I wasn’t told that - but a number of the names I was told about are like on experience. I don’t think the Astros are looking for a first time manager but it may turn out that way.
Crane would likely let Bagwell be a hitting coach for the Astros - but I don’t see any situation where he would be manager. Really, his importance last off season was over blown. As for Biggio - I don’t think he is close at all to Crane…. The guy that quietly has some influence is Enos Cabell.
@Nook - Do you think the Astros at least kick the tires on Counsell? Not sure what happens with him but I believe he at least picks up the phone to at least try to leverage more $$$. Maybe we can sell him on Houston. Also, what does Dana Brown think about the assistant coaches? Who does he like (or maybe, doesn't like)? I'm open to moving on from Cintron, Snitker, and Murphy (but who knows how much they were part of the problem).
The pitching and hitting coaches should all be on thin fckin ice. This team also needs a good sports psychologist.
It’ll be interesting. I tend to not like repeated retreads, but if they do maybe Madden would be okay. I also don’t think a first timer would be great, unless it’s Espada because the players know him. I would be okay with a guy who had experience once before and it just didn’t work out similar to Hinch before he came here. Or hire away someone. I think Brown has had his eye on someone ever since he took this job knowing Dusty was gone after this year
Joe Espada is the guy I want. Keeps the culture. He has stuck with the franchise the whole time. Keep the winning culture.
All those pitching coaches have been around for a few years and are the ones that made Valdez, Javier, Montero look like all-stars, and made JP France a ROY candidate. Just because they regressed, is it the coaches fault when none of them were considered great pitchers coming out of the minor leagues? Fans are F'ing spoiled.
Hi Nook, great info as always. What's your personal take on Espada as it seems he's the fan favorite for the job? I know he's been with us since 2018, has had opportunities and interviews with other teams during his stint here but has remained our bench coach.
I personally would love Cora, I think we lack fire and edge losing guys like Correa and possibly Neris. He's a dam solid choice that knows what's up over here already.
He is a safe choice and has the ability to work with a lot of different types of personalities and he embraces analytics. He is a strong candidate for sure and while he doesn't look for conflict, he will not back down - to this day he and Mark Teixera don't like each other.
How about the Conger? Can you imagine breaking out the robot as a manager during post season celebrations.
I don’t think some of you understand. Crane will NEVER hire Luhnow, Hinch, Cora, or Beltran ever again. You don’t rehire people responsible for the humiliation of your organization, now matter how good they were at there job. I bet there is unofficial agreement that Crane has with Manford that he would hire those responsible again. Plus, outside of 2 years, Cora has sucked in Boston.
If I were Dana Brown and this is accurate I would want out. Bagwell should not trump him on any decisions.
This has Brad Ausmus written all over it, smh gimme Espada fine with Maddon or skip all the theater and give it to Maldy already
It is tough with there being only 30 GM jobs (whether called GM or POBO). I'm pissed on his behalf and my own as a fan.