Astros owner mum on stealing scandal

ARLINGTON, Texas — Houston Astros owner Jim Crane declined comment Wednesday on Major League Baseball's investigation into allegations of sign stealing.

While walking through the lobby of the luxury hotel where owners were meeting, Crane stopped briefly when approached by reporters.

“If you want to talk about baseball, I'll talk about baseball,” Crane said. “What else do you want to talk about?”

When someone started to ask whether he had any comment about the allegations, Crane didn't even let that question get finished before responding, “Any other issues?”

Two sheriff's deputies working security in the lobby then stepped in and escorted the Astros owner toward a flight of stairs that led upstairs to where the meetings were taking place.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday he hopes the investigation will be completed before the start of next season and that he has authority to impose discipline beyond the loss of amateur draft picks.

Manfred is scheduled to hold a news conference Thursday after owners wrap up their meetings at the hotel adjacent to the new Texas Rangers ballpark that will open next season.

Oakland pitcher Mike Fiers told The Athletic last week that while he was playing with the Astros during their 2017 World Series championship season the team stole signs during home games by using a camera positioned in center field.

Crane's appearance at the owners' meetings was his first near media since last week's report, which led to MLB expanding its investigation.