Astros cheating scandal: Jim Crane claims players will apologize during spring training

Houston Astros cheating scandal has been one of major talking points in Major League Baseball (MLB) in recent weeks. Recently, MLB found Astros guilty of sign-stealing in ir World Series title-winning season in 2017. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred subsequently released a statement, penalising Astros of $5 million and 4 draft picks along with suspensions to several key Astros officials including GM Jeff Luhw and AJ Hinch. Astros owner Jim Crane dressed media on scandal stating that players will apologise during spring training.

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Astros held ir annual FanFest event at Minute Maid Park over weekend. However, social media was furious after player opted to comment on scandal. Astros third baseman Alex Bregman avoided questions about scandal while Jose Altuve expressed his defiance stating 'Astros will be in World Series again'.

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However, during a media session, Jim Crane revealed that team plans to get toger during spring training and issue an official apology. Crane ded that entire team is currently split up. Crane says players will first formulate an apology toger n dress media on scandals. He concluded that his side is willing to apologise and move forward for 2020 MLB season.

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Astros cheating scandal

In 2017, Houston Astros beat Los Angeles Dodgers in World Series in 7 games. However, multiple reports released in late-2019 revealed that Astros used a camera positioned in centre field to steal signs during games. A team member would n watch feed and pass on opponents' sign to hitter. MLB's investigation revealed that Astros developed a player-driven system using illegal electronics to decode signs during game. Reports state Astros used illegal means in 2017 and 2018.

Along with a $5 million fine, Astros GM Jeff Luhw and manr A.J. Hinch were handed 1-year suspensions. y were subsequently fired by Astros. Former assistant GM Brandon Taubman was also suspended for one year. However, MLB decided against handing out penalties to Astros players. 

Alex Cora, who was  Astros' bench coach in 2017 was fired by Boston Red Sox. Carlos Beltran, who was with Astros in 2017, also parted ways with New York Mets.

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