The Los Angeles Dodgers arguably have the biggest grudge with the Houston Astros electronically stealing signs through the 2017 postseason, but they and other clubs that were caught in the path can not address Major League Baseball’s findings, or the World Series.
“All clubs have been asked by Major League Baseball not to comment on today’s punishment of the Houston Astros as it’s inappropriate to comment on discipline imposed on another club,” the Dodgers said in a released statement.
“The Dodgers have also been asked not to comment on any wrongdoing during the 2017 World Series and will have no further comment at this time.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred levied a slew of penalties against the Astros, including a $5 million fine — the highest amount permitted under the Major League Constitution. General manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch each being suspended for the entire 2020 season, and forfeiture of first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts.
Astros owner Jim Crane, who was absolved by MLB during their investigation, fired Luhnow and Hinch during a press conference held after the league’s findings were made public.
While the Dodgers now are refraining from comment, manager Dave Roberts and Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Joc Pederson and Justin Turner, among others, had previously addressed the topic during the offseason.
Roberts, who shares a close friendship with Hinch, said at the Winter Meetings he was “surprised” by the allegations. “If, again, they were using (cameras), the line was crossed, but on the field, as we all know, that’s a part of the game,” Roberts added.
“Sign stealing, reading catchers and tipping — that’s all part of the game. But there is a line.”
Kershaw and Turner were disappointed by the revelations but also expressed a sentiment that there is no undoing the Dodgers’ World Series loss.
In terms of taking action to prevent from cameras being used to steal signs, Jansen suggested blurring out the catcher’s fingers. That may prove beneficial with TV broadcast cameras, but not those that are independent and installed by a team.
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