Bryant on Astros sign stealing: 'What a disgrace'
MESA, Ariz. - Once Kris Bryant was done talking about trade rumors, an alleged contract extension he nixed, his future with the Cubs and his service time grievance, the topic completely changed.
Bryant was asked about Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, and the usually reserved all-star didn't hold back.
"Oh my goodness, wow," Bryant said.
Then, he took it up a notch.
"What a disgrace that was," Bryant said. "Just watching their apology (Thursday), there is no sincerity, there's no genuineness when it comes to it. I certainly know if I messed up big in that way, I'd be the first one to let you know just how big of a mess-up it was.
"It's just hard to believe, it really is. It's sad. A lot of the apology was about 2017, 2017."
That was the year the Astros won the World Series, but Bryant has serious doubts about the timeline.
"I'm pretty sure it was going on in 2018, 2019, too," he said. "That's just so sad. If they didn't get caught they'd still be doing it. They're only doing this apology because they got caught. I know everybody around league is really upset, and rightfully so because it's really a disgrace to the game. I'm surprised they got away with it for three years."
Houston manager A.J. Hinch was fired, as was general manager Jeff Lunhow. Former Astros bench coach Alex Cora and player Carlos Beltran also paid heavy prices, losing their respective managing jobs with the Red Sox and Mets.
Bryant said Houston players should also face the music.
"Absolutely," he said. "I mean if I did it, I'd accept the punishment. I thought the whole punishment was weak. That just feels so wrong. I mean, I'm playing golf with my dad and I feel bad for taking a one-foot gimme putt.
"I personally think it's worse than steroids, I really do. With steroids, you still have to compete and hit the ball. They're going to have a tough year this year, for sure. I got booed really loud in St. Louis and they're going to get it everywhere they go."
Kipnis in camp:
Kris Bryant wasn't the only notable name reporting to Cubs camp Saturday.
Jason Kipnis checked in after agreeing to a minor-league contract and invite to spring training. He still must pass a physical.
"It made sense," Kipnis said. "It really did."
After spending his first nine seasons with the Indians, the Glenbrook North High Schools product is coming home.
"I didn't fully understand it until it was announced and my phone started blowing up," Kipnis said. "I realized just how many people this impacted around my life, and how many people, friends and family, still live in Chicago. It's going to be exciting."
Kipnis is going to compete with Nico Hoerner, David Bote and Daniel Descalso for playing time at second base.
"I've got to earn a spot," Kipnis said. "There's nothing given to me. It's not like the Cleveland team I've been with and I'm under contract. This is an invite with a chance to play and I have to seize the opportunity."