The first week-plus of 2020 Spring Training was consumed by the Houston Astros and their response to the sign-stealing scandal, along with Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred inadvertently inciting the matter with his remarks.
Astros owner Jim Crane, several of their players and Manfred came under fire and were the subject of pointed criticism on a daily basis. For some, including Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer, it was an extension of prior frustrations.
Bauer has long alleged the Astros were guilty of misconduct, ranging from using wearable buzzers to utilizing foreign substances in order to improve spin rate.