Astros/Red Sox Cheating Scandal

[DarthGrumpy]

Well folks, don't worry, JD Martinez is assuring everyone that the Red Sox did nothing wrong, even if the Sox have already cut lose Cora before MLB even releases it's report.

Martinez confident Red Sox did nothing wrong

At the Red Sox Winter Weekend fan festival, Boston slugger J.D. Martinez reiterated his confidence that his club will be cleared in MLB's investigation into sign stealing.

www.espn.com

I'm a Yanks fan while one of my sons is a Sox fan. Last year, I took them to Ft. Myers for a few Spring Training games as the Yanks happened to at the Sox the same weekend my kids were on school break. It was a great boys trip. Got to Jet Blue Park early, which is a great spring venue, and my boys watched BP, fielding, and chased around autographs all morning. Wearing my UConn cap (instead of Yankees) likley helped me get them an autograph from Matt Barnes. They got Brock Holt on their own. They missed Mookie Betts, who would sneak out of one field, sign a couple of autographs, and then run away when the rest of the herd saw him, which I can't blame him for doing. They also got a few rookies while I was chatting with Dustin Pedroia, who current Sox fans seem to have forgotten, about the joys of bad knees while he was taking a break after BP. There there was JD. He was escorted by staff from field to field and he made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with autographs by barking to kids 'get out of my way.' I was talking to a local Sox fan I knew and he pointed out that JD will only sign autographs at 'official' events where he's getting paid. He's doing it for the money, although without fans like my kids and others, there would be no baseball. So, I hope he's front and center in the report when it comes out.

 

[tentoes4rings]

Well folks, don't worry, JD Martinez is assuring everyone that the Red Sox did nothing wrong, even if the Sox have already cut lose Cora before MLB even releases it's report.

Martinez confident Red Sox did nothing wrong

At the Red Sox Winter Weekend fan festival, Boston slugger J.D. Martinez reiterated his confidence that his club will be cleared in MLB's investigation into sign stealing.

www.espn.com

I'm a Yanks fan while one of my sons is a Sox fan. Last year, I took them to Ft. Myers for a few Spring Training games as the Yanks happened to at the Sox the same weekend my kids were on school break. It was a great boys trip. Got to Jet Blue Park early, which is a great spring venue, and my boys watched BP, fielding, and chased around autographs all morning. Wearing my UConn cap (instead of Yankees) likley helped me get them an autograph from Matt Barnes. They got Brock Holt on their own. They missed Mookie Betts, who would sneak out of one field, sign a couple of autographs, and then run away when the rest of the herd saw him, which I can't blame him for doing. They also got a few rookies while I was chatting with Dustin Pedroia, who current Sox fans seem to have forgotten, about the joys of bad knees while he was taking a break after BP. There there was JD. He was escorted by staff from field to field and he made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with autographs by barking to kids 'get out of my way.' I was talking to a local Sox fan I knew and he pointed out that JD will only sign autographs at 'official' events where he's getting paid. He's doing it for the money, although without fans like my kids and others, there would be no baseball. So, I hope he's front and center in the report when it comes out.

Thanks for sharing. This surprises and saddens me about JD. I lived right near Jet Blue for 5 years and went there often during Spring Training, preferably weeks before games started, when guys were much more accessible.

I mostly gathered autographs for my nephew and a few for myself. Barnes is a great kid, who enjoyed the UConn connection and took a picture with me and signed it. At a Rays game, Springer signed a ball for my nephew. It was nice to see the two UConn kids being so accommodating. For future reference, JBJ is terrific with kids, he just gets it. Bogaerts and Mookie will sign but not many from my experience. Brock was always great with kids. The Sox farm system is weak now but I found the best strategy is not to waste a lot of time on the superstars, rather get the up and coming stars like we successfully did with Mookie, Devers, Benintendi etc before they blew up.
.

 

[Husky25]

Well folks, don't worry, JD Martinez is assuring everyone that the Red Sox did nothing wrong, even if the Sox have already cut lose Cora before MLB even releases it's report.

What if MLB's report indicates that the Red Sox are, more likely than not, clean?

Whether or not Cora introduced the Astros-style sign stealing scheme to the Red Sox clubhouse, the two sides (Sox and Cora) had to part ways due solely to Cora's involvement in the Astros' operation.

FWIW, I too went to a couple spring training games last year in Ft. Myers (one each at Jet Blue and Hammond). I was walking along the concourse at Hammond Stadium wearing a UConn shirt and my Sox cap (that I incidentally purchased at City of Palms Park back in 2003) and was greeted by an overzealous fan telling me that Barnes was warming up. After I greeted him back, he asked me if I was going to get his autograph. I responded that I didn't think so.

In continuing my walk around the stadium, I was actually astonished at the notion that 1) Even at more than 13 years Barnes' senior, All UConn alums evidently know each other, and/or 2) I would bother a professional athlete while they are working.

Just like working stiffs, different players have different routines. Games are these guys' presentations. Everything else in their day is in preparation of or recovery from entertaining fans.

 

[jibsey]

I understand that Red Sox fans don't wan't Cora's tenure to take away from 2018, but the idea that he was setting up Houston's cheat system and then did shady nothing with the Sox, wouldn't bet the farm on that.

 

[Excalibur]

I understand that Red Sox fans don't wan't Cora's tenure to take away from 2018, but the idea that he was setting up Houston's cheat system and then did shady nothing with the Sox, wouldn't bet the farm on that.

Clearly they were doing something, but I doubt that it was anything as brazen as what was happening in Houston. The world of social media would have already figured it out like they did with the Astros.

 

[jibsey]

Clearly they were doing something, but I doubt that it was anything as brazen as what was happening in Houston. The world of social media would have already figured it out like they did with the Astros.

So the hitters got tipped pitches in Houston and were bashing the ball everywhere leading to a world championship. So Cora comes to the Red Sox and plays it totally straight? And by coincidence and skill only wins another title?

 

[Excalibur]

So the hitters got tipped pitches in Houston and were bashing the ball everywhere leading to a world championship. So Cora comes to the Red Sox and plays it totally straight? And by coincidence and skill only wins another title?

Did I say that? There is a right answer.

 

[jibsey]

2018 JD had 25 more rbi's than his second best year. 7 more homers than the next year with identical plate appearances, when mlb was already looking. Altuve has tons of shirtless pics on his Instagram, but rounding third base he's very shy about getting a shirt ripped off. Don't trust Cora or the Red Sox, another Boston cheating team like the Patriots.

 

[tentoes4rings]

2018 JD had 25 more rbi's than his second best year. 7 more homers than the next year with identical plate appearances, when mlb was already looking. Altuve has tons of shirtless pics on his Instagram, but rounding third base he's very shy about getting a shirt ripped off. Don't trust Cora or the Red Sox, another Boston cheating team like the Patriots.

Remind me to never have you defend me in court if I ever do anything wrong. 7 HR and 25 RBI in a more hitter friendly park is your evidence? How about Gio Urshela batting 81 points higher than his previous high, with 15 more HR and 51 more RBI?We’re talking about a hitter so historically bad that only got 46 ABs in 2018 for a bad Toronto team. Then, with Carlos Beltran as a “special assistant to the GM” he hits .314 with 21 and 75, haha. Okay Jibsey.

 

[jibsey]

Cora came fresh from fixing the WS to the Red Sox after he just perfected his system. Maybe the title is tainted, let’s wait for MLB.

 

[tentoes4rings]

Cora came fresh from fixing the WS to the Red Sox after he just perfected his system. Maybe the title is tainted, let’s wait for MLB.

Yeah, let’s see what the investigation turns up first.

 

[Deadrody]

Cora will get 2 years and the Sox will likely let him go if that's the case. What the Red Sox did compared to the Astros is not really in the same ballpark (pardon the pun) but there's blood in the water and this is Cora's second offense. I still can't believe they came down this hard on the Astros.

Considering they Yankees were caught in 2015 with using video to steal signs it makes you wonder if they've recently found another way to let the hitter know what's coming outside of using the video room.

When you consider how many of their unheralded guys turn into big contributors once they reach the Bronx, it's not something to dismiss.

Example, Luke Voit's highest HR total in the minors was 19 back in 1916. In 2018, St. Louis has seen enough where they are ready to move on from him for Carson Shreve. He spends time in the minors and hits 10 HR's in 303 at bats. Then he gets called up to the Bronx and while he's facing the best pitching in his life, he hits 15 HR's in 161 at bats.

Then you have the hiring of Carlos Beltran by the Yankees in Dec 2018 - the same guy who was instrumental in the 2017 Astros cheating scandal - and we watch guys like Urshela, Tauchman, Maybin - hell even Mike Ford have impactful seasons out of nowhere. Oh yeah and then Brett Gardner and his 28 homers.

Something to think about.

No, it's not. When you have literally ANY actual proof, you let us know. Until then, STFU.

 

[Deadrody]

A lot of people don't understand/ fully appreciate the game within the game. Every pitch is a chess match and then the waste pitches to set up a pitch later in the game or the next at bat.

Then everything that the fielders are doing even if the ball isn't hit to them. Relay throws that are executed perfectly are some of greatest plays.

It's the best sport around but not everyone sees/understands the intricacies and that's fine to each their own.

Indeed. I'm not even sure what the number of combinations could be when you consider a pitcher with 4 pitches and the outcomes of any given pitch, the various possible ball / strike counts, and then add in an infinite number of foul balls, the idea of a "plan" for each batter, without signs is possibly THE most mind numbingly ignorant things I've ever read in relation to sports in my entire life. And that's without the consideration of the safety of the catcher AND umpire without definitively knowing what pitch is coming next. Good lord.

 

[The Viking]

No, it's not. When you have literally ANY actual proof, you let us know. Until then, .

