There is a culture that’s been established in baseball...and it’s kind of “if you aren’t cheating, you aren’t trying”. From spitballs to steroids to pine tar and beyond, baseball has always had grey area. There’s also the “in the vicinity” rule on the turn at 2nd base. People test and use the rules to their advantage all the time.
Like the Saints, the Astros are the league’s example. The penalty is harsh. And now it’s resulted in losing our GM, Manager and 4 high draft picks. From what I hear A.J. had knowledge of the scheme but wasn’t really a proponent. It was a scheme that was the brainchild of his bench coach Cora and former Astros player, and new Mets Manager Jose Beltran. But A.J. was responsible for them. He should be punished but this was excessive.