Braves: Nick Markakis Says Astros Players “Deserve Beating,” Commissioner “Should be Embarrassed”

A veteran Atlanta Braves’player shared his feelings regarding the Astros’ cheating scandal and held nothing back regarding the commissioner’s decisions.

Atlanta Braves veteran, Nick Markakis, shared his thoughts on the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and the commissioner’s decisions on the matter Tuesday.

In a no-holds-barred media session, Markakis said it’s “damaging to baseball” and that “every single guy over there needs a beating.”

He didn’t elaborate as to whether or not he meant a beating with fists or a barrage of beanballs. It could have been metaphorical like he wishes their parents would have beaten them in the past, or will potentially beat them as a result of their cheating, despite the fact they are currently grown men. 

You can see the full video embedded below from 680 The Fan’s Twitter account.

Markakis is one of many players to speak out. He is considered a leader in the Braves’ clubhouse and it caught a few people off guard when they saw who was behind these words. Markakis must be extremely passionate about his stance on cheating for him to share these thoughts.

Regarding the players behind the sign-stealing, Markakis made it clear where the Braves stood.

"“We don’t stand behind them nor will we support them.” He went on to say “I 100% disagree with the way they did it. There’s a lot of people that were hurt by it.”"

About the commissioner’s actions or inactions regarding player punishment.

"“I think the commissioner completely handled it the wrong way.”"

Moron Commissioner… I mean MORE ON the Commissioner: 

"“The way he handled the situation, he should be embarrassed of himself.”"

It didn’t take long for word to reach the Astros’ new manager, Dusty Baker. In response to Markakis’ comments Baker had the following to say: 

"“That’s cool,” Baker said. “I ain’t commenting on everybody’s comments. Go ahead. You want to beat on us, go ahead.”He went on to add, “I didn’t think Markakis talked too much,” Baker asked. “He doesn’t. OK, maybe he had his Wheaties.”"

Maybe he’s like the rest of the league and its fans and he’s tired of how dismissive the Astros have been about the whole situation. Allow me to paraphrase their stance with my own flavor:

“We didn’t impact the game with our elaborate cheating system. Yankees are just whiners and not winners. We are sorry… for what? For breaking the rules…to clarify, getting caught breaking the rules. Don’t hit us.” 

Players Are Not Police

Markakis joins a growing list of players who have spoken out against the Astros and their lack of repercussions. Mike Clevinger and Ross Stripling recently indicated they’d be inclined to intentionally throwing at Houston hitters as a form of retaliation. 

The league has a way of policing itself, yet the commissioner may have enraged players, even more, when he stepped in front of that train.

"“It is simply not appropriate to express whatever frustration you may have growing out of the Astros situation by putting someone physically at risk by throwing at them,” Manfred said. “It’s just not acceptable.”"

The Astros opened camp with a public apology that came off as an insincere disaster. 

Owner Jim Crane remarked that the sign-stealing scheme didn’t impact the game and clarified that they were apologizing for breaking the rules and nothing else.

Following the mockery of an apology, players came out of the woodwork with criticism and anger. Here’s a small sample of the statements shared by the 2019 NL MVP, Cody Bellinger.

"“I think what people don’t realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in ’17. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us.”"

Reds’ starting pitcher, Trevor Bauer went on an extended tirade.

Astros Remorse?

In an attempt to defend his and his teammates’ honor, Carlos Correa told Ken Rosenthal that Cody Bellinger either didn’t read the commissioner’s report or didn’t understand it. Then he exhibited his firm grasp of the versatility of the F-word.

"“either doesn’t know how to read, is really bad at reading comprehension, or is just not informed at all.” Correa added, “If you don’t know the facts, then you’ve got to shut the f— up.”"

I’m sure that’s going to go over well.

What Needs to Happen

When you have star players and veterans all over the league speaking out in anger and emotion like Markakis did today, the only thing you can do is make it worse with comments like Correa’s.

The Astros may have fired their manager and general manager, but they need to look at firing their PR people. The players should be apologizing for the outrage and the cloud they have cast over baseball…even if they don’t believe it. Their behavior is making things worse for themselves.

Correa’s comments spur reactions like Markakis’s. They make Ross Stripling want to hit him with a baseball. It should be interesting to see if tempers have cooled by September 25 when the Astros come to Atlanta to begin the final series of the regular season.

Will they still be in defense mode? Will they be battered and bruised from beanballs? Will they truly be apologetic after coming face-to-face with their peers all season and hearing the reactions of the disappointed and disapproving fans? Will the Braves issue little plastic trash cans for fans to beat their tomahawks on during the chop?

Do you think Markakis’ comments went too far? Let us know in the comments below.