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MLB’s investigation into the Astros “alleged” cheating in 2018 has reached New England. According to an article by Ken Rosenthal, the Boston Red Sox used the video replay room illegally during the 2018 season.
MLB’s sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018. Story with @EvanDrellich. https://t.co/C90yxUH2jS
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 7, 2020
You might remember that the Red Sox received a proverbial slap on the wrist after being caught using Apple Watches in 2017. At the time. MLB.com reported:
“The Commissioner said that all 30 Major League clubs have been notified that future violations of this type will be subject to more serious sanctions, including the possible loss of Draft picks. But he said that three relevant points were considered in assessing the significance of this particular violation.”
You might also recall that the manager for the 2017 Astros team who has been accused of cheating was Alex Cora and the manager of the 2018 Boston Red Sox team who has been accused of cheating was ALSO Alex Cora. Not that Cora is the only person implicated here but it sure is not a good look for him.
It’s not yet clear how many others teams could be pulled into this scandal - but you can bet some changes are going to how replays are handled in stadium for the 2020 season. Let’s hope this time Manfred issues more than just a few wrist slaps.