Blue Jays stealing signs for the last 2 years, argues ESPN

They use Vernon Wells home/road splits in 2010 and his terrible year in Anaheim as part of the basis for the story. This could explain a lot.

10 months ago tizzidy19 16 comments 0 recs |

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The evidence is pretty damning

Especially when you consider Toronto’s home power against visiting teams. It’s unnatural.

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by Kernel on Aug 10, 2011 9:41 AM PDT reply actions

I don't buy it at all

"Its like when i’m right…i’m right… and when i’m wrong…i could have been right..so i’m still right cause i could have been wrong"-Chevy Clarke's Twitter

by ryanfea on Aug 10, 2011 9:55 AM PDT reply actions

Hmm...I actually like the Blue Jays, so I hope it's not true

But if it is, can we get a cash refund on a certain outfielder?

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by Commander_Nate on Aug 10, 2011 9:59 AM PDT reply actions

Obviously it is not working

well at all.

by Rev Halofan on Aug 10, 2011 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

If Toronto was stealing signs then you would think they would

win more games.

by docescobar07 on Aug 10, 2011 11:02 AM PDT reply actions

Void the trade for Wells!!!!!

by mustard_man on Aug 10, 2011 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs

The reporting in this article is pretty good

The Angels need to start stealing signs.

by Brody on Aug 10, 2011 11:39 AM PDT reply actions

I sort of agree the Angels should steal signs but for a different reason.

If the Angels ever get caught, it would be interesting to see how Selig handles it and how (four letter network) portrays us. A real indictment of east-coast bias from the top levels of MLB.
According to the article:

Just last year, after the Rockies spotted a Phillies bullpen coach using binoculars, Colorado accused Philadelphia of stealing signs. Bud Selig downplayed the controversy, saying, “Stealing signs has been around for 100 years,” before letting the Phillies off with a reprimand.

A slap on the wrist? Makes me wonder what would happen if a certain west-coast team was caught doing that.

"Talent does what it can; genius does what it must." ~ Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Angels' 2011 W-L record with the alternate red jersey: 14-9 (Home: 6-5 | Road: 7-5 || Day: 6-3 | Night: 7-7)

by blast21dave on Aug 10, 2011 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions

damn canadians

even cheating they can beat the USA

I take it you don't have the DOV Secret Decoder Ring
You need to drink more ovaltine
-Quad Fin Rider

by DAD OF VLAD on Aug 10, 2011 11:54 AM PDT reply actions

Jose Bautista coming out of nowhere might have something to do with this

by linkbruin on Aug 10, 2011 12:37 PM PDT reply actions

Verlander no hitter says...

bullshit.

"Keep pushing for us." Ervin Santana after NO-HITTER (July 27, 2011)

by thebigtizzle on Aug 10, 2011 2:15 PM PDT reply actions

Doesn't seem like B.S. if other teams are throwing multiple signs with bases empty.

I hope this is well known by all teams since we’re playing them soon.
Relay to Victor in a tweet :)

Mathis is a sign of The Apocalypse.
"And God looked upon The Angels lineup, and, behold, it was corrupt."

by Halo Hurricane on Aug 10, 2011 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

I wish the analysis of the stats would go deeper

Home Runs per contact isn’t nearly as important here as Home Runs per Fly Ball (need to normalize to account for fly ball and ground ball pitchers). Also would’ve liked to see more than just HR percentages, but team OBP/OPS and line drive percentages (homers wouldn’t be the only benefit of stealing signs).

I’m not defending Toronto, but if you’re going to accuse someone of cheating without proof (or even a non-anonymous source), I need lots and lots of evidence. Also, run the same numbers to see if any other team has splits that are just as outlandish.

by gilbert on Aug 10, 2011 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs