Ex-MLB Players Explain New Method Astros Apparently Used to Steal Signs During 2017 World Series

Per a myriad of new reports and amid a cloud of investigations, the Houston Astros reportedly cheated using electronics during the 2017 season en route to their first World Series title in franchise history. According to the initial report, a trash can would be banged so the batter at the plate would know if a fastball or off-speed pitch was coming, thanks to a live feed hooked up in a tunnel near the dugout.

The report centers around the regular season, though. Of course, in October, it's far too loud to discern what type of banging you're listening to. So, what was their backup plan during the postseason? Did they simply stop bending the rules? Well...

Former big leaguers Trevor Plouffe and Carson Smith, who made some waves when discussing his 2017 Red Sox playoff series in Houston after the news broke, have some inside information on that matter.

These two players claim Houston's bullpen catcher wore an ear piece and relayed signs after receiving them from someone watching a live feed.

Plouffe isn't 100% certain and hasn't reviewed the video, but per Smith, you can apparently see Astros hitters looking towards right-center field where the bullpen is before a pitch is thrown.

That's pretty suspicious.

If true, none of this is surprising. If you have a plan to cheat, it's natural you'd have a fail-safe in case something goes wrong or isn't working.

If what these two big leaguers are saying is true, the Astros' troubles may grow far deeper, and will further taint their 2017 title beyond recognition.