Bang! Joc Pederson trolls ‘cheating’ Houston Astros with scathing quote
By Mark Powell
It’s safe to say the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t forgiven the Astros
A series in Houston has brought about bad memories for the Dodgers, who fell victim to the Astros in the 2017 World Series. As we now know, Houston used illegal means on their way to that now-tainted championship, and the rest of the MLB isn’t happy about that fact. The Dodgers, in particular, feel slighted, as they’ve failed to win that coveted World Series in their recent run of success in the National League.
Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson threw some venom the Astros way, comparing the winner of this year’s World Series to the pennant just beyond the seats in Minute Maid park.
#Dodgers OF Joc Pederson doesn't think whatever team wins the World Series this year should have an asterisk by its name. "They're not cheating their way to get there," he said.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 28, 2020
Don’t expect retaliation from the Dodgers in Houston
Pederson is correct, in that if the Astros World Series is going to theoretically ‘count’ so should any banner hung after a shortened season. Winning in 2020 is arguably tougher than ever, even if it’s considered a wide open race of sorts. To maintain success, a team must remain healthy in the midst of a pandemic, and properly navigate an expanded postseason field. It’s not as simple as some may suggest.
Yet, despite their opinions, Dave Roberts insists that LA will not retaliate in the form of hit batsmen. Such a maneuver doesn’t have the same intent this season, especially when players are discouraged from close contact due to COVID-19.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts said arriving at park in Houston today brought back memories of 2017. Still believes result of WS "would have been different" if not for Astros sign-stealing. But he does not expect retaliation on the field in this series.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 28, 2020
MLB’s COVID-19 regulations should keep opposing teams’ distaste for the Astros at bay, at least for this season. This is far from the first war of words engaged by Houston and Los Angeles, with Cody Bellinger and Carlos Correa directing harsh insults each other’s way during Spring Training. Of course, that feels like so long ago today.
Joc Pederson trolls cheating Astros on IG story after landing in Houston. dark. Next