Like all other MLB teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers take the necessary precautions to prevent opposing baserunners from stealing signs. Since Clayton Kershaw didn’t allow a runner to get to second base during Sunday night’s dominant win, that wasn’t an issue. However, Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal says there was some thievery going on during Game 1.
When Ben Zobrist reached second on a leadoff double in the eighth inning of Game 2, Grandal says the Chicago Cubs infielder was relaying signs to Addison Russell, who worked a 3-0 count against Joe Blanton.
“All the sudden, Russell is not taking good swings at sliders, looking like he’s looking for a fastball and in a certain location,” Grandal explained Sunday, according to Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times. “Did we know Zobrist had the signs and was doing something for it? Yeah, we did. That’s why we do it.”
As Moura notes, Grandal trotted to the mound to speak with Kershaw numerous times during the left-handers two starts in the NLDS. The two were discussing switching up their signs.
“We are literally paranoid when it comes to men on second and they are trying to get signs,” the catcher said. “We know who is getting the signs. We know what they’re doing. We know what they do to get it. In the playoffs, one relayed sign could mean the difference between winning the World Series and not getting there.
“That’s why we have four or five different sets of signs, and we’re constantly changing.”
While it might sound juicy, this is all very common. There were rumblings that the Cleveland Indians were stealing signs against the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS, which they mentioned on Monday while taking a shot at Jose Bautista on Twitter. Pitchers and catchers frequently change signs for a reason.
H/T Hardball Talk
