The Houston Astros 2017 sign-stealing scandal has been the talk of the offseason. The team used technological equipment to decode opposing squads’ signs and relayed them in real-time to their batters while banging a trash can. They were caught and MLB gave away suspensions and fines. Even the New York Mets were splashed by the aftermath, given that they had to part ways with their newly-appointed manager Carlos Beltran because he was involved in the scheme back then.
Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote that the Mets outlined a plan to deal with the situation. More specifically, they intend to deal with those former Astros who were involved in the scheme.
Infielder/outfielder J.D. Davis and center fielder Jake Marisnick played for the Astros in that 2017 season when they won the World Series. However, the Mets don’t want either one of them to feel unwelcome in the clubhouse.
There will not be a witch hunt in the Mets
Michael Conforto, the team’s star right fielder, will not be heading a witch hunt over his now-teammates.
“Our involvement with it was Carlos [Beltran] and we have kind of moved on from that, but I don’t see us dwelling on that at all,†Conforto said Tuesday to the Post. “I think J.D. and Jake, they are our guys now and moving forward they are going to be part of a winning season this year.”
“There’s not going to be any animosity toward them. When you are in a team setting, any of these guys that are in here now they are our guys and that’s the way winning teams are. They bring their guys in and we’re one winning group. They will probably talk about it, but there won’t be anything more from there.â€
When the Mets appointed Beltran, the scandal hadn’t yet arrived to the main headlines. He was named in MLB’s report, and therefore, the team had to act.
“There is a line that definitely shouldn’t be crossed, and Carlos’ involvement with that is what it is, and moving forward I think it’s best we just focus on us and the season,†Conforto said.
Betances’ take
Dellin Betances played against those Houston Astros in 2017, in the American League Championship Series. He made it clear that he doesn’t need an explanation from Davis or Marisnick.
“After hearing everything that happened, I think as a team we knew that stuff was going on, we just weren’t sure what it was,†Betances said. “It definitely sucks looking back on it, but to spend too much time on it, I think it’s not fair to the guys I am here with now. I am looking forward to the 2020 season with the Mets, so I don’t think I am going to harp too much on that.â€