Astros sign-stealing scandal: Team SACKS GM Jeff Luhnow, AJ Hinch after MLB suspension

Controversy seems to be hanging over he of Houston Astros ministration. After former pitcher Mike Fiers revealed that Houston Astros used electronic equipment to steal pitching signs during ir championship season three years ago, repercussions from that incident have w come to light. General manr Jeff Luhw and manr AJ Hinch were fired by owner Astros owner Jim Crane earlier this week. 

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Astros owner fires Jeff Luhw, AJ Hinch one hour after MLB takes action

Speaking in a press conference on back of anuncement, Jim Crane said that he took decision to fire Jeff Luhw and AJ Hinch in order to preserve lofty standards he has for city of Houston. “I have higher standards for city and franchise, and I am going above and beyond MLB's penalty,” Crane said in press conference. “We need to move forward with a clean slate, and Astros will become a stronger organization because of this today. You can be confident that we will always do right thing and will t have this happen again on my watch.”

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Just under an hour before anuncement from Houston Astros, MLB anunced penalties for Astros sign-stealing incident. direct implication of Astros sign-stealing incident will see Houston Astros forfeit ir first and second-round picks in 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. A fine of $5 million was also levied on Houston Astros, highest allowable fine under Major League Constitution. However, MLB ruled that compensation pick Astros received for losing Gerrit Cole to Yankees in free ncy will remain untouched. 

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Astros sign-stealing penalty could work against Red Sox

Interestingly, Jeff Luhw, AJ Hinch and Astros will t be only ones bearing brunt of Astros sign-stealing incident. With MLB levying highest possible fine on Astros, a precedent has w been set for Boston Red Sox. Red Sox are alleged to have used cameras to steal signs during ir 2019 championship season. Two years before this incident, Red Sox were also fined for using Apple Watches to steal signs. Upon furr investigation, Red Sox manr Alex Cora was found to be "ringleer", according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's report.

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