If MLB decided to allow catchers and pitchers to work with the PitchCom, this is to prevent signal theft.
After all, when the catcher presses a button, how can the batter steal the signal? It’s almost impossible.
Almost all launchers use this process at the moment.
And it is especially illogical to think that Aaron Judge, last night in Toronto, looked in the shelter of his people to steal the signal illegally.
Because yes, since yesterday, this is the topic of the hour: did the Judge cheat? Why did he look up taste of his in full appearance at bat?
First, let’s settle one thing: it was easy to know that Jay Jackson was going to throw a slippery ball again. It doesn’t take the Astros’ trash cans to guess that.
But above all, as I said at the beginning of the text, there is no signal left to steal. In the baseball of 2023, it’s clear that players can’t do what they used to.
That’s why the story of yesterday or last week (when the Rays were accused of cheating just because they’re good) doesn’t hold water.
The most likely scenario yesterday is that Jackson tippait his throws. This means that he poorly concealed his upcoming shot in his glove.
It is legal to communicate this information if it is perceived by the human eye.
Aaron Judge, however, cannot say so publicly. After all, with three games to come in three days against Toronto, he can’t give the Blue Jays a hand by updating them.
That’s what the Blue Jays think.
After the match, John Schneider claimed the club found it odd to see #99 watching the taste, but he assured that the Jays will do what it takes to break the trend.
MLB needs to watch this, obviously, but I’d still be surprised if anything illegal happened.
Yes, MLB has a history of cheating, but unless there’s some complicated case that directly links the PitchCom to something, I don’t see what it could be.
To me, we’re talking about a storm in a teacup right now. Let’s wait for more evidence, if needed, before moving forward.
