Astros exec in hot water
Asst. GM apologizes for ‘inappropriate’ Osuna rant
HOUSTON — Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman faces the likelihood of a significant suspension, at least, following an ugly incident in the team’s clubhouse shortly after Jose Altuve’s walk-off home run ended the Yankees’ season.
Taubman, a graduate of Syosset High School on Long Island, turned to a group of three female reporters in the Minute Maid Park home clubhouse late Saturday night and, as Sports Illustrated first reported, shouted six times, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so [expletive] glad we got Osuna!” The Astros acquired closer Roberto Osuna — who got the win in the clinching American League Championship Series Game 6 only because he gave up a game-tying, two-run homer to the Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu — in July 2018 as he finished out a 75-game suspension for violating baseball’s domestic violence policy.
It’s widely believed that Taubman was targeting one of those reporters who wears a purple bracelet recognizing domestic violence and often tweeted out the phone number for women’s services when Osuna took the mound for the Astros last year.
Major League Baseball flew in investigators on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, those investigators will interview witnesses to the episode. A disciplinary decision by MLB is expected by the end of the week.
“I’m very disappointed for a lot of reasons,” Houston manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday, hours before the World Series kicked off here with Game 1. “It’s unfortunate. It’s uncalled for. For me, as a leader in this organization down here in the clubhouse, on the field, I take everything that happens in the clubhouse to heart.
“No one — it doesn’t matter if it’s a player, a coach, a manager, any of you members of the media — should ever feel like when you come into our clubhouse, that you’re going to be uncomfortable or disrespected.”
Unfortunately for the Astros, Hinch spoke so forcefully only after the organization distributed a trio of statements that served little purpose besides severely damaging the franchise’s credibility. On Monday night, after the story broke, the Astros attempted to discredit Sports Illustrated by declaring, “The story posted by Sports Illustrated is misleading and completely irresponsible. An Astros player was being asked questions about a difficult outing. Our executive was supporting the player during a difficult time. ... We are extremely disappointed in
Sports Illustrated’s attempt to fabricate a story where one does not exist.”
When multiple reporters from competing outlets confirmed SI’s account and pointed out that no players were even being interviewed at the time of Taubman’s outburst, the Astros tried another tactic Tuesday: gibberish, halfhearted apologies and the moral high ground from Taubman and team owner Jim Crane.
“I used inappropriate language for which I am deeply sorry and embarrassed,” Taubman said. “In retrospect, I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate. My overexuberance in support of a player has been misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude about an important social issue.” After describing himself as “a progressive and charitable member of the community,” Taubman concluded, “I am sorry if anyone was offended by my actions.”
Crane neglected to address the specific allegations and instead boasted of the team’s commitment “to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence.”
Reid Ryan, the Astros’ president of business operations (and son of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan), declined comment while standing on the field during batting practice, saying that his focus was on Game 1.
The incident and the Astros’ terrible handling of it understandably took considerable attention away from MLB’s crown jewel event, a development that naturally did not please baseball officials. The fallout will continue until the verdict arrives and beyond, all the more reason why MLB will try to expedite its justice as swiftly as possible.