I'd guess there is a high likelihood that the Astros are cheating pushing the limits on the rules in some fashion. Though, I would put that on most teams as they are trying to get a competitive advantage.
That was just blatant. Most pitchers will use a little bit of something, especially guys that sweat a lot, and teams understand that. You just can't be obvious about it.
Astros Rotation Stats per https://theathletic.com/337046/2018/05/01/stark-t-t-t-ten-things-that-we-learned-from-april/ STRIKEOUTS – Current pace: 1,220. The record: 1,066 (by the 2017 Indians). K/9 IP – Current pace: 10.82 per 9 innings. The record: 10.01 (by the same 2017 Indians). DOUBLE-DIGIT K’s – Current pace: 49 for the season. The record: 35 (by Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling’s 2001 Diamondbacks). HITS/9 IP – Current pace: just 6.36 per 9 innings. The record: 6.43 (by the 1968 Indians, in the Year of the Pitcher). Best in the AL since the mound was raised after that ’68 season: 7.04 (by Nolan Ryan’s 1972 Angels). STRIKEOUT MACHINES – Current pace: Four different Astros starters are averaging at least 10.8 strikeouts per 9 IP. The record: Only one team in history has had more than ONE qualifying starter compile a strikeout rate that high – the 2001 Johnson/Schilling Diamondbacks.
If they believe we're cheating, that's fine. They should also believe having no salary cap is an unfair advantage vs the rest of the league. The inability to acknowledge the latter is the exact reason I enjoy being unbiased and laugh at weak individuals. Grow a pair, and reap the benefits of being strong in life.
The best part is Morton didn't find his velocity in Houston. He found it in Philly. Nobody knows about it because he only made 4 starts before blowing out his hamstring on a bunt. The Astros noticed his K/9 rate jumped to 9.9 and his velocity was up to 95 plus. That's why they took the chance on him. Just go to youtube and search Charlie Morton Phillies. He touches 95-96 in the videos I saw and had the same nasty breaking ball.
LOL, there's no greater sign of respect than people thinking you are so good you must be cheating. People scoffed when the term spin rate was first being thrown around. We've been identifying underused stuff since 2014 when we found McHugh on the scrap heap.
