NEW YORK — The Toronto Blue Jays added extra layers of security to their proprietary database after the Houston Astros’ system was hacked last summer — an act front-office officials from the St. Louis Cardinals are being investigated for by the F.B.I. and Justice Department prosecutors.
Immediately after fascinating details of Astros trade talks were leaked to the public last June, the Blue Jays began a review of their own program, known as The BEEST (pronounced beast after team president Paul Beeston), which is a one stop catch-all for scouting reports, video, medical records, analytics and dialogue with various clubs and agents.
The additional measures were put in place as a precaution, and not because of any specific concerns.
The New York Times, which broke news of the story Tuesday morning, described the incident as “the first known case of corporate espionage in which a professional sports team hacked the network of another team.”
Major League Baseball, the Cardinals and the Astros each issued statements reserving comment until the investigation is complete.
There were several mentions of the Blue Jays in the Astros trade discussions leading up to 2013’s non-waiver deadline and portions of the off-season that followed that were leaked to the public.
Among the highlights were that GM Alex Anthopoulos told the Astros third baseman Brett Lawrie was untouchable, right-hander Aaron Sanchez was not in play but that other prospects would be considered.
The Blue Jays inquired about starter Bud Norris, eventually dealt to the Baltimore Orioles, but didn’t bite on the asking price of Marcus Stroman and Anthony Gose.
They also asked about catcher Jason Castro, although nothing materialized on that front, either, as Anthopoulos opted to sign Dioner Navarro as a free agent.
The Blue Jays’ caution isn’t limited to its database.
During road trips, they make sure not to leave a single sheet of paper behind to ensure any potentially sensitive information doesn’t fall into their opponents’ hands.
