As of Thursday, MLB has widened its investigation of alleged sign stealing by the Houston Astros and will probe activity by the team over the past three seasons. Moreover, these seasons include all of 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Moreover – from the owner’s meetings in Arlington, Texas – Manfred spoke of ‘investigating the Astros as thoroughly as humanly possible’. As we have stated before, it’s not looking great for the Astros in terms of escaping punishment. Currently, the organization has no comment on the allegations.
Major League Baseball has widened its investigation of alleged sign stealing by the @astros and will probe activity by the team over the past three seasons.https://t.co/CVLaBT7eKe
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 21, 2019
However, baseball’s commissioner does have comment on the probe. He expanded upon what the investigation will entail.
“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.”
Then, Manfred commented on Mike Fiers’ whistle-blowing; and it’s placement in this whole thing. Remember, Fiers was the player formerly with Houston who first spoke about the sign-stealing project to The Athletic MLB.
“Obviously, an individual breaking what is a pretty firm commitment to silence about what goes on in dugouts and in clubhouses is a big break in an investigation, provides an opportunity to push forward that we haven’t had previously,” Manfred said.
Right now, the Astros are headed down a dark path. While it’s unknown what the severe punishment will be when the investigation wraps up, it can be expected to be severe and unprecedented. This much has already been reported.
Finally, imagine being a fan of the Houston Astros right now. Instead of just preparing for the holidays and a big free agent signing or two, you have to sit and wait for the commish to drop the hammer with what could be severe sanctions.
We will continue to update you daily on this ongoing storyline.
