Here’s why MLB is finally seeing the light about an Astros scandal that wasn’t

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Carlos Beltran missed out on his first opportunity to be inducted in the Hall of Fame this week, and we discuss how his involvement in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal may have played a role.

Plus, are we seeing a turning of the tide with national baseball writers and their opinion of the Houston Astros?

Bob Nightengale wrote this about Carlos Beltran and the Hall of Fame recently:

But we’re really going to ignore all of that and admonish him for participating in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
Really?
Are we going to do the same with everyone who played for the Red Sox and Yankees during those years, too, when they were fined and disciplined for the illegal use of Apple Watches and dugout phones to relay signs?
Should we hold that against future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who obviously didn’t benefit from the sign stealing as a pitcher, but didn’t tell his teammates to stop it?
Enough already.
We’re not talking about performance-enhancing drugs here. Sign stealing has been going on for the past 100 years. There are teams who have used hidden cameras for years. Team employees flashed signs from outfield seats and scoreboards.

Check out the video above as we break it all down.

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Should the Astros sign Blake Snell? Composite Getty Image.

Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy made a lot of fans nervous on Friday when he exited his spring training start after just 43 pitches. Elbow pain reportedly was what cut his start short. Urquidy was then sent back to Houston for further evaluation.

Astros manager Joe Espada gave an injury update on Monday. According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Urquidy is dealing with a forearm muscle strain and will likely begin the season on IL.

Houston had already been reported to have interest in signing free agent pitcher Blake Snell in recent days, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

But USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend the Astros now appear to be a “long-shot” to sign him. He's looking for a 2-year, $66 million deal and with a player option for year two.

A contract like this would put the Astros over the second tax-threshold. Not to mention he turned down the Padres qualifying offer as did closer Josh Hader. Which means the Astros would have to send two draft picks to San Diego if they sign Snell.

But if owner Jim Crane decides to pass on Snell, we're looking at a starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, Ronel Blanco, and possibly Brandon Bielak if they opt for a 6-man rotation.

So what should the Astros do? Throw caution to the wind and sign Snell, or hope they get their guys back healthy sooner rather than later?

It's important to keep in perspective that the Yankees have several injuries to their rotation as well. Opening Day will be a matchup between Nestor Cortes and Framber Valdez. Not Gerrit Cole vs.Justin Verlander, like we once expected.

Be sure to watch the video above as we break down the rotation, all the Astros other options, and much more!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on YouTube.

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