Dusty Baker thinks Astros sign-stealing scandal cost them All-Star votes

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker thinks the 2017 sign-stealing scandal is still costing his team All-Star votes, four years later.

Baker’s comment doesn’t make all that much sense when you factor in that just two days ago all but two of the Astros normal lineup were in line to advance to the next phase of voting. This should be a given considering the name recognition that many of these Astros have — both for good and bad reasons — and the fact that they have the best record in the American League at the moment.

Baker’s full comments shed a brighter light on Houston’s mindset this season.

“We got four or five people I think are deserving — Altuve, Brantley, Yuli, Alvarez, Correa,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker. “Also, I think [Zack] Greinke. [Luis] Garcia’s in consideration. [José] Urquidy’s in consideration. Hopefully we have a lot and hopefully they take it as an honor and want to go. You also realize that some of the guys could probably use a break, too.”

Houston Astros still playing the role of villain four years later

The sign-stealing scandal will forever haunt the Astros, and many who were on that 2017 World Series team but now play elsewhere.

Yet, Houston’s stars still have a solid chance at making the AL All-Star roster in Colorado. Here’s the latest update, provided by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggert.

"In the latest voting, Martín Maldonado was third at catcher, Yuli Gurriel was second at first base, Jose Altuve was second at second base, Alex Bregman was second at third base, Carlos Correa was third at shortstop, Yordan Alvarez was third at designated hitter and Michael Brantley was sixth among outfielders (Kyle Tucker was 11th and Myles Straw was 18th)."

The All-Star starters will be revealed on Thursday night, while the rest of the rosters will be unveiled on July 4.