American Scandal Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Dark Arts | 3
Oct 29, 2024
The Houston Astros dominate MLB while mastering an innovative and illegal sign-stealing method. As they leverage technology for real-time advantages, suspicions from rivals mount. Key figures navigate ethical dilemmas amid rising tensions. Their championship celebration is bittersweet, overshadowed by whispers of a whistleblower and the scrutiny of their tactics. The podcast dives deep into the intersection of competition and technology, shedding light on the moral complexities a powerhouse team faces in pursuit of glory.
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Dugout Monitor And Codebreaker Setup
- Alex Cora and Tom Koch-Vaser installed a monitor behind the dugout to get a live feed of opposing catchers' signs.
- They used a codebreaker spreadsheet to decode signs and speed up relays to hitters during games.
Data Culture Normalized Rule Stretching
- The Astros used analytics and new tech to gain competitive advantage and accepted stretching rules.
- They viewed high-tech sign stealing as a necessary evolution to stay competitive.
Trash Can Signaling System
- The Astros relayed decoded signs by banging a trash can near the dugout to signal hitters.
- One or two bangs meant an off-speed pitch and silence meant a fastball.