Witnesses with knowledge of the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing allegations admitted that the team did electronically steal signs, but denied one of the more specific allegations levied against the team.
In the original allegation levied by ex-Astros pitcher Mike Fiers, it was claimed that the Astros used a center field camera to steal signs. Witnesses interviewed by MLB have denied that the camera was installed as part of the operation, according to Andy Martino of SNY. The camera in question was MLB-approved and potentially a scouting camera.
“We did ask for a game centerfield feed to decode signs, as many teams do,” one witness reportedly said. “All we asked for was a live feed.”
However, witnesses interviewed by MLB have admitted that the Astros electronically stole signs. The behavior described by the witness would still be considered illegal, and the question at this point is how deep it ran and how blatant it was. We’ve more or less seen the setup, so we know it was happening, and significant punishment is a growing possibility.
