I normally contribute to this site as a writer for the Wrestling department. Today, I’m not writing this article as a content writer, but as a Houston Astros fan. On Monday, MLB announced their findings from the investigation into the sign-stealing allegations against the team. The results sent shockwaves throughout MLB and their loyal fanbase. Because of mixed emotions, I contemplated whether or not to write this. However, I felt that people needed to hear a different side. So, here it is – A fan’s perspective of the Astros Scandal.
How did we get to this point?
In November 2019, Oakland A’s pitcher Mike Fiers came forward with the initial allegations that the Astros engaged in sign-stealing methods during their title run in 2017. Well, everyone knows that sign-stealing has been a normal practice in baseball for years. The problem lies in the fact that the Astros’ methods involved the use of live game feed and technology, which violated league rules. Because of the allegations, MLB opened an investigation to dig into the matter further.
When I first heard about the report, I was shocked! The allegations came against a team that I’ve watched for years and from a former member of the team! Fiers threw his first no-hitter and received a World Series ring with the Astros. I do not condone any type of cheating, but I questioned the timing behind the allegations. Why now? If he wanted to clean up the game, why did it take him two years?
According to the report released by MLB and Commissioner Rob Manfred, the Astros initiated the sign-stealing process through their video replay review room. An employee relayed the information to the dugout either over the phone or via text message. A couple of months into the 2017 season, the team installed a monitor in the dugout for the footage. Once the dugout received the sign information, they relayed it to the batter by banging on a trash can. Some of the practices occurred during part of the 2018 season as well.
Time to face the music!
As a result of the investigation, MLB assessed the Astros with a $5 million dollar fine and the loss of their first and second round draft picks for the next two years. In addition, Manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow both received one year suspensions. MLB stated that both men had no direct involvement in the sign-stealing methods, but failed to put an end to it. Astros Owner Jim Crane fired Hinch and Luhnow based on the findings.
As much as I respect the hell out of Hinch and Luhnow for what they did for the team, both men deserved to go. They failed in their jobs as leaders of the team to ensure that the Astros played the game of baseball with honesty and integrity.
Not just the Astros
Not only did the investigation results hit the Astros hard, the downward spiral trickled to two additional teams. Starting with the Red Sox! The report named Alex Cora, former Astros Bench Coach and Red Sox Manager, for his involvement. This included calling to the replay room for sign information, having the monitor installed in the dugout, and the trash can banging. When my own husband (the lifelong Red Sox fan) found out, he said, “We (The Red Sox) shouldn’t have hired him!”
The Red Sox themselves are currently under investigation for sign-stealing during their title run in 2018. MLB said that no punishment against Cora will be made until the completion of Red Sox investigation. However, the team fired Cora on Tuesday based on the Astros investigation results.
I would not be surprised if Cora’s punishment included a multi-year suspension or even a lifetime ban from MLB.
MLB also named Carlos Beltrán in their report for having direct involvement with the sign-stealing. Beltrán was a player on the 2017 roster and not subjected to punishment from MLB. His backfire from the scandal came from his new position as the manager of the New York Mets. Because of the MLB report, Beltrán and the Mets mutually agreed to part ways before he even had a chance to manage one game. It’s a shame that it came to that because I believe Beltrán would have made an excellent manager based on his experience.
The 2017 Championship
Many on Twitter believe that the Astros should be stripped of their 2017 title. Just because a team has an edge or advantage, it doesn’t mean that they’ll automatically win the game! Yes, the Astros used illegal methods to steal signs. However, winning a game takes more than knowing what pitch is coming your way! Because of the many factors that go into the outcome of the game itself, I believe that the Astros are still the rightful holders of the 2017 World Series Championship!
(Side Note – Stripping the title would be stripping away a part of every Astros fan in the Houston area! If you recall, Hurricane Harvey destroyed the city in late 2017. Many folks were still recovering from the storm during the postseason. The victory reignited the city and gave us something to celebrate!)
My Message to the Astros
Although the report listed some of the actions as “player-driven,” MLB decided not to hand out individual punishments against players. No other players were referenced in the report other than Carlos Beltrán.
My message to the remaining players on the team, whether they were involved in or had knowledge of everything, would be this:
Consider this upcoming season as a blessing! You’ve been given a second chance to continue playing the game you love. A lot of hatred will probably be coming your way from other teams and their fans. Show them that you’re better than this! Make them forget about this whole scandal! Show them that the Houston Astros can still compete at the highest level! Also, take this time to help restore faith in your fan base as well as integrity to the Houston Astros organization!
As for myself, I will continue to support my hometown team! Will I be glued to the TV watching every game? Maybe not right away, but I’ll still route for the team. In the end, I’m a Houston Astros fan for life!
Follow me on Twitter at @TXSportsQueen and Belly Up Sports at @BellyUpSports.
Until next time, Belly Up fans!
