SAN DIEGO — SAN DIEGO (AP) — Managed by universally acclaimed good guy Dusty Baker, the Houston Astros remain villains in many people’s eyes for their sign-stealing scandal three years ago.
The Tampa Bay Rays, meanwhile, are a fun-loving bunch that makes the most of their small payroll, including the best record in the American League in the pandemic-shortened season.
The Astros, who got into the playoffs with a losing record, and Rays meet in the postseason for the second straight year beginning on Sunday night, this time in the AL Championship Series at Petco Park.
The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span.