Carlos Correa, Houston Astros shortstop, vehemently defended his team and teammate Jose Altuve against accusations of cheating beyond the 2017 season. Correa challenged the criticisms of players like Cody Bellinger, arguing they lack a full understanding of the situation.
Correa Challenges Critics’ Knowledge of Astros’ Sign-Stealing
Correa criticized players who publicly condemned the Astros without being fully informed about the sign-stealing scandal. He specifically addressed Cody Bellinger’s comments, asserting that the Dodgers’ outfielder misrepresented the timeframe of the cheating. Correa emphasized that the commissioner’s report clearly stated the illegal activities were confined to 2017, not the subsequent years. He maintained that the Astros’ success in 2018 and 2019 was solely due to the team’s talent and passion.
Astros’ 2017 World Series Title: Earned or Stolen?
Correa firmly believes the Astros legitimately won the 2017 World Series. He pointed out that the decisive Game 7 was played in Los Angeles, where the team couldn’t utilize their home-field sign-stealing methods. He meticulously analyzed the World Series games, emphasizing that the Astros won “fair and square.” Correa also cited the Astros’ performance against the Yankees in the 2017 ALCS, where Houston held New York to three runs in four games, as further proof of their deserved victory.
Carlos Correa speaks out on rumor surrounding his team and the usage of buzzers on the field during the World Series.
Altuve’s Innocence and MVP Award
Correa vehemently defended Altuve against accusations of participating in the sign-stealing scheme and using a buzzer system. He asserted that Altuve, along with Josh Reddick and Tony Kemp, refused to be involved and would even confront teammates who used the trash can during his at-bats. Correa insisted that Altuve earned his 2017 MVP award legitimately, highlighting his crucial home run off Aroldis Chapman in the ALCS. He challenged Mike Fiers, the whistleblower in the scandal, to corroborate Altuve’s innocence and apologize for not attempting to stop the cheating.
Looking Ahead to the 2020 Season
Correa acknowledged the pain of seeing manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow fired. He also defended owner Jim Crane’s apology, attributing its perceived shortcomings to Crane’s lack of baseball experience. While admitting the Astros were wrong in 2017, Correa stressed that the team is focused on the 2020 season and proving their talent and ability to win without cheating. He expressed the team’s ongoing remorse for their actions but emphasized their desire to move forward.
Carlos Correa speaks to media.
Conclusion
Correa’s passionate defense of the Astros and Altuve highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the sign-stealing scandal. While acknowledging the team’s wrongdoing in 2017, he strongly refuted accusations of continued cheating and maintained the legitimacy of their World Series title. The Astros enter the 2020 season seeking to rebuild their reputation and prove their ability to win with integrity. Will the fans and the rest of the league accept their efforts? Only time will tell.
