The Houston Astros have been under scrutiny since Major League Baseball released the findings of its investigation and determined the organization electronically stole signs over the course of the 2017 season.
Significant penalties were levied against the Astros, which included a $5 million fine, the loss of multiple draft picks, and former general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch being suspended for the 2020 season.
Luhnow and Hinch were subsequently fired by Astros owner Jim Crane. It set a precedent that ultimately led to the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets additionally parting ways with managers Alex Cora and Carlos Beltran, respectively, as well.
As one would expect with such a scandal, the Astros have been subject to plenty of criticism and jokes in recent weeks. Memorabilia creator BobbleHouse designed a bobblehead that depicts an Astros employee banging on a trash can while holding a laptop.
The Independent League St. Paul Saints have also joined in on the act, creating an “Astro the Grouch” bobblehead that will be given out to ticketed fans before their July 31 game, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
Minor league club St. Paul Saints will be giving out “Astro the Grouch” bobble heads to the first 1,500 fans at their July 31st game 😂 pic.twitter.com/fiEwn5HKV8
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 26, 2020
The bobblehead is a clear play on the famous Sesame Street character Oscar the Grouch, who lives in a trash can. The green monster in this instance, however, is Houston mascot Astro.
In addition to the bobblehead, there will be multiple artists on hand at CHS Field to complete half-finished tattoos. This is a dig at Jose Altuve, who Carlos Correa revealed that he didn’t want his jersey ripped off after sending the Astros to the World Series last year because of an unfinished tattoo on his chest.
The Saints will also have a “piece of metal” on display, to which fans can take photos with. This is in reference to recent comments made by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who defended his decision of not vacating the Astros’ championship by devaluing the World Series trophy.
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