Nathan Thurm Charlie Manuel Explains Himself

nathanthurm.jpgCharlie, what do you say to accusations that your team has been stealing signs?

I’d say that those accusations…I’d have to see who was doing the accusing before I rushed to any judgment.

Your team was formally reprimanded by the commissioner’s office for stealing signs. This complaint I have here…

I know what that is.

Let me finish, please. This complaint I have here was lodged by the Rockies after they spotted your bullpen coach using binoculars to try and steal signs from their catcher. What do you have to say about that?

Yes, the Phillies have been stealing signs. Don’t you think I know that? It’s my team. I’m quite aware of that!

And this is not the first time the accusation has been lobbed at your team. The Dodgers complained about sign stealing during the last NLCS, and the Mets suspected sign stealing during their last series in Philadelphia.

How about this: The Mets have won a lot of games at home and not so many on the road. Have you ever thought that maybe they’re stealing signs? Why don’t you go ask them about that?

Even though they just lost two out of three at home to the Nationals.

Maybe you’re stealing signs. Have you ever thought about that?

I don’t manage a baseball team.

Why does it have to be a manager of a baseball team who steals signs? Have you ever thought about that? It’s not me, right? It’s him, isn’t it?