The Houston Astros entered Wednesday one win away from returning to the ALCS for the fourth consecutive year, but this year is a bit different than others.
The Astros have become the villains of baseball since their sign-stealing scandal was exposed this past offseason, so this year they are out for vengeance, right?
Well, according to SNY reporter Andy Martino that is the case – although it is being disputed by Astros players themselves.
Martino tweeted on Wednesday that Astros players behind the scenes are “focused, mad, and very into the idea of avenging themselves against what they consider haters.” He lists the A’s, Rays, Yankees and Dodgers as those “haters.”
This would seem to fall in line with what Astros shortstop Carlos Correa said after they defeated the Twins in the wild-card round: “I know a lot of people are mad. I know a lot of people don’t want to see us here. But what are they going to say now?”
Yet, Astros players saw Martino’s tweet and took exception to it, with pitcher Lance McCuller calling it “fake news.”
“This is such fake news. We just here to play ball,” McCullers said. “We are focused and into the idea of winning…because it’s the playoffs.”
Outfielder Josh Reddick also took issue with that narrative.
Regardless if that is how they feel or not, there is one thing that cannot be disputed in Martino’s tweet – and that is if the Astros continue to advance it will create great theater for the sport.
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