When the Houston Astros were busted for their 2017 sign-stealing scandal in which they used during their run to the World Series title, nobody really knew how to react. Just about everyone was outraged, but what would a fitting punishment be? Players being fined individually for participating? The title being stripped away?
In the end, not much really came of it, and there was even more outrage as a result. Basically all that happened was the team got fined, and the Astros also let go of GM Jeff Luhnow and Manager A.J. Hinch, who were each suspended for one year by the MLB. Otherwise, it was all public shaming from there.
Well, apparently Hinch’s firing didn’t set off any moral compasses too badly. Almost immediately after becoming eligible to return as an MLB manager, Hinch was on the phone with the Detroit Tigers.
And we do mean almost immediately.
In other words, before the Los Angeles Dodgers were even off the field, the whirlwind process to bring Hinch to Detroit was already in motion.
While were sure Hinch is just glad to have a job back, he’s got a lot of work to do. The Tigers put up a 23-35 record (.397 win percentage), ahead of only two other teams in the entire MLB; the Texas Rangers (22-38, .367) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41, .317).
If the Tigers can’t turn it around, maybe this could be seen as part of the punishment?
(H/T ESPN)
