Today, the league reprimanded the Philadelphia Phillies for using binoculars in the bullpen. Although the Colorado Rockies accused coach Mick Billmeyer of stealing signs, manager Charlie Manuel completely denies that they were doing anything of the sort, saying,
“I’m sure if they could steal signs they would and if we can, we will too. If we can get them legally. If you’re dumb enough to let us get them it’s your fault. It’s been going on in the game a long time. If you’re dumb enough to let us get them, that’s your problem.”
The Phillies say that Billmeyer was using the binoculares to watch Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz’s stance. Manuel says he understands why the Rockies are concerned, but the binoculars had nothing to do with sign stealing. However, Rockie players have reported that they saw the coach using the binoculars when they were on the mound too, which contradicts Manuel’s story.
This isn’t the first time the Phillies have been accused of stealing signs. The Mets have long accused the team of sign stealing.
I think Rockies player Matt Daley says it best:
“It’s not the right way to play the game. If they’re doing that, I don’t know what you can do, but I think the video has got to be sent to MLB. There’s no reason for anyone in the pen to have binoculars other than to not do the right thing.”
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