Report: Red Sox used Apple Watch to steal signs from Yankees, other teams
In the latest chapter of the storied rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the teams are pointing fingers and yelling "cheater."
The American League East-leading Red Sox were apparently spying on their adversaries, using an Apple Watch to steal signs, according to the New York Times' Michael S. Schmidt.
Major League Baseball investigators have determined that the Red Sox monitored opponents catchers following a complaint filed by Yankees general manager Brian Cashman approximately two weeks ago.
Sources told Schmidt that Cashman submitted video showing Red Sox assistant athletic trainer Jon Jochim looking at an Apple Watch in the dugout before relaying messages specifically to Brock Holt and Dustin Pedroia.
After being confronted by the commissioner's office about the offense, the Red Sox admitted they were relaying information from video replay from the dugout and that they had been doing this for several weeks.
Manager John Farrell told CSNNE's Evan Drellich that he's familiar with rules prohibiting this type of practice.
"Aware of the rule, electronic devices are not to be used in the dugout but beyond that ... it's a league matter at this point," Farrell said.
The team reportedly told investigators that Farrell and members of the front office were unaware of the sign-stealing shenanigans.
On Tuesday, the Red Sox have likewise filed a complaint with the league accusing the Yankees of using footage from its television network, YES, to effectively do the exact same thing: steal signs from opposing teams.
MLB has not officially commented, but commissioner Rob Manfred is planning to speak to the media at Fenway Park on Tuesday before the Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays, according to ESPN's Scott Lauber.
HEADLINES
- Hawks score 50 in 4th quarter to erase 21-point deficit vs. Bulls
- SGA scores 45, Thunder top Pacers for 9th straight win
- Dickerson: I don't think Saquon will break my record
- Week 17 Rankings (Updated): Evans fighting to maintain his historic streak
- Report: DeSean Jackson expected to become Delaware State head coach