The guy had an actual RIFLE at a game. Wow.
I personally think some of the players are acting all offended and wanting to retaliate because they “cheated” just as the Astros did. They think it looks better on them if they look upset. I hope the Astros go out this year and kick everyone’s butt.
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This is a very good point and my view of this whole fucking fiasco. The righteousness of these players who are speaking out is hilarious. It’s so obvious to me that if a reporter sticks a microphone in your face and asks you what you think of the Astros situation, the only thing that will look good is if you say how horrible it is. The ones who say no big deal are the brave ones, IMO.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the opposing players over-the-top indignation, and how it (to a different degree) is also an example of how not to do PR.
But let’s get in their shoes for a sec. You know that the Astros are known for being a) more technologically and analytically advanced than any other team in MLB and b) ruthless. You also know what YOUR team is doing as far as sign stealing is concerned. So it makes sense to assume that the Astros are leaps and bound more advanced in that department than your team is, even though the record now shows that, at most, there was a spreadsheet (LOL) and a trash can involved.
And in the playoffs, it’s a little more accepted that teams will warn each other about sign stealing, pitch tipping and other competitive advantages. So of course everyone is going to say “yeah, we were warned about the Astros”, just like you were warned about the BoSox and the Indians and everyone else.
Now that the story has exploded, and ESPN and MLB Network and all these talking heads are airing Twitter rumors like the buzzers as though they’re gospel, it’s only going to confirm your original suspicions that the Astros ARE more advanced than anyone, that they have stealth technology that MLB didn’t find, etc etc etc.
So you’re pissed. Pissed that your travel teammate got shelled by the Astros once because his curve wouldn’t curve. Pissed based on bad information, and pissed because you can’t admit to your own sign stealing any more than a pitcher can admit to throwing at a batter. Plus, reporters are asking every player the same damned question and the groupthink has set in. It’s almost a oneupmanship to see who can say the most hyperbolic thing about the situation.
All that to say, the shit-talking is coming from insecurity, paranoia and bad information. WFW.
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Let’s see what former Astro and Yankee Latroy Hawkins has to say about Aaron Judge’s comments:
The Chronicle took this conversation a step further and put together how literally every MLB team has been busted for cheating at some point:
Regarding players, I agree that hitters should probably stfu, but pitchers probably have a right to the outrage and this is probably an issue that has been simmering regardless IMO.
The circus goes up on MLB-TV tomorrow at 5pm vs the Nats, so the opponents and fans of same can create the disturbance they want. Today’s WSJ again has an article expressing Manfred’s aborted wish to have a boring spring training and season. He won’t get that
If they really believe it’s such a threat to the game’s integrity, pitchers should be coming up with solutions and bringing them to MLB and the union.
Instead, they’re whining to reporters.
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Change your fucking signs you dumbasses.
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It’s like everyone forgot why there were signs in the first place.
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JVL did this a couple of years ago (he suggested catchers and pitchers have some sort of head set). Don’t remember Mike Trout or Trevor Bauer supporting that.
Gotta love Strom - from Athletic article today:
“I’ll probably get lambasted for that,” he said. “But I’ll be damned if I’m going to genuflect and kowtow to everything I hear or read about this thing.” He added he doesn’t know what’s required to appease the masses. …“I’m not going to dismiss what that team did that year and completely throw it away,” Strom said. “Maybe it’s easier for me because I’m in the fourth quarter of my career and it’s easier for me to possibly say that than other people can. Were we wrong? Yes, we were wrong…"
Strom’s reputation is what needs to be preserved in this mess. PBS Newshour will cover this subject in their program today.
The PBS segment with Jeff Passon, who reports some within Manfred’s inner circle want the title revoked
Who the hell is Manfred’s inner circle?
Don’t know, Passan just drops it in at 4:20 in the link. It gives life to the teams denied the prize. If we don’t have you, no one will.
Imagine the Pandora’s Box of flying feces that vacating the title will cause.
The owners that tell him what to do. NY, Boston.
I would never watch or listen to another MLB game again. Minor leagues included as they are affiliated with MLB.