The Debate Over Astros Cheating, Jose Altuve, and the 2017 AL MVP Award

The 2017 season ended with the Houston Astros being accused of cheating, which included allegations of sign-stealing. This incident sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly among fans of the New York Yankees. The story has sparked numerous debates, especially regarding the 2017 American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award given to Jose Altuve.

MLB’s Handling of the Astros Cheating Scandal

Some fans, particularly those affiliated with the Yankees, believe that the MLB should have handled the punishments akin to the NCAA's approach. Here’s a hypothetical scenario based on the suggested penalties:

Stripping Championship Titles: Under this stringent rule, the Astros would have had to forfeit all championship titles back to the Divisional level as far as 2017. These titles wouldn’t be officially recognized, marked as “vacant.” Banning from Postseason Play: The team would likely be banned from postseason play for two or three years, effectively crippling their chances of winning future championships.

Reacting to the 2017 AL MVP Award

Opinion is divided when it comes to the selection of the 2017 AL MVP, awarded to Jose Altuve. While some arguments ensued, here are some points worth considering:

Yankees Fan Perspective: One New York Yankees fan emphasizes the biased nature of the decision. He is stunned by the fact that he might have chosen Aaron Judge for the award if he wasn't such a staunch Yankees supporter. This fan notes that his admiration for Judge is clouded by his personal attachment to the Yankees.

Mets Fan Perspective: An active supporter of the Mets also believes that the award selection lacked fairness, but with a suggestion that it might be too much to tamper with historical statistics. This fan specifically mentions the 2017 World Series, suggesting that it didn't truly have any winners, with Aaron Judge being the rightful candidate for the AL MVP that year.

Despite these differing views, the consensus is that some players were more valuable to their teams during that critical season. This recognition is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sport and ensuring fair evaluation of players' performances.

The Broader Implications for MLB and Athletics

The hosting of the 2017 World Series and the subsequent discovery of the Astros' cheating scandal brought to light the importance of strict ethical standards in sports. The possibility of reevaluating past awards is not just about altering statistics but also about restoring public trust in the sport. The integrity of the game and the awards are paramount, and any shortcuts taken in the past can cast a shadow over the sport's future.

For athletes like Jose Altuve and Aaron Judge, the recognition and awards they receive carry significant weight. Any controversy surrounding these awards can have long-lasting effects on their careers and legacies.

In conclusion, the MLB and other sports organizations must continue to strive for transparency and fairness in awarding recognition. The NCAA style penalties might be too extreme, but a stricter adherence to ethical standards is necessary to maintain the integrity of the game.

Keywords: MLB, Astros cheating, Jose Altuve, MVP award