Hinch, Cora downplay sign-stealing controversy as 'paranoia'

Major League Baseball resolved the sign-stealing controversy surrounding the Houston Astros this postseason, clearing the club of any wrongdoing in a Wednesday statement.

"I think there is a paranoia about what you're doing competitively to try to be your best," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said in his pregame meeting with the media, per ASAP Sports. "And when teams are curious about us or we're curious about other teams, it's largely a distraction away from the best part of the game, which is on the field with the players."

Leading up to their Game 4 matchup at Minute Maid Park, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora echoed similar sentiments regarding the scandal.

"We play in an era of paranoia. When a hitter takes a good slider, he was tipped by a coach or by his players" Cora said, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. "It's kind of ridiculous that with these two talented teams, the conversation is about tipping pitches and stealing signs."

On Tuesday, a report surfaced suggesting an Astros employee had been taken out of the crowd by security for taking photographs of the opposing dugout during both the ALCS against the Red Sox and the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians.

The Red Sox lead the ALCS 2-1 heading into Game 4 in Houston on Wednesday night.