Houston Astros Crawfish Boil: May 15, 2024

Everyone seems to be mad at the damn “deceptive” Astros…again.

Ronel Blanco will probably be suspended for 10 games for next to nothing. I find it very likely that the “foreign substance” found on his glove was a mixture of rosin and sweat, but the national narrative will prove a little more controversial.

You know what? Let them speak. Just lean into it. Instead of defending the seven-time defending ALCS entrant, simply repeat the following to any potential opponents:

“If you don’t cheat, you don’t try.”

And here is your boil.

Houston Astros News

A’s Fall to Deceive Astros in Extras (Athletics Nation) — A way to keep a neutral POV, another blog from SB Nation.

Blanco ejected due to sticky substance in his glove

Astros prospect levels: How Pedro León, Jake Bloss and Joey Loperfido are progressing (NY Times)

Why was Ronel Blanco kicked out? Latest updates on suspension of Astros’ top pitcher (SK)

The national media just made another attempt to shake things up with Astros management (SportsMap Houston)

AL West News

A: Kotsay thinks the A’s played well against the Astros despite the loss (NBC)

“Blarts: Naylor brothers key to Guardians’ 7-4 victory”. World champion Rangers have lost 5 straight (The Washington Post)

M: The day after catching two consecutive foul balls, a fan throws TWO first pitches

Halos: Los Angeles Angels’ Ron Washington’s HORRIBLE call, new bat tracking data, ‘Isn’t that interesting?’ (WKYC)

MLB News

What Statcast’s new bat tracking data tells us and doesn’t tell us (FG)

A day after catching two consecutive foul balls, a fan throws TWO first pitches

Here’s why Statcast loves Luis Arraez

8 teams that could be sellers at Trade Deadline

Vintage Sale: Lefty’s Evil Cursor Towards Seven Aimlessly

5 Fun Facts About Ohtani’s High-Level Bat Speed

Rodón silences Twins after noisy start: ‘It was great’

Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets and Billy Eppler IL controversy (YB)

Houston Astros Birthdays

LF Michael Brantley (37)

OF Brandon Barnes (38)