Beltran denies knowledge of hidden camera
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Carlos Beltran, a member of the 2017 Astros, denied knowledge of a camera that his team allegedly used to elect ro ni c a l ly steal s i g ns that season, claiming the World Series champions stole signs organically and legally.
“I’m not aware of that camera,” Beltran tol d The Post in a text message exchange. “We were studying the opposite team every day.”
A report on The Athletic, which included whistleblowing quotes from former Astros right-hander Mike Fiers, described a camera that was positioned in the outfield at Minute Maid Park. According to the story, Astros personnel deciphered and relayed signs to hitters through a banging-on-trash-can signal.
Beltran, who is wellregarded for his baseball IQ and was named Mets manager earlier this month, insisted the Astros only stole signs while standing on second base.
“We took a lot of pride studying pitchers [on] the computer. That is the only technology that I use and understand,” he said. “It was fun seeing guys get to the ballpark to look for little details.
“The game of baseball for years, guys have given location and if the catchers get lazy and the pitcher doesn’t cover the signs from second base [then] of course players are going to take advantage. I don’t call that cheating. I call that using small details to take advantage. I think baseball is doing a great job adding new technology to make sure the game is even for both teams. It’s easy to blame someone when they win.”