Bregman did not accept culpability for the fallout when presented the option during an interviewGETTY IMAGES
Astros Owner Jim Crane said a "strong statement" of apology could be forthcoming from the team's players that were involved in electronic sign-stealing during the '17 and '18 seasons, according to Chandler Rome of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Crane, in response to interviews given by 2B Jose Altuve and 3B Alex Bregman on Saturday, said his players are “just getting some advice to take it easy.” Rome notes neither Altuve nor Bregman "addressed specifics" of the sign-stealing scheme, nor did they "accept culpability for the fallout when presented the option." Crane said, "When we get down to spring training, we’ll all get them together and they’ll come out with a strong statement as a team and, I think, apologize for what happened and move forward." Rome notes only four players from the '17 World Series championship team have "spoken publicly" since MLB released its findings on Jan. 13. None have "denied their wrongdoing and, even though afforded the opportunity, expressed any regret" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/22). ESPN's Tim Kurkjian notes there has to be "more contrition shown here" by the Astros players, and they are "going to have to do it right off the top in Spring Training and explain a few things." If they do not address the scandal, it will be a "story that lingers the entire season.” Sources said that both Altuve and Bregman not apologizing last week "was the arrogance of the Astros on display again." Kurkjian: "Jim Crane is upset, and he should be. He’s embarrassed, and he should be. ... He was very assertive, very direct and very blunt in firing his manager and his general manager, and he’s not going to let the Astros players get away with just reading from a statement as Alex Bregman did” ("Get Up," ESPN, 1/22).
LACKING ANY SINCERITY: ESPN's Jalen Rose said Crane "should have had them apologize initially" when the penalties were first handed down. Waiting more than a month to hear from the players is "not going to be genuine because he’s forcing them to apologize.” ESPN’s Domonique Foxworth: “The owner kind of frustrated me in there, coming out saying that the players should do this. … Isn’t it the owner’s responsibility? You don’t have to wait for MLB to do it.” Foxworth: “Don’t get on your high horse telling other people they need to apologize.” ESPN’s Ryan Clark said Crane should "come out and apologize because this was something that your entire team was a part of. You can’t just tell the players, ‘Okay, now go say you’re wrong’” (“Get Up,” ESPN, 1/22).
WHY DIDN'T HE SPEAK? In Boston, Chad Finn wonders if former Astros manager A.J. Hinch "deliberately damaged the video monitors that they were using to steal signs on two occasions, why did he not just stand up to the players and tell them to knock it off?" Hinch is "someone who was well-respected around baseball and not known to be a pushover." Finn: "So why was he such a lackey here?" Former Astros President of Baseball Operations & GM Jeff Luhnow was "well aware of what was going on and did not give Hinch the authority to put an end to it." More Finn: "Everything -- everything -- with the Astros was micromanaged from the front office down to the dugout" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/22).
A DIFFERENT SEASON IN STORE: In L.A., Mark Whicker wrote the Astros can "anticipate a season from hell." At each road stop, they will "confront a severe inquisition, plus massive fan abuse" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/21). ESPN's Buster Olney suggested some opposing pitchers may "throw fastballs at the Astros hitters to send them the message that they're really unhappy with how this played out and how the Astros cheated" ("Get Up," ESPN, 1/21).
