Athlete in a 2010s MLB Cheating Scandal: Decoding the Clue
Alright crossword enthusiasts, crack your knuckles and sharpen those pencils! We’ve got a doozy of a clue today: “Athlete in a 2010s MLB cheating scandal.” This one requires a bit of recall and a familiarity with the not-so-glamorous side of baseball history.
MLB, Major League Baseball, has seen its fair share of controversies, and the 2010s were no exception. When tackling clues like this, a systematic approach is key. Let’s break it down:
1. Athlete:
This narrows our focus significantly. We’re looking for the name of a specific player, not a team, coach, or executive. Think individuals directly involved on the field.
2. 2010s MLB:
This sets the timeframe. We need to concentrate on scandals that unfolded, or at least gained significant traction, between 2010 and 2019. Keep in mind that the actions themselves might have occurred outside of this range, as long as the fallout took place within the decade.
3. Cheating Scandal:
This is the core of the clue. We’re not simply looking for an athlete who had a bad season or faced disciplinary action for minor infractions. We need to identify a player connected to a verifiable, widely-reported cheating scandal. This could involve performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), illegal sign stealing, or other forms of unfair play.
Brainstorming the Possibilities:
With these parameters in mind, let’s consider some potential avenues to explore. The 2010s were marked by several prominent scandals:
PED Scandals:
The Biogenesis scandal comes to mind. This involved a clinic supplying performance-enhancing drugs to numerous MLB players. Think about players who were suspended during that period for violating the league’s drug policy.
Sign Stealing:
The Houston Astros sign-stealing controversy dominated headlines. This involved using technology to illegally decode and relay opposing teams’ signs to batters. Key players associated with this team and allegations need to be in the thought process.
Other Potential Areas:
There were also cases involving altered bats, corked bats, or other attempts to gain an unfair advantage. Consider if any of these controversies involved prominent players during the specified timeframe.
Tactics for Cracking the Clue:
Length Matters:
The number of boxes allotted for the answer is crucial. Start by counting the spaces to determine the letter count. This will immediately eliminate many possibilities.
Crossing Letters:
If you already have crossing letters from other solved clues, use them! These letters act as anchors, guiding you toward the correct answer and eliminating possibilities that don’t fit the pattern.
Google is Your Friend (Strategically):
While outright searching for the answer defeats the purpose, using search terms like “MLB scandals 2010s players” can help jog your memory and remind you of individuals involved in various controversies.
Consider Common Knowledge:
Crossword clues often rely on information that is widely known. Focus on scandals and players that received significant media attention.
Remember to think carefully, consider all possibilities, and use the constraints of the puzzle to your advantage. Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
ASTRO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Universal Freestyle 182 By Ryan Mathiason