On Tuesday, the Astros showcased a distinctive organizational strength: boosting the team spin-rate.
Assistant GM Brandon Taubman released a tone-deaf statement addressing a Sports Illustrated report of him taunting three female reporters after their Game 6 win against the Yankees by flaunting the acquisition of team closer Roberto Osuna, a player suspended 75 games by MLB in 2018 over allegations he assaulted the mother of his child.
According to SI’s Stephanie Apstein, Taubman yelled “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f — king glad we got Osuna!” at the women. Apstein’s article claims Taubman’s boasts over the trade were pointed chants, shouted in defiance of the heavy scrutiny the team received for acquiring a player accused of domestic violence.
She described his “outburst” as both “offensive and frightening.”
Taubman described his words as “unprofessional and inappropriate,” but also claimed his words and intent were “misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude” even though multiple eyewitnesses have since confirmed SI’s characterization of his conduct during the champagne-soaked locker room party.
The Astros initially declined comment before the story was published, but then, released a statement shortly after Apstein’s story was released on Monday accusing SI of attempting to “fabricate a story where one does not exist.” Apstein told the Washington Post that an Astros public relations staffer discouraged her from writing about the incident.
Sports Illustrated defended Apstein’s reporting on Tuesday afternoon, asserting: “Any implication that SI or any of its journalists would ‘fabricate’ a story in its detail or intent is both disappointing and completely inexcusable.”
Major League Baseball also issued a statement regarding SI’s story, promising to investigate the situation.
“Domestic violence is extraordinarily serious and everyone in baseball must use care to not engage in any behavior — whether intentional or not — that could be construed as minimizing the egregiousness of an act of domestic violence. We became aware of this incident through the Sports Illustrated article. The Astros have disputed Sports Illustrated’s characterization of the incident. MLB will interview those involved before commenting further.”
Astros owner Jim Crane released a statement alongside Taubman, stressing that his team is “committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence.” Crane touts the team’s mandatory annual training for employees — presumably on how not to brag about employing accused abusers and philanthropic efforts. Crane claims the team’s efforts have raised over $300,000 to support anti-domestic violence causes, though it is yet to be seen if said money will produce a coherent statement.
“Those that know me know that I am a progressive and charitable member of the community, and a loving and committed husband and father,” Taubman wrote in his statement. “I hope that those who do not know me understand that the Sports Illustrated article does not reflect who I am or my values.”
After roughly a day of public outrage from Apstein’s colleagues in the press and baseball fans, Taubman wrote that he was “sorry if anyone was offended by my actions.”
The classic non-apology, apology.
The Astros, who defeated the Yankees 6-4 after a dramatic walk-off home run by Jose Altuve against Aroldis Chapman — another closer with a domestic violence suspension on his MLB resume — face the Nationals in the World Series on Tuesday night. Nats ace and strikeout artist Max Scherzer will start Game 1 at Minute Maid Park, so Houston will receive yet another chance to swing and miss.