariously high and low tech at the same time. There's no way they HAD to use a monstroso monitor or TV for this.

Better yet, why don't you just have another feed of whatever else hooked up to it (Netflix, ESPN, whatever) that you can flip it to whenever there's not cheating going on?

[Sammy Sofa]

I’m not overly tech savvy, but maybe it was easier to get the video to a TV vs laptop off the camera they had set up? It looks like the TV was hard wired (wires hanging down from the ceiling) vs having to use WiFi or something from the camera to a laptop. Also maybe they felt they needed a bigger screen to get a better look at the catcher signals vs like a 12” laptop screen?

I think it's more likely that they were too dumb to pull off what they they were trying to do without getting caught. Like, it's so hilariously high and low tech at the same time. There's no way they HAD to use a monstroso monitor or TV for this.

Better yet, why don't you just have another feed of whatever else hooked up to it (Netflix, ESPN, whatever) that you can flip it to whenever there's not cheating going on?

It's like these nerds have never been almost busted looking at something on their computers they shouldn't be before. STEP IT UP, DORKS.

[cl smooth]

not sure if this qualifies as a bob nightengale "maybe but maybe not" statement but damning if true:

Why Rob Manfred must make a harsh example of illegal sign-stealers

In recent days I have had scouts and executives talk to me about a variety of methods they think have been or could be employed, such as a realistic-looking electronic bandage placed on a player’s body that buzzes in real time to signal what is coming — one buzz for a fastball, for example — if the surveillance determines what type of pitching is coming.

[Derwood]

I think it's more likely that they were too dumb to pull off what they they were trying to do without getting caught. Like, it's so hilariously high and low tech at the same time. There's no way they HAD to use a monstroso monitor or TV for this.

Better yet, why don't you just have another feed of whatever else hooked up to it (Netflix, ESPN, whatever) that you can flip it to whenever there's not cheating going on?

It's like these nerds have never been almost busted looking at something on their computers they shouldn't be before. STEP IT UP, DORKS.

BOSS: Johnson! Are you watching the NCAA tournament instead of filing your TPS reports????

JOHNSON: *Picks up computer and throws entire thing out the window*

JOHNSON: No sir, boss!

[Omar]

This voids the Astros 2017 trophy, right?

[Regular Show]

This voids the Astros 2017 trophy, right?

[Derwood]

[Regular Show]

[Regular Show]

[cl smooth]

add the red sox to the list:

MLB’s sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018

When Major League Baseball punished the Red Sox and Yankees in September 2017 for conduct related to electronic sign stealing, the league touched on the epicenter of a problem that had been growing for years: The video replay room.

These rooms, intended to help managers decide whether to challenge umpires’ calls, were established after baseball introduced replay review in 2014. But some teams quickly realized the rooms also were easy places to learn a key piece of information: The sign sequence used by opposing pitchers and catchers.

Before the 2018 season, after years of barely enforcing its broad rules regarding replay rooms, the league made it crystal clear: Replay rooms cannot be used to help steal signs. The newly clarified rules, in combination with the fines the league levied on the Red Sox and Yankees and warnings it issued in ’17, were intended to end the replay-room chicanery.

For the Red Sox, and possibly other clubs, it did not.

[Sammy Sofa]

Literally the only reason I'd think the Cubs weren't doing some variation of the same is that PTR wouldn't shell out for anything more expensive than trying to listen in via a glass pressed up to the opposing clubhouse's door.

[The Logan]

[Bertz]

I'd guess half the league is doing some variation of what Ken describes the Red Sox doing. The Sox will get hammered for being repeat offenders though.

[d_money]

I would take great joy in learning the Cardinals are found guilty as well. It would fit the profile.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I hope the Cubs are one of the other teams. It would make this offseason perfect.

[sneakypower]

Rob Manfred retire bitch

[Andy]

Given the Alex Cora thing, the real surprise would've been if they never found anything suspicious with Boston.

This particular sign-stealing doesn't seem quite as egregious as Houston's but it's still obviously against the rules.

[cl smooth]

[Derwood]

They can only use the home run train on weekends. TAKE THAT

[UMFan83]

Well let’s see, the harshest penalty ever given out was a lifetime ban

[Backtobanks]

Well let’s see, the harshest penalty ever given out was a lifetime ban

So they will get a lifetime ban on stealing signs?

[Named After Maddux]

Well let’s see, the harshest penalty ever given out was a lifetime ban

So they will get a lifetime ban on stealing signs?

I don’t expect it, but if MLB found proof they used electronics to effectively steal a World Series then I don’t see why not. John Coppolella was banned from the game a few years ago due to IFA violations with Atlanta.

[CyHawk_Cub]

If the super tough penalties the Cardinals received after the hacking scandal, with a team executive actually going to horsefeathering prison, are any precursor, I figure the Astros situation will be forgotten about by ASB 2020.