Rob Manfred Says Red Sox Investigation Should Be Over in Coming Week
By Scott Rogust
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred hasn't exactly endeared himself to baseball fans for his handling of the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. Now, the baseball world will wait as he makes another huge decision shortly.
During his press conference on Sunday, Manfred revealed that the league's investigation of the Boston Red Sox will conclude at the end of next week.
Manfred says Red Sox investigation will be completed by the end of next week. It has been slowed by "a couple of developments that slowed it down and people had to be reinterviewed."
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 16, 2020
Manfred said the investigation had been slowed down because of "a couple of developments," causing him to interview individuals for a second time.
The Red Sox entered the league's "controversy fray" after The Athletic's bombshell investigation revealed that Boston was using a video replay room to decode pitching signals during the 2018 season. Ironically, the Red Sox won the World Series that year, similar to how the Astros won in 2017.
As a result, the Red Sox parted ways with manager Alex Cora shortly after MLB's investigation of the Astros concluded. His replacement is bench coach Ron Roenicke, who is stepping in on an interim basis.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on Red Sox investigation:
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) February 16, 2020
"We always want the investigations to go as quickly as possible. Never at the expense we've pursued every lead."
Some developments have slowed investigation. Some people had to be interviewed a second time.
Reports have indicated in recent weeks that the Red Sox will be handed a lesser punishment than that of Houston's, which isn't exactly saying much.
Despite The Athletic's report, numerous Red Sox players, like Rafael Devers and JD Martinez, maintained their innocence. Where have we heard this before? Oh yeah, Houston!
We now have the timeline for Manfred to officially "lay down the law" on the Red Sox organization, which will be heavily criticized like his "punishment" of the Astros.