This isn't a courtroom, it's a message board.
Nothing will probably come out now if anything happened considering MLB refuses to ask NY any questions even though 1 of the 2 culprits was part of the organization for the entire year. Interesting decision by the commish, but when you grew up a Yankees fan and your right-hand man is Joe Torre, it starts to paint a clearer picture.

 

[Scoe]

This isn't a courtroom, it's a message board.
Nothing will probably come out now if anything happened considering MLB refuses to ask NY any questions even though 1 of the 2 culprits was part of the organization for the entire year. Interesting decision by the commish, but when you grew up a Yankees fan and your right-hand man is Joe Torre, it starts to paint a clearer picture.

Cry more.

 

[Scoe]

This isn't a courtroom, it's a message board.
Nothing will probably come out now if anything happened considering MLB refuses to ask NY any questions even though 1 of the 2 culprits was part of the organization for the entire year. Interesting decision by the commish, but when you grew up a Yankees fan and your right-hand man is Joe Torre, it starts to paint a clearer picture.

Ya ok then how come Arod got black balled amongst all the steroid guys and missed an entire year of baseball (not defending him but dont act like he was the only one who took roids). Steinbrenner gets handed a 2 year ban from baseball for gambling while Jim Crane gets what a 5 mill fine and loses 2 1st round picks big deal. So no there is no pro Yankee conspiracy going on the Astros got off easy here, trust me if the Yankees did this everyone and I mean everyone would know about it, you would have CNN cameras there.

 

[mauconnfan]

Ya ok then how come Arod got black balled amongst all the steroid guys and missed an entire year of baseball (not defending him but dont act like he was the only one who took roids). Steinbrenner gets handed a 2 year ban from baseball for gambling while Jim Crane gets what a 5 mill fine and loses 2 1st round picks big deal. So no there is no pro Yankee conspiracy going on the Astros got off easy here, trust me if the Yankees did this everyone and I mean everyone would know about it, you would have CNN cameras there.

Yanks did nothing or else they wouldn't even think of spouting off as much as they are about the cheaters. Huge advantage and players should not be allowed to just say they're sorry, they should be sitting too period!

As far as Sox fans and ARod I mean please can we count the players who cheated for them to win, it's the same for all. I mean are they winning anything without Papi or Manny early on? No but ARod took the hit despite so many other cheaters. Happens move on and take your punches now as they come for yet another way of cheating!

 

[The Viking]

By all accounts by reputable baseball writers over the past few days whatever the Sox did was minimal and they will be given a slap on the wrist. Whole different story than Houston.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

By all accounts by reputable baseball writers over the past few days whatever the Sox did was minimal and they will be given a slap on the wrist. Whole different story than Houston.

Not defending either team; but the Red Sox's issue is that they were warned by MLB about using tech (Apple Watches) in 2014 or so by MLB. Then, they got caught again in 2018. Officials in any league do not like a tea, that gets warned at still does something bad. The Red Sox seem to know this, which is what they name Ron Roenicke as their 'interim' manager instead of just their manager. They're hedging their bets until MLB takes their swing.

 

[Scoe]

No suspension to any players equals more batters getting hbp.

 

[billythekid]

No suspension to any players equals more batters getting hbp.

I don't doubt you're right, but I hope not. I think it will only serve to make the Astros players into victims.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

I don't doubt you're right, but I hope not. I think it will only serve to make the Astros players into victims.

The PR spin around that has already begun.

Baker urges MLB to protect Astros from beanballs

Houston manager Dusty Baker said MLB needs to step in to stop "premeditated" targeting of Astros hitters with pitches from opponents angry at their cheating "before somebody gets hurt."

www.espn.com

I am waiting for MLB to ban opisjng fans from brining in garbage cans whenever the Astros visit...

 

[Padutch5]

I must admit I am amazed by this whole “cheating scandal”. I no longer follow baseball that closely because I cant follow the movement of players from team to team. I find it hard to believe that with the movement of players out of the Astros and maybe the Red Sox, that when those players arrived at their new team, they didn’t let their new teams know what was going on. Or, how could teams be so stupid as to not investigate the constant banging of a trash can.

Let me speculate that they all did let their new teams in on the “secret” and that the use of electronics was, [and is?] a whole lot more widespread than baseball is willing to admit.

 

[Husky25]

Let me speculate that they all did let their new teams in on the “secret” and that the use of electronics was, [and is?] a whole lot more widespread than baseball is willing to admit.

Yes.

 

[the Q]

I must admit I am amazed by this whole “cheating scandal”. I no longer follow baseball that closely because I cant follow the movement of players from team to team. I find it hard to believe that with the movement of players out of the Astros and maybe the Red Sox, that when those players arrived at their new team, they didn’t let their new teams know what was going on. Or, how could teams be so stupid as to not investigate the constant banging of a trash can.

Let me speculate that they all did let their new teams in on the “secret” and that the use of electronics was, [and is?] a whole lot more widespread than baseball is willing to admit.

I take it you aren’t a fan of the nfl either? Way more turnover in the nfl than mlb.