David Ortiz on Astros, Red Sox Stealing Signs: 'Sometimes People Cross the Line'

Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz has finally weighed in on his former club's involvement in MLB's sign-stealing scandal and has tried to find the delicate balance between supporting his ex-teammates and condemning their actions.  

"Players are always trying to figure out things from the opposition, whatever they can get to help to win, they will go for it," Ortiz told USA Today's Jesse Yomtov. "Sometimes people cross the line, like what just happened."

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has yet to assess any punishment for Boston as the investigation into the team's actions remains under investigation. However, the Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora after Manfred detailed the level of involvement he had with the sign-stealing tactics in Houston. 

Having been one of the game's fiercest competitors, Ortiz tried to explain how it's possible to get so caught up in the moment when trying to gain an edge over your opponents.

"When you are focused on the winning, winning, winning, sometimes you cross the line doing things that people disagree with," he said, "and you personally, at some point, are like, 'What was I doing?'"

That's likely how a lot of players on the Astros and Red Sox are feeling these days. While MLB granted immunity to players who provided Manfred's investigation with relevant information, the stain on their reputations has hardly begun to show. 

The situation is a tough one for Ortiz, as well. It's hard for any current or former player to side with cheating in the game, yet his friendship with Cora is well-documented. After condemning Cora's practices, the former slugger told USA Today he hopes he'll get another shot in baseball.

"Look, Alex and me are family. We are brothers. We played together. We talk every day," Ortiz said. "I called Alex after him and the Red Sox broke up, and I just wanted to make sure he was fine."

Whatever MLB opportunities are next for Cora, none are on the horizon just yet. More pressing is the fact the Red Sox still don't have a manager with spring training only a few weeks away, and the list of high-profile candidates has dwindled after the Astros hired Dusty Baker to replace AJ Hinch. 

It'll be a long road back for the Red Sox after all the facts come out. Through it all, they still have Ortiz on their side.