It’s been a day since Houston Astros owner Jim Crane and the stars of the team held a press conference regarding their sign-stealing operation and consequences, which, unlike many before it, didn’t seem rehearsed, especially on Crane’s part. During the short time he had to speak with the media, he went back and forth between apology and trying to prove his organization’s innocence. Since then, an interesting question has arisen throughout baseball. Second baseman Jose Altuve told the media that he and the Astros want to regain the trust of baseball fans and return to their domination of the American League. But is it like a likely goal? Will we see the Astros reign of the AL West continue without the sign-stealing? Well, you never really know what a season will bring, but based on prior stats and opinion, here’s some thoughts on what could occur for the Houston Astros in this 2020 season as they try to regain the loyalty of fans everywhere.
First off, I think these opinions of people on social media should be dismissed, that they’ll take a dive and win only 57 games like the Miami Marlins did in 2019. With the core four of George Springer, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and Altuve anchoring the offense at the plate, it’s safe to expect them to reclaim their place as one of the AL’s highest scoring ballclubs for another year. Last season, when they weren’t using the live video feed to steal signs, they were fourth behind the Yankees, Twins and Red Sox in runs per game. These four guys in particular didn’t benefit from sign-stealing while in the minors either, and all still hit over .250 during their time there. Yes, sign-stealing probably played a role in their World Series Championship run collectively benefiting the whole team, but it would be hard for me to believe that individually, their level of play suffered. After all, not just anyone can go hit a major league curveball, even if they know it’s coming! So heading into this season, it’s accurate to expect a small dip in their stats, but not anything that should take them out of AL MVP contention. After all, look at each of their stats on the road v.s at home in 2017, when they won the world series.
Altuve:
Home BA: .311
Away BA: .381
Bregman:
Home BA: .278
Away BA: .290
Correa:
Home BA: .333
Away BA: .301
Springer:
Home BA: .273
Away BA: .292
Did you notice something odd? Three of those four hit better on the road, where the sign-stealing from live video wasn’t occurring, according to reports from the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Case in point. Yes, sign-stealing played a role in their success but it clearly wasn't the only reason for their success.
In addition, throw a new manager into the mix. Dusty Baker doesn’t have a world series title, but does have over 100 postseason games under his belt, compiling a 44-61 record as an MLB manager in the postseason. With a new mindset and undying desire to win, Baker could be the one to lead Houston to their second world series title in franchise history.
If you watched yesterday's press conference, you can’t deny it was a failed attempt at reconciling and apologizing to the baseball world. However, baseball games aren’t won in press conferences, they’re won on the field. Maybe, just maybe, with their consistent hitting along with a new manager in charge, they’ll be able to put together a winning season and show the baseball world that they’re still one of the MLB’s best teams, without stealing signs. But one season won’t do the trick, as the old cliche goes, “It takes a long time to build up trust, but only takes a second to destroy it.” The Houston Astros have a long journey ahead to building back the kind of trust that Altuve and the Astros so desire.
To watch the whole press conference, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adQuL1dWUM
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