Sometimes it’s interesting when a story breaks. Especially when it’s the dame of game four of the ALCS.
However, before we jump into the latest storyline; think back to when we wrote about concern over some teams stealing signs around baseball. Named in the report were the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers prominently.
Now, there’s a more distinct report. This one comes from Andy Martino of SNY in New York. Martino says that the Yankees are onto the Houston Astros over an incident in game one that involved the Astros whistling.
https://twitter.com/martinonyc/status/1184538637528121346?s=20
To expand, here’s what Martino says in his report:
According to three sources, a Yankees coach noticed a whistling sound in the opposing dugout on certain pitches on Saturday night in Houston. The Yankees started yelling across the field, and people in the dugouts argued back and forth.
“The whole dugout was pissed,” said one source. “Everyone was chirping.”
Obviously, this is the type of element that can make a good series a great series. Two talented teams, mix in a little bad blood; and boom. You have a heavyweight match-up for the ages in baseball. In this case, two of the dirtiest players in the game are involved; the two favorites since mid-summer to represent the AL in the World Series.
Now a trip to the World Series is at stake. The Yankees are in a must win spot today at home trailing two games to one with Masahiro Tanaka on the bump.
While many who see this story on twitter will give credit to Ken Rosenthal, it originated in New York from Martino. However, Rosenthal does provide a nice clarification of why signaling (or whistling) is not allowed in this example:
Teams are prohibited from signaling to hitters from the dugout through whistling or other means. MLB had an official in the camera well next to the #Astros’ dugout in G1 and one in the back of the dugout in G2. Neither officials nor umpires heard whistling. #Yankees won G1, 7-0.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 17, 2019
Personally, I have heard enough whispers about the Astros and their cheating antics to believe they’re innocent. Moreover, I think a lot of teams do it. My opinion only is that Houston has mastered it – and teams like the Yankees don’t like it – especially in a big spot like the ALCS.
Here’s more from the Martino article at SNY.
“They’ve been doing it for years,” alleged an executive from another team, when asked about the whistling.
“I would consider whistling a tired act that goes beyond what is acceptable,” said another major league executive. “If the Astros or anyone else was doing it, it would be considered a break in the unwritten rules. I have not been part of any team that used a whistle from the dugout for pitch type or location.”
Finally, anyone reading this should file it away. If true, the Astros have a little ‘built in advantage’ in any series they play. After spending a few years watching them – I don’t think anyone could rule out that they might have some curricular going on. And if you view it as full-on cheating is another debate entirely.
