McAdam: Astros' past sign-stealing may ensnare Alex Cora

Major League Baseball has launched an investigation into allegations that the Houston Astros used electronic surveillance to steal signs from opposing teams during the 2017 season and Red Sox manager Alex Cora may find himself in the middle of the mess.

Cora served as the Astros bench coach in 2017, leaving the organization immediately after the World Series to become manager of the Red Sox.

The Athletic reported that the Astros used cameras in center field at



Minute Maid Park to zoom in on catchers' signals. Those images were then visible on a video monitor stationed in the runway near the home dugout. Staff members would then bang on a trash can to signal to Houston hitters whether the next pitch was a fastball or an off-speed pitch.

The site said MLB is investigating three current MLB managers -- Houston's A.J. Hinch, newly-named New York Mets manager Carlos Beltran and Cora. Beltran, a close friend of Cora's, served as the Astros' DH in 2017, the final year of his playing career.

The story noted that Cora "played a key role in devising the sign-stealing system.''

During his playing career and in retirement, Cora has long had the reputation throughout the game as an expert sign-stealer, though he's never previously been accused of using electronics to gain an advantage. Stealing signs is a long-stranding, legal and acceptable practice so long as technology is not utilized.

Cora appeared on WEEI Thursday morning and was asked about his involvement.

"I appreciate the question,'' Cora told the Dale and Keefe show. "I have talked to MLB and I'll leave it at that.''

The Red Sox acknowledged that they've been in contact with the league.

“We have been contacted by MLB and are fully cooperating with the league’s investigation,” said Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy.

In 2017, with John Farrell in his final season as manager of the club, the Red Sox were found to have used Apple watches to relay signs from their clubhouse to the dugout. Farrell insisted he was unaware of the scheme. After the New York Yankees complained to MLB, the Red Sox were fined an undisclosed amount and commissioner Rob Manfred said future violations by any team would be dealt with more severely.

It's unknown whether Cora, now in the employ of another team, could be suspended for his previous actions with another organization.