The Houston Astros acknowledged Monday they were victimized by hackers who accessed their servers for proprietary information, including talk about possible trades.
The team's comments came after Deadspin.com published some of the leaked information in a story posted online Monday that described how the team built an online private database used by the front office.
Deadspin said the documents displaying front office communications were posted on a website called Anonbin, where anonymous users can share hacked or leaked information.
The team said it was made aware last month that proprietary information had been illegally obtained.
"Upon learning of the security breach, we immediately notified MLB security who, in turn, notified the FBI," the teams said. "Since that time, we have been working closely with MLB security and the FBI to the determine the party, or parties, responsible.
"This information was illegally obtained and published, and we intend to prosecute those involved to the fullest extent.
"It is unfortunate and extremely disappointing that an outside source has illegally obtained confidential information. While it does appear that some of the content released was based on trade conversations, a portion of the material was embellished or completely fabricated."
One post from Nov. 15, 2013, showed Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow told the Marlins the Astros were interested in acquiring Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Luhnow balked at the idea of a deal that would include the Astros giving up rookie George Springer and 2012 top overall draft pick Carlos Correa.
"I've talked to the players that are here and I think they understand what happened," Luhnow told reporters Monday. "The reality is that a lot of players are discussed all the time, and it's part of the nature of our industry.
"It doesn't mean that things happen all the time in regard to those players. It doesn't mean that we don't want or value those players, but you're always checking to see what's out there."
[SportsNetwork.com]
