Major League Baseball is investigating the Astros after allegations were made earlier this week that Houston was using electronic devices to illegally steal signs back in 2017 and since then everyone is posting videos that seem to indicate they haven't stopped since.
For Cubs fans, we definitely remember 2017 and the offseason that followed, as Yu Darvish eventually agreed to a six-year deal with Chicago. The right-hander was coming off another solid season, but the most recent memories fans had of the right-hander were of the Astros dominating Darvish in the World Series.
Much was made of Darvish's struggles in two starts against Houston during the 2017 World Series and now LA fans are apologizing for being assholes towards him. That's just one part that Darvish addressed in one of his latest YouTube videos.
Darvish discussed the sign stealing controversy and talked about other fishy things that he's noticed.
Reddit user rataface translated Darvish's thoughts, as the Cubs pitcher spoke in Japanese. Here are some of the things Darvish had to say.
Via Reddit.
During the 2017 World Series, I threw around 2 innings, and I obviously wasn’t able to perform well. Couldn’t last two innings, something like that. I screwed up. After that WS for the past two years, I’ve received a lot of unpleasant comments from Dodgers fans about my performance. But during the past few days, I’ve received a lot of apologies from Dodgers fans, that my performance was because of the Astros stealing my signs. I’m very impressed as to how they’re reacting recently.
But personally, Game 7 was played at Dodgers Stadium. Since what we currently know is limited to MMP, I don’t think there were any signs stealings going on at that game. However, with the technology that they have, I really think it’s not impossible that they’ve done it at LA as well.
The next part is fascinating, as Darvish said that he wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on in terms of him tipping pitches.
After the World Series was over the Astros claimed that they noticed Darvish was tipping his pitches. After Game 3, the Dodgers thought so as well, but he didn't think so then and still doesn't after meticulously going over the video. He also adds that someone from the Astros told him this year that he was tipping his pitches, but Darvish still wasn't buying it.
After Game 7, there were news about how I was tipping my pitches. After the WS ended, I personally asked a player from the Astros about it. He said that I was fumbling my ball before I threw my fastball. After Game 3, the Dodgers suspected that I was tipping my pitches, and I reviewed some footage with some people. I reviewed my mechanics from that footage, but we all couldn’t find any noticeable signs that I was giving something away. During Game 7, I was really aware and concerned about this, so I made extra sure on the mound that I wasn’t giving anything away.
After Game 7, I’ve been personally trying to get to the bottom of this problem. This year, from a source from the Astros that I won’t disclose, I was told that I was tipping my pitches during Game 3 and 7 by fumbling my ball before my windup. Since I saw my Game 7 footage numerous times, I was convinced that I wasn’t doing that, and there was something in the back of my mind that didn’t mesh well with what that player was saying, and what was shown on the footage.
Yet, despite what the Astros may or may not have been doing, Darvish isn't blaming sign stealing for his performance. As always, Darvish comes off classy.
Now, do I think that my failure in the 2017 WS is because of the Astros stealing signs? I don’t think so, I think Astros have talented players. Results don’t change, and I don’t expect anyone to send me apologies for what they had said to me for the past 2 years. Through adversity, I’ve been able to work hard and play for a great organization, the Cubs. If I start associating my failure to the Astros scandal, I don’t think that I would be able to develop as a person. I think adversity is important in life, and I think these types of failures will be an important experience for me, as a player. I’m willing to swallow the results of 2017.
How can you not love Yu.
Finally, Darvish goes over something weird that he started to notice in 2019. Again, we'd be naive to think the Astros are the only team breaking MLB's rules.
Especially this year, I've noticed a lot weird things. When I’m in the set position, usually the batter looks at me. It depends on the batter, but they generally look at my elbows, my eyes, my shoulders, you know it. But several times this year, I’ve noticed that the batters don’t look at me. Even without runners on second, I see players just looking into the distance, around left center field. It’s awkward. This usually happens when we’re the visiting team. I’ve even told Caratini during mound visits that the batters eyes were not on me.
The Brewers and Rangers have also been accused of using technology to steal signs, which again is against MLB rules. Darvish pitched in Texas and Milwaukee during the 2019 season.
By the way, MLB's investigation isn't narrowed down to only the Astros and the punishment might be shocking at the end according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Via ESPN.
Major League Baseball's investigation into illegal sign stealing is expected to expand beyond the 2017 Houston Astros and look into whether other teams, including the 2019 Astros, used technology to aid hitters, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.
The penalties for illegal activity are determined by commissioner Rob Manfred, though if the league can prove wrongdoing, the severity could be unlike anything seen in the sport's recent history, sources said.
And more allegations continue to surface as the days go by.
Anyway, here's Darvish's video.
