American Scandal Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Bottom of the Ninth | 4
Nov 5, 2024
The Houston Astros face intense scrutiny after their World Series win, with allegations of sign-stealing looming over them. Rivals investigate peculiar stadium communications that raise ethical questions. A whistleblower steps forward, threatening the team's reputation. Insights from a former player reveal the tactics behind the scheme, while fallout from an exposé leads to an MLB investigation. The episode delves into the backlash the Astros experience, reflecting on the integrity of baseball amidst evolving technology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rival Employees Investigate Dugout Rumors
- Two rival-team employees snuck into Minute Maid Park to verify a tip about a massage-gun sign system and found a worn spot in a bathroom wall.
- Their discovery heightened suspicion but provided no definitive proof of cheating.
Front Office Tensions Over Acquiring Osuna
- Jeff Luhnow pushed aggressively for trades, favoring wins over optics, and clashed with colleagues over acquiring Roberto Osuna.
- Kevin Goldstein and others warned Osuna would damage clubhouse culture because of assault allegations.
Fenway Incident With Suspicious Intern
- Alex Cora, formerly of the Astros, spotted an intern filming the Red Sox dugout at Fenway and had him removed for suspected sign stealing.
- The intern, Kyle McLaughlin, was later found to be conducting counter-espionage according to MLB.