Mets manager Carlos Beltran might be facing some trouble
amid reports the Houston Astros used technology to steal signs during their
2017 championship run.
Beltran, now, the newest manager of the New York Mets has
been named by The Athletic as having played a key role in the scheme in 2017
alongside then-Astros bench coach Alex Cora. Cora, of course is the current
manager of the Boston Red Sox.
According to The Athletic, Major League Baseball is expected
to interview Beltran, Cora and Astros manager A.J. Hinch over accusations the
Astros used cameras in center field to steal signs from the catcher, and
relaying them to hitters by banging a garbage can.
Beltran spoke to the New York Post, saying he is “not
concerned” about any repercussions that may come from Major League Baseball.
“There’s nothing illegal about studying
your opposite team. We all have the same opportunity to look out for
information and tendencies. I love and respect the game. I will be a student of
it and apply all the lessons,” Beltran is quoted in the Post.
Earlier this week, Beltran told Joel
Sherman of the Post that the Astros stole signs legally without the use of
cameras.
The Mets hired Beltran as a first-time
manager who could work “collaboratively” with General Manager Brodie Van
Wagenen and his front office staff.
Beltran has been credited as having a high baseball IQ, and was credited
as being a “player-coach-type” with the Astros during that club’s run to the
2017 World Championship.
So far Van Wagenen is taking a no
comment approach.
“At this point I have been at the GM
Meetings, I honestly haven’t read the articles that are out there,” Van Wagenen
is quoted in the New York Post. “I have heard some of the discussion about the
Astros, but I will let Major League Baseball dictate the next step to try to
gather more information in the coming days.”
If Commissioner Rob Manfred finds the
Astros guilty of using technology to steal signs, how he levies discipline
could define the 2020 season. Could Hinch, Cora, Beltran, or various Astros
players face significant suspensions?
That is a huge question, and it will be
very fascinating to see how the Mets react to this situation as it develops.
If Beltran is found guilty and
suspended, what will the Mets do? That is why hiring a veteran bench coach with
managerial experience is critical. Not only would Beltran benefit from having a
guy who has been their before to guide him through the rigors of managing, but
if MLB comes down hard on Beltran, the Mets would have a solid replacement to
keep the organization moving on the field.
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