Ronel Blanco finds himself in a sticky situation.
Everyone seems to be up in arms about those damn “cheating” Astros…again.
Ronel Blanco is probably going to be suspended for 10 games for pretty much nothing. I find it highly likely that the “foreign substance” found on his glove was a rosin/sweat combo, but the national narrative will prove a little more controversial. Don’t you dare say, “…but…we weren’t cheating!” The only mainstream media answer to that is — “That’s just what a cheater would say.”
You know what? Let ‘em talk. Just lean into it. Instead of defending the seven-time defending ALCS participant, just repeat the following to any would-be naysayers:
“If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’.”
And here’s your boil.
Houston Astros News
A’s fall to cheating Astros in extras (Athletics Nation) — Way to keep a neutral POV, fellow SB Nation blog.
Blanco ejected due to sticky substance in glove
Astros prospect tiers: How Pedro León, Jake Bloss and Joey Loperfido are progressing (NY Times)
Why did Ronel Blanco get ejected? Latest updates on the Astros’ top pitcher’s suspension (SK)
National media just made another attempt to stir pot with Astros leadership (SportsMap Houston)
AL West News
A’s: Kotsay believes A’s played great vs. Astros despite walk-off loss (NBC)
Blarts: Naylor brothers key big frame for Guardians in 7-4 win. World champion Rangers have lost 5 in a row (The Washington Post)
M’s: Day after snagging back-to-back foul balls, fan throws out TWO first pitches
Halos: Los Angeles Angels Ron Washington’s HORRIBLE Call, New Bat Tracking Data, “Isn’t It Interesting?” (WKYC)
MLB News
What Statcast’s New Bat Tracking Data Does and Doesn’t Tell Us (FG)
Day after snagging back-to-back foul balls, fan throws out TWO first pitches
Here is why Statcast loves Luis Arraez
8 teams that might be sellers at Trade Deadline
Vintage Sale: Lefty’s wicked slider key to seven scoreless
5 fun facts about Ohtani’s top-tier bat speed
Rodón quiets Twins after loud start: ‘That was awesome’
Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets, Billy Eppler IL controversy (YB)
Houston Astros Birthdays
LF Michael Brantley (37)
OF Brandon Barnes (38)