Astros Press Conference Did Nothing but Blame AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow for Sign-Stealing Scandal

The Houston Astros higher-ups have spoken for the first time since their sign-stealing scandal cost AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow their jobs. With Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman present to make short apologies, Astros owner Jim Crane placed the blame squarely on Hinch, absolving the players, whom he called "great guys", of any blame.

OH PLEASE. Lying and getting caught cheating is one thing, but to double down on the lies? Simply unreal.

Crane, despite being the owner of the team who is more than happy to revel in their successes, doesn't think he should have to take any of the blame.

He's the owner of the team! If he can't be the responsible one, who else? This was simply one of the most cowardly acts we've seen in a press conference.

Crane also waffled back and forth on if he thought the sign-stealing impacted the outcomes of games. He contracted himself during his presser, which was tough to watch.

This was a masterclass from A to Z on how not to manage a crisis from a PR perspective, as the Astros appear more upset they got caught than remorseful over their actions.

Crane and the Astros appear as if they did almost no prep for this press conference, as getting any sort of sincerity out of them was like pulling teeth. This certainly isn't going to minimize the PR blowback, and it could possibly magnify it.