Report: MLB adding rules to prevent sign stealing
Major League Baseball is putting new rules in place this season to guard against high-tech sign stealing, according to an SI.com report.
After several incidents of alleged stealing of catchers’ signs last season, including during the postseason, commissioner Rob Manfred had promised to have new directives in place this year to curtail the practice.
The Astros, after being investigated for alleged sign-stealing during the ALCS, were cleared of any violations by MLB, which considered “the matter closed” on Wednesday.
MLB and the MLB Players Association are discussing potentially drastic rule changes, sources told ESPN. A three-batter minimum for pitchers, a universal DH and a 20-second pitch clock are among the items discussed.
MLB already had a rule in place that prohibited sign-stealing from any place other than a runner on second base. That rule would now be updated to include measures that address the use of new technology to gain an advantage on opponents.
Among the new rules, according to the SI.com report, would be:
A ban on in-house outfield cameras from foul pole to foul pole.
Live broadcasts limited to each team’s designated replay official, who in turn will be monitored by a security expert.
Having all other TV monitors, such as those in the clubhouse and bullpens, on an eight-second delay.
Penalties for violation of the rules would include the forfeiting of draft picks and/or international spending money, according to the report.