With several position players in camp since last week with Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers, it’s given the clubhouse ample opportunities to voice their frustrations with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and the Houston Astros.
Among other remarks, Cody Bellinger called into question Manfred’s punishment for finding the Astros cheated en route to winning the 2017 World Series, he accused the team of cheating for three seasons, and took issue with Jose Altuve having an MVP Award to his name.
That angered Carlos Correa, who fired back at Bellinger for questioning Altuve’s accomplishments. Correa, despite incorrectly claiming MLB did not find the Astros cheated in 2018, also suggested to Bellinger that he be fully aware of the situation before commenting.
While the comments led to being attacked by Correa, Bellinger stood by his opinion, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
#Dodgers Cody Bellinger says he has “no regrets” about his comments and no reaction to Carlos Correa’s response. “I said what I wanted to say.” Opinion hasn’t changed
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 17, 2020
#Dodgers Cody Bellinger on Carlos Correa's defense of Jose Altuve: "I get it. He was just validating his boy. … I didn't take any offense to it. I have no reaction to it. It just doesn't change what I thought at all."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 17, 2020
Although several players have and continue to criticize the Astros, thus far only Bellinger has been on the receiving end of a personal attack. Correa later was critical of accusations lobbied by Kurt Suzuki, but it was not to the same extent of his message to the reigning National League MVP.
Since Bellinger, Kenley Jansen has said he believes the sign-stealing scandal is worse than when MLB dealt with steroids, and he suggested a postseason ban for the Astros. While the Dodgers have voiced their frustration, it’s come with a collective message of remaining focused on 2020.
“The game, right now, has more talented players than it’s ever had, in my opinion. Speaking to our fanbase, 4 million fans who come through the turnstiles to support us, I think it’s an exciting time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I really do.
“Looking out to ’20, baseball fans have shown to be very resilient over the years. It just kind of speaks to their knowledge and love for the game itself and players involved. I expect us as a collective body as far as players, coaches, media, fans, to really move forward and embrace 2020 and beyond.”
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