Cody Bellinger slams Astros’ ‘weak’ apologies and punishments

Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Cody Bellinger did not hold back in his comments to the media about the Houston Astros.

The National League’s reigning MVP had some things to say about the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and their subsequent apologies when he spoke to the media on Friday.

Cody Bellinger did not hold back when speaking to the press ahead of the first official workout for the Dodgers catchers and pitchers. He called the apologies from the Astros “whatever” and specifically called out Houston Astros’ owner Jim Crane’s apology as “weak.” He added that the punishment from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was “weak.”

“These guys were cheating for three years,” Bellinger said. “I think what people don’t realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in ’17. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us.”

Bellinger was a rookie with the Los Angeles Dodgers when they faced the Astros in the 2017 World Series. Bellinger had a three-run homer in Game 5, giving the Dodgers a temporary lead. The Astros ultimately won the series in seven games.

The MLB investigation stated that sign-stealing took place in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, but not in the 2019 season. Bellinger disagrees.

“A hundred percent,” he said. “I don’t know why they would stop.”

Bellinger is not the only player to comment on both the Astros punishment and their apology. Bellinger’s teammate Michael Hermosillo tweeted “Didn’t impact the game lol.”

Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted a poll, asking if fans would rather have a “fake apology” or “the truth.”

Ahead of the start of the 2020 season, the Astros are the talk of Major League Baseball. But not for the reasons they want to be.

“I know, personally, I lost respect for those guys,” Bellinger said. “I think everyone … in the big leagues lost respect for those guys.”