As the cloud from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal hangs over MLB with an investigation into the Boston Red Sox ongoing, many have wondered if it indicates a far greater issue across baseball. Count Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon among those who believe the issue is exclusive to the Astros.
Speaking to reporters at the start of spring training, Maddon said he believes that the issue is “indigenous” to the Astros and does not reflect an issue across the sport. He also shared that he’d love to see MLB eliminate the use of technology during games, a solution that would put an immediate end to how the Astros stole signs.
Maddon’s belief that MLB teams aren’t using video replay to steal opponents’ signs goes against allegations that the Red Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, only the Red Sox are currently under investigation by the league.
Removing the replay room would eliminate the chance for teams to monitor what signs their opponent is using during games. Maddon’s wishes are odd, though, considering he said in 2019 he wanted MLB to research new technology that can assess check swings.
It remains to be seen if more teams followed similar methods as the Astros, but allegations will likely continue to come out. As for eliminating technology usage during games, that seems rather unlikely.