Trout has lost respect for Astros after scandal

Los Angeles Angels’ superstar Mike Trout said he had lost respect for Houston Astros players who used an elaborate and illegal signstealing scheme to gain an edge on their way to winning the franchise’s first World Series in 2017.

Trout also expressed frustration with commissioner Rob Manfred and did not think that one-year suspension of former Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and ex-field manager AJ Hinch was sufficient.

“You don’t know what helped them or what not,” he said.

“But if you know what’s coming, it’s going to definitely help them. I don’t know if you take the trophy away or take the rings away, but they should definitely do something.

“Me going up to the plate knowing what was coming? It would be fun up there,”

Trout said of the advantage gained by Astros batters.

Braves

Manager Brian Snitker and his coaching staff were given one-year contract extensions through the 2021 season. General manager Alex Anthopoulos’ contract was extended for three years, and he was given the additional title of president of baseball operations. The Braves have won back-toback NL East titles under Anthopoulos and Snitker.

Elsewhere

Oddsmakers believe Houston Astros batters could be sore this season. Sportsbook William Hill set the over/under on number of Astros batters to get plunked this season at 83.5. In the past five seasons, only nine teams have been hit by pitches more than 83.5 times.