MLB players react to Astros' apology for stealing signs: 'They didn't own up to anything'
It took months, but the Houston Astros finally apologized for the team’s 2017 sign-stealing scandal. The team held a press conference Thursday in which Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman read prepared statements and owner Jim Crane answered questions. Following that presser, the Astros opened the clubhouse, giving Astros players the opportunity to address the issue.
For months, this is all many around the game wanted. Opposing players wanted the Astros to take accountability for cheating and show remorse for their actions.
If the early reactions are to be believed, opposing players — and former players — weren’t satisfied with what they heard from the Astros on Thursday.
A few players took issue with the way the team handled the situation.
Sean Manaea was pretty unimpressed with the Astros presser this morning. “They didn’t own up to anything, they all just sort of said the same thing. They want to move on but they haven’t even said what they’ve done.”
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 13, 2020
Didn’t think it was possibly but after the #Astros press conference, they look even worse. Have a bigger target on their backs. #MLB https://t.co/np5Qc056Ou
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) February 13, 2020
Sean Doolittle suggests that one day of the Astros apologizing isn't going to fix this or satisfy players around the league, himself included. The frustration won't stop here.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) February 13, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took a slightly different approach.
Dave Roberts said he believes in karma.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 13, 2020
But the majority of the complaints came after Crane told reporters he didn’t think the Astros’ sign-stealing had an impact on games. That comment struck a nerve.
Your opinion sucks. pic.twitter.com/KmDfipHmsi
— Trevor Plouffe (@trevorplouffe) February 13, 2020
Aaron Boone on Jim Crane’s comment about competition not being impacted by sign stealing: “That’s a stretch.”
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) February 13, 2020
Right...they did it because trash can acoustics are good for the soul.
Yes, they had a good team. But of course it impacted the game. If it didn’t impact the game, why continue it? Don’t play the public for fools. Just apologize, be accountable, and move forward. https://t.co/Hf7iFL7FRz— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) February 13, 2020
Oh. My. Goodness.
How can anyone take this man seriously anymore?! 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/6eReMeBpON— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) February 13, 2020
Didn’t impact the game lol
— Michael Hermosillo (@mhermosillo10) February 13, 2020
Aroldis Chapman said he disagrees with Jim Crane’s assertion that the Astros sign stealing had no “impact” on the outcome of games. pic.twitter.com/XQg9Tz4f1K
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) February 13, 2020
Let us know what pitches are coming and let’s just see how much it “doesn’t impact the game” 😂😂😂
— June Calhoun (@11WillieCalhoun) February 13, 2020
https://t.co/C9wgD5Rr1A pic.twitter.com/OX5O5EiNhk
— Brett Anderson (@_BAnderson30_) February 13, 2020
Did Jim Crane just say “we don’t believe what we did impacted the game”? Hahahahaha this guy is on the moon.
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) February 13, 2020
Somebody must have a buzzer or microphone in Jim Cranes ear because he is dancing all over the place.
— Paul Lo Duca (@paulloduca16) February 13, 2020
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