What's the big deal with using binoculars from the bullpen? That's the question the Philadelphia Phillies are answering in the days following bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer being caught on camera using binoculars during Monday's game at Coors Field.



Sure, everybody steals signs, as Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News points out, and everybody is looking for any advantage they can get, but the use of technology is what has irked Rockies' manager and former Harrisburg Senators skipper Jim Tracy. Similar to the New England Patriots' Spygate scandal in 2007, the use of synthetic devices escalates an otherwise routine occurrence into a national news event.



Billmeyer says he was simply trying to monitor the defensive positioning of Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo. As unrealistic as it seems, that's his explanation and he's sticking to it. There's been some back and forth in the days following the release of the video, but the buzz is likely to end right here.



Unlike the Patriots' Spygate scandal, there will be no evidence to be had or tapes to confiscate. There's footage of Billmeyer not-so-discreetly peeking through the binoculars from his vantage point in center field and there's his explanation. End of story.

That hasn't stopped Major League Baseball from reviewing allegations against the Phillies, and that hasn't stopped Phillies manager Charlie Manuel from accusing the New York Mets of doing the same.



At the end of the day, Billmeyer and others will try new, more subtle techniques to steal opponents' signs, and life according to baseball's unwritten rulebook will go on.



In other Phillies news ...



In light of Brad Lidge's struggles and injury woes, the Phillies need a new closer. (Philadelphia Inquirer)



Stealing signs is a baseball tradition. (Inquirer)



Rockies manager Jim Tracy: Phillies' use of binoculars was 'out of line.' (MLB.com)



'Stealing signs' is such a negative way to put it. (The700Level.com)

