Astros’ public relations mess makes it difficult not to root against them

There’s no cheering — or jeering — in the press box.

Impartiality should be the guiding tenet of any journalist.

Yet, the Houston Astros are making it really, really tough to abide by that principle.

This is an organization that clearly has no respect for the media — female sportswriters, in particular — or the least bit of tact when it comes to handling a public relations mess.

Having demonstrated their disdain for the free press during the regular season by barring a reporter from the clubhouse at the urging of star pitcher Justin Verlander, the Astros sank even lower during what should have been a feel-good moment: their clinching win over the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series.

Assistant general manager Brandon Taubman decided the euphoric celebration would be a good time to unleash a defiant shriek of profanity in support of Houston closer Roberto Osuna with three female reporters standing within earshot. “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so (expletive) glad we got Osuna!” Taubman screamed over and over.

Osuna, you might remember, was arrested in May 2018 on domestic violence charges while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. The charges were dropped, but Major League Baseball suspended Osuna for 75 games for violating its domestic violence policy. Shortly before his suspension ended, the Astros acquired him in a trade — a move that was justifiably scrutinized for the message it sent.

Taubman’s disturbing rant seemed directed toward any female reporters who might’ve questioned the team for picking up Osuna. Yet, when SI posted its story about the incident on Monday, the Astros went into full denial mode, claiming their front-office executive was merely showing his support for Osuna after he gave up a tying homer to the Yankees in the top of the ninth inning.

Taubman is not sorry for what he did.

He’s sorry if his despicable tirade offended anyone.

Being a journalist, I couldn’t care less who wins the World Series. As tempting as it is to root against the Astros.