The past four months have seen an MLB franchise win its first World Series, a free agent sign the largest contract ever for a pitcher and a premiere franchise on one coast trade its biggest star to a premiere franchise on the other.
Yet none of those stories have dominated headlines quite like the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, which has proved to have more layers than an onion as bits and pieces of the whole story have emerged through reporting and league investigations.
With pitchers and catchers from across MLB reporting to their respective spring training facilities this week, many players are speaking with the media for the first time since the details of the Astros’ efforts to steal signs in real time using a hidden camera in center field throughout the 2017 and 2018 seasons emerged.
Here are some of the comments players and coaches have made so far.
Pirates starter Joe Musgrove*
Joe Musgrove with an interesting quote on the Astros' sign-stealing mess: "If MLB did an investigation as thorough as they did on the Astros with every team in baseball, they’re going to find a lot more than they want to find."
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 11, 2020
Twins infielder Marwin Gonzalez*
Marwin Gonzalez’s opening statement to the media:
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) February 11, 2020
“I’m remorseful for everything that happened in 2017, for everything that we did as a group, and for the players that were affected directly by us doing this ... That’s why I feel more regret and that’s why I’m remorseful.” pic.twitter.com/G35XwK2xkB
Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez
Gary Sanchez was asked about Jose Altuve’s HR in ALCS Game 6: “I can tell you this, if I hit a home run to send my team to the World Series, they can rip off my pants. They can rip off anything.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 12, 2020
Angels starter Andrew Heaney
Andrew Heaney on the Astros’ showing of remorse (or lack thereof):
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 12, 2020
“They sure as shit need to do more than what they already did." pic.twitter.com/mzM2Cin9B4
Athletics manager Bob Melvin
A’s manager Bob Melvin, getting yet another round of Astros questions, says Oakland HAD called league about possible cheating BEFORE Fiers allegations. “Everyone was fed up with it,” he says of numerous Houston opponents.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 12, 2020
Phillies reliever David Robertson
"It’s a disgrace what they’ve done and they’re going to have to live with it and everyone knows."
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 12, 2020
David Robertson sounded off on the cheating Astros. @JSalisburyNBCS has the story.https://t.co/aySQiSwNWJ
Yankees starter Luis Severino
While Severino said he was "mad at the beginning" of the Astros scandal because he had spent a lot of time staring in a mirror and wondering if he was tipping pitches, he's now moved on. "To me, they don't have to apologize to me. For me, it's already in the past," he said.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) February 12, 2020
Cubs reliever Brandon Morrow
Brandon Morrow threw in all 7 games of the 2017 World Series vs the Astros. He had 6 good outings:
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 12, 2020
“Six out of seven times. That’s pretty good if they know what’s coming.”
(Said with a smirk)
Yankees manager Aaron Boone
Question: Are you convinced the Astros weren't using devices in last year's ALCS?
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) February 12, 2020
Aaron Boone: "No. That's certainly one of those great unknowns."
(via @snyyankees)pic.twitter.com/ljE3psjYTO
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman*
Statement from Alex Bregman pic.twitter.com/EuE5QHul9h
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) February 13, 2020
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve*
Statement from José Altuve pic.twitter.com/okYgqzzbWH
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) February 13, 2020
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa*
All in all, #Astros players seems genuinely remorseful. Carlos Correa’s comments stood out from the bunch. He said that he believed illegal sign stealing offered an an advantage. Added that he didn’t believe it had an effect on 2017 postseason or WS because teams altered signs. pic.twitter.com/B0Mh5ugVws
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 13, 2020
Astros outfielder George Springer*
. @GeorgeSpringer talks with the media. @karbachbrewing pic.twitter.com/xC1cXTnJ5O
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) February 13, 2020
Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman on Crane's assertion that sign-stealing had no impact: "Is that the sole reason they won the World Series? I don’t know. But what I can say that when you have an advantage like that, it’s definitely going to make you a stronger team.”
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 13, 2020
Nationals starter Patick Corbin
Asked about the Astros, Corbin says the Nationals were prepared going into the WS. Beyond that, frustrated.
— Todd Dybas (@Todd_Dybas) February 13, 2020
“I think everybody knows what they did is wrong and there’s a lot of frustrated people.”
* denotes player was on Astros’ 2017 championship team
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MORE NATIONALS NEWS:
- Prepared: Corbin was ready for sign-stealing
- A Half Apology: Astros hope to regain trust
- Playoff format: MLB considers changes
- No Impact: Astros owner tries to stay innocent
- Bill Murray: Credits Nats for not cheating