Bogaerts: Sign-stealing scandal doesn't taint 2018 World Series

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts is standing by his club's run to the 2018 World Series championship.

The sign-stealing scandal dominating baseball's headlines has mostly focused on the Houston Astros, but allegations that the Red Sox also used their video room to illegally steal signs remain under investigation. Bogaerts is steadfast that the imbroglio doesn't taint Boston's most recent title.

"Nah, absolutely not," Bogaerts said, according to Joon Lee of ESPN. "We came to the park every day, we worked hard, we practiced hard, worked as teammates and had each other's back. We had a great coaching staff along with that. Playing at home during the first games of the World Series, those are really, really huge and we took advantage of that right away and we had a great run."

Boston parted ways with manager Alex Cora on Tuesday. Cora served as the Astros' bench coach in 2017 when the scheme is said to have been put in place. The Red Sox hired him the following season, which is when they've been accused of implementing similar practices.

Bogaerts added he'll miss his manager.

"I've talked to him a couple of times," Bogaerts said. "It's just sad that he won't be our manager and just the person that he was to us. There can't be no person in that clubhouse that has an issue or has something bad to say about him."

The 27-year-old All-Star added he never noticed the Astros doing anything odd when the teams faced off and that he was unaware of any potential cheating.