Time out: The Astros have apologized enough
How many different ways do our Astros need to say, “I’m sorry?”
Last Thursday had to be the most difficult day in Houston Astros history. On a day when only pitchers and catchers were supposed to report for spring training, all 11 players from the 2017 Astros, the owner and our new manager voluntarily appeared before a hostile group of national media to issue a forthright apology for the sign-stealing scheme.
In one-on-one interviews afterward in a clubhouse opened to the media, individual players expressed their personal remorse for what happened, in their own words and with obvious sincerity, and pledged to not let it happen again.
Finally, the national media got the apology it had been clamoring for. Were they satisfied?
Of course not. Their reporting was a collection of “gotchas” and complaints the Astros hadn’t groveled enough. They, and fans around the Major Leagues, are determined to make this story last through the whole 2020 season, to be revived every time the Astros arrive in a new city. The truth is, no amount of apology would have satisfied them.
But here’s what really happened: Each and every player went a lot further than I expected them to — maybe even further than they should have. Big stars like Alex Bregman, José Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer and Justin Verlander spoke humbly and from the heart. Owner Jim Crane apologized yet again — I think he has apologized any time he speaks to someone — and then got pilloried for saying essentially the same thing the commissioner’s report had said, that it’s impossible to know whether outcomes were affected. Even new manager Dusty Baker, who had nothing at all to do with the 2017 team (he was managing the Washington Nationals at the time), expressed an apology on behalf of the team and has committed to winning the right way.
The Astros’ apologies may not satisfy the national media, but they are sure more than enough for me. And I’m sure they more than satisfy most of the Astros’ great fans in Houston and all over Texas.
I’m proud of Jim Crane and the way he has handled this matter. He accepted the largest fine allowed by baseball, $5 million, without complaint. He also accepted the loss of first- and secondround draft choices for the next two years. He fired the two people that the commissioner held primarily responsible, the manager and the general manager. What more can anyone expect? He and the team have accepted responsibility with a grace that is currently rare in sports. Jim bought this team nine years ago and has invested back in this community like no other owner. He cares about Houston, these players and the entire fan base.
For those who wonder what impact the sign stealing may have had on the 2017 season, I would remind them that this team won 107 games last year, a season in which the commissioner’s report said there was no evidence of wrongdoing. They were eight outs away from winning another World Series. I absolutely believe we won the 2017 World Series (which, let’s remember, was decided by an away game at Dodger Stadium) without stealing signs. This team and this city deserve that World Series title no matter what anyone outside of Houston says.
But, the best way to move forward is to bring another World Series trophy to Houston in 2020. With Dusty and an outstanding group of players, I am highly optimistic.