CHICAGO -- Astros manager Dusty Baker called Ryan Tepera's remarks about possible sign theft by Houston "heavy accusations"
Baker stated Monday afternoon that they are "about the same runs and OPS as us -- well, actually better on the road than at home." "And I believe they're actually more at home than on the road.
"So, I don't know what to say other than that I was listening to Eric Clapton this morning and he had a song called 'Before you Accuse Me [Take A Look at Yourself]". I know what you mean. This is all I have to say."
After Sunday's win by the White Sox (12-6) in Game 3 of ALDS, Tepera suggested that the Astros may be taking signs home. However, he did not indicate if they were legally doing so.
After Game 3, Tepera stated that "they've clearly had a reputation for doing some sketchy things over there, so we can say it's a bit of a distinction." You saw more swings and misses than the previous two Minute Maid games.
In Game 3 in Chicago the Astros struck out 16 times, more than their total in both of their first two games. Houston was ranked fourth in OPS home in the American League, first on the roads, and third in OPS in the American League regular season. The White Sox came in third at home and seventh in the road.
Major League Baseball disciplined the Astros after discovering that the team had used electronic signs to steal during their 2017 World Series win and again in 2018.
MLB found that Houston used a video feed from the center-field camera during home games to decode and see opposing catcher signs. To signal to batters that they were coming, players banged on a trashcan. This was believed to increase the chances of the batter scoring a hit.
Since then, the Astros have not been found guilty of any offense.
"Are you aware that certain teams are better at relaying signals at second base?" Aaron Bummer, White Sox relief pitcher, said Monday that "Yes, absolutely." But does that mean it's any less sketchy? Perhaps. "I don't know."
Martin Maldonado, Houston's catcher, posted Monday on Twitter that it was "always great to get an extra motivation."
Always good to get a extra motivation Machete Maldonado (@Machete1224) October 11, 2021
Alex Bregman, Astros third baseman and Astros 2017 player, had little to no words Monday when Tepera was asked about his comment.
Bregman stated, "Whatever works." It's all fine. We are just focused on winning the games. That's all.
Tony La Russa, White Sox manager, didn't offer any opinion on Tepera’s comments but he supported his reliever's rights to say what he liked.
La Russa stated, "I don’t get into that stuff." I don't like it. This is America. Players can say whatever they like, but I know that I won't get involved if I don't want. They're a formidable team. This is what I believe.
White Sox fans cheered "Cheater!" Cheater! When Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Bregman batted Monday.
Baker stated that they will likely have to deal with the issue for a long time because people don’t forget. They pass information from one generation to another. "This is just something. I feel bad, but it is something we must deal with.
The Astros are leading the series by 2-1. Game 4 was delayed due to weather, and will now be played on Tuesday. If necessary, Game 5 will be played in Houston on Wednesday night. If that happens, all eyes will once again be on the Astros.
Bregman stated, "People can say what they want." It's all fine.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
