Against the spirit of the game? Really?

Every once in a while I see a fanpost talking about stealing signs, hitting batters, or sabrebullshit and it reminds me that there is a whole legion of fans out there who probably never had the experience to play the game beyond little league.

Nobody should have a problem with it.

Angels try to just as the Twins, Yankees, Philies, Red Sux and most other teams do. It is part of the game.

stealing signs via cameras is what is against the spirit of the game. what joe mauer did (or what media tried to make him out to) is okay by me. i have a problem with it if it is not on the field (like video and telescopes of old).

i actually like hitting batters, show a pitcher up, hit ’em. hit a grand slam off someone the next guy gets hit. and i hate sabremetrics – like i mentioned only stat i would care about in that regards is how often a batter moves a runner up (like sac fly, sac bunt, walk, hit, etc).

It speaks to the gamesmanship and the strategies behind teams trying to compete and communicate while together, out in the open, on the same playing field. Binoculars and telescopes and zoom lenses from video cameras, hidden beyond the outfield and operated by staffers? No way. But players on the field, or coaches in the dugout, picking up the signals? Abso-friggin-lutely!!

Of course, look at me. A Patriots fan. Like, what do I know about teams stealing signals?

My job along with everyone else on the bench was to steal signs. My coach was a college and minor league player and it is part of the game. Stealing signs is great and it’s a part of the game, it keeps the defense and offense on their toes for whatever the situation calls for and sign stealing works both ways, you catch the team’s hitting signs and their base running signs as well as their pitching signs when you’re on 2nd base.

Hell, even Joe Mauer steals signs, should we take away his batting title for that? I don’t think so.

Someone stole the STOP sign off my street… Musta been the Phillies!

it’s time to get better signs.

Bullshit.

Stealing signs?

Who cares. Get better signs.

is the biggest who-gives-a-shit in baseball history.

That it’s considered “cheating” or “against the spirit of the game” is bullshit. It’s part of the game. Don’t want your signs stolen? Don’t let them get stolen. It’s called strategy, dipwads. Do a better job with yours. Is a hitter cheating if he sees the grip a pitcher has before he throws it? Is a fielder cheating if he uses scouting reports to shade a guy toward the right field line? That’s what this is.

is it okay to steal signs?
-yes – outside field of play (scope or camera in CF) and on the field (like Mauer was accused of or arod)

-yes, only outside field of play

-yes, only on the field

-no

i say only on the field, if you can’t conceal your signs, that is your fault.

Certainly not me. It’s a part of the game, and if you can’t handle it, then don’t pay attention to it.