The New York Yankees are pretty embroiled in the Astros scandal. But some altered information is beginning to surface painting the boys in the Bronx in a less than favorable light. A light that makes them look like beneficiaries of the investigation into the Astros.
The Yankees/Red Sox Sign Stealing Debate of 2017
In an August series between the Sox and Yanks, the Yankees accused the Red Sox of electronically stealing signs. It was discovered that the Red Sox DID steal signs, and relayed them back to the dugout using Apple smartwatches. The Red Sox, in turn, accused the Yankees of stealing signs via a feed from the YES broadcasts. MLB investigated both claims and fined both teams. The Red Sox were found to have been guilty of using electronics to steal and relay signs to the Boston dugout. The Yankees were fined for improper use of dugout phones, not for stealing signs electronically. Later that year, the commissioner issued the ruling on electronic sign-stealing that is part of the basis for the Astros punishment.
What ACTUALLY Was Revealed About the Yankees Electronically Stealing Signs
In an article from Andy Martino, the Yankees WERE found to have committed the same crimes the Red Sox and Astros are being punished for today. But, and this is important (if albeit semantics-based) but, the Yankees were found to have committed these crimes back BEFORE the commissioner took the stance he took in 2017 on electronic sign stealing. The Yankees inevitably stopped the sign stealing, which helped clear the Yankees of further punishment.
Why Is This Important?
The Yankees, while found to have been guilty of past electronic sign stealing, weren’t in violation of MLB rules and regulations, as this rule came into effect AFTER the Yankees were done with their practice. The Red Sox and Astros are being punished for electronically stealing signs AFTER it was deemed a punishable offense by the commissioner’s office.
Is it a loophole like how Beltran wasn’t punished by baseball? Not really. Look at The Purge. For one night, you can do whatever you want without legal repercussions. If it wasn’t a punishable offense, why should the Yankees be punished for doing something that was legal to do?
Let’s stop acting like David Brosius, who committed slander accusing Mike Trout of taking HGH. Get your facts straight, and be informed before jumping to wild conclusions.