Hot Stove Lunch: Did Rob Manfred open a can of worms with Astros discipline?

You can't say that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred didn't warn everyone.

When the Red Sox were found to have been using Apple Watches to relay signals from the clubhouse to the dugout to the field in September of 2017, Manfred hit the Red Sox with a fine, but made it a point to warn the Sox -- and everyone else in the game -- that future transgressions would be treated far more seriously.

A subsequent follow-up memo the following spring, sent by Joe Torre, warned teams again: no use of electronics or cameras to decode or transmit signs.



By then, of course, the Astros had already gone a full season with their own program -- undetected. On Monday, Manfred stayed true to his word, suspending manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow for the entire 2020 season, taking away first- and second-round picks in 2020 and 2021 and fining the club $5 million. (Hinch and Luhnow were fired by Astros owner Jim Crane within an hour of the announcement).

On deck are the Red Sox, whom MLB is investigating for their own bit of chicanery in 2018. It's not likely to end well for Alex Cora, whose fingerprints are all over both scandals - the one already adjudicated in Houston and the ongoing investigation in Boston.

It's hard to feel sorry for Cora, who, at least after 2017, should have known better.

And understand: I'm not here to make excuses for anyone. Teams were put on notice, but did what they did anyway.

But here's the thing: where does all of this stop?

Let's not kid ourselves into thinking that the Astros and Red Sox are the only guilty parties here. Already, Logan Morrison, who's played with five teams over a 10-year career, says he has firsthand knowledge that both the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers -- along with the Sox --  have used cameras to decode opponents' signs.

There's a very good chance that Morrison isn't the only one with this information and we're likely to hear from other players with similar information.

Here's the troubling thing about the investigations into the Astros and Red Sox: is it mere coincidence that they've won two of the last three World Series? Or is it more likely that, as champions, they have targets on their backs?

Are we naive enough to think that some other teams that reached the postseason --and some who fell short -- didn't try some variation on the same theme?

But the Astros and Red Sox got called out.

I have no doubt that Manfred acted out of principle and for the good of the game. He uncovered teams breaking rules and dealt with them in a harsh manner so as to discourage others from doing the same. That's not only part of his job description; it's laudable.

But I get the feeling that Manfred may have to follow this particular trail for a while, and he might not like what he uncovers.

Can he suspend three, four or five managers and their GMs for an entire season? All weeks before -- or during spring training? Who will be left after that?

Just asking.

Elsewhere....

AL EAST

CC Sabathia has a new job with the Yankees.

The Orioles still have a lot of work to do.

The Jays may be ready to unveil alternate uniforms.

A look at the Red Sox' scandal through the Rays' eyes.

AL CENTRAL

Would fans of the Indians (and Browns) want their team to cheat it it meant a title?

Has the Twins' offseason been a success or failure?

There's little doubt about the Tigers' most important player.

The White Sox finalized their player development staff.

There's reason for optimism with the Royals.

AL WEST

It was quite a day for the Astros.

A Rangers beat writer wonders about the Astros: Was it worth it?

The A's made a trade.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Mets' new manager got off without any discipline from the Astros' mess.