Astros' Blatant Lies Expose Organization's Casual Misogyny; Asst. GM Taubman's Targets Included Reporter Who Tweeted Domestic Violence Hotline Numbers; Statements From Taubman And Owner-Chairman Jim Crane Are "A Bingo Card Of Worthless Cliches"

The Houston Astros' claim that Stephanie Apstein, a writer for Sports Illustrated, published a "fraudulent" story about Assistant GM Brandon Taubman fell apart faster that the team's early 2-0 lead in World Series Game 1. (I cannot claim to be surprised by Taubman's appearance. Can you?)

Laura Wagner (Deadspin) writes:

Less than 24 hours after the Astros issued [an initial] statement ... the team has changed their tune to something resembling contrition. ... [T]he Astros are now offering a non-apologetic apology ...

After SI published its story, the Astros released a statement attacking the report and attempting to discredit the reporter.