1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

WSJ: The Origins of the Houston Astros Cheating Scheme

Discussion in 'Houston Astros' started by topfive, Feb 7, 2020.

  1. The Real Shady

    The Real Shady Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2000
    Messages:
    17,170
    Likes Received:
    3,966
    Curious if this will cause any kind of divide in the locker room between the Latin and non-latin players. Seems like some players spoke out more than others.

    I'll be impressed if this team can silence the hatters and do well this season, but I'm leaning on an internal implosion with some players wanting to get a fresh start elsewhere.
     
  2. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Contributing Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2007
    Messages:
    53,668
    Likes Received:
    41,551
    The Astros players and former players have been getting ripped on Minnesota sports Radio this past week. There are people accusing Marwin Gonzales of ripping off the Twins and a boycott of the Astros.
     
    everyday eddie likes this.
  3. The Real Shady

    The Real Shady Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2000
    Messages:
    17,170
    Likes Received:
    3,966

    The Twins knew what they were getting. In 2018 when the sign stealing wasn't working anymore he reverted back into his former self and they still signed him to that contract.

    [​IMG]
     
    everyday eddie likes this.
  4. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Contributing Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2007
    Messages:
    53,668
    Likes Received:
    41,551
    He also happened to hit better this last season with the Twins than 2018 with the Stros. This was kicked off because there was an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune of Gonzalez apologizing for his role in the scandal.
     
    everyday eddie and marks0223 like this.
  5. elrond

    elrond Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2003
    Messages:
    590
    Likes Received:
    625
    Hm...Marwin Gonzalez's 2018 performance could be the biggest indication that the Astros didn't replace the trash can banging with buzzers or any other implementation. Although general ineffectiveness seems to have been the reason highlighted for not continuing with the system, this clearly wasn't the case for Marwin. Was continuing the trash can system too much trouble just for Marwin, or were there other reasons for not continuing?

    Furthermore, it's interesting to consider how this may/may not have affected the Astros contract offers for Marwin. I can't seem to recall whether he signed straight up with the Twins, or if he rejected an offer from the Astros, but the Astros would have had a clear idea that he relied on the sign stealing to achieve the 2017 level results, and that he would have a hard time duplicating those results without a similar system in place.

    Anyways, just more random thoughts as more information is coming out.
     
  6. msn

    msn Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2002
    Messages:
    11,726
    Likes Received:
    2,093
    Here I thought Marwin had improved his pitch selection skills.

    This sucks. Everything about it. The biggest reason I'm hoping the Astros destroy the league this year is that if they don't, 2017 will lose the rest of its luster for me.

    They need to vindicate themselves.
     
    SS0101 and desihooper like this.
  7. Major

    Major Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 1999
    Messages:
    41,383
    Likes Received:
    15,808
    It could well have simply been that it was effective in 2017, and as more teams realized what was happening and started adjusting, it lost its effectiveness in 2018. That would explain Marwin and also why they stopped.
     
    BigM likes this.
  8. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    23,839
    Likes Received:
    13,895
    The Astros hitters were great last year. Bad sequencing is the only thing that kept the offense from scoring the most runs by a team in over a decade.
     

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now