no second round of gm interviews?

[BatGirl]

footer reports:

"On the GM front, Smith, team owner Drayton McLane and club consultant Bob McLaren plan to meet again on Wednesday and could have a decision made as early as mid-week, or by the weekend, while the team is in St. Louis."

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213986&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[cougar]

Poo to a second round of interviews.  This sort of decision is best made with very little research or deliberation.  I say they throw them all in a hat and let Bidge pull out a name.

[MusicMan]

Ch. 2 reported tonight that it is down to Wade, Amaro, and Beattie.

[dirty steve]

Ch. 2 reported tonight that it is down to Wade, Amaro, and Beattie.

well, having a seasoned guy certainly worked when the Texans hired Charley Casserly. 

blah to wade and beattie.

[pravata]

Ch. 2 reported tonight that it is down to Wade, Amaro, and Beattie.

I want the hat.

[Reuben]

Ch. 2 reported tonight that it is down to Wade, Amaro, and Beattie.

I hope Ch. 2 is wrong then.

[Andyzipp]

I hope Ch. 2 is wrong then.

Sadly, 26 reported the same thing last night.  Berman is not very often incorrect about these things.

[JimR]

selfish of me, but Wade is good for my friend who wants to come back home to finish his career. he thinks a lot of Wade b/c they worked together in Houston and in Philly.

[juliogotay]

selfish of me, but Wade is good for my friend who wants to come back home to finish his career. he thinks a lot of Wade b/c they worked together in Houston and in Philly.

If I may ask, why did your friend leave? Was he run off or did he leave because of a personality conflict?

[Andyzipp]

selfish of me, but Wade is good for my friend who wants to come back home to finish his career. he thinks a lot of Wade b/c they worked together in Houston and in Philly.

You may be the only person in the world who thinks wanting something good for your friends is selfish.

[Noe]

It's down to Wade and Amaro.  No word who is the favorite amongst the two.  Both are FOTs.  Nice job Tal!

[juliogotay]

It's down to Wade and Amaro.  No word who is the favorite amongst the two.  Both are FOTs.  Nice job Tal!

More and more I'm believing that Tal is running this thing anyway and not the GM. I just listened to the audio link on the Chronical "Smith Looks at 2008 Astros" and it's all about what he's going to do or not do. Maybe they are looking for Tal's assistant.

[Andyzipp]

More and more I'm believing that Tal is running this thing anyway and not the GM. I just listened to the audio link on the Chronical "Smith Looks at 2008 Astros" and it's all about what he's going to do or not do. Maybe they are looking for Tal's assistant.

If Tal were truly pulling the strings, I would bet the season would have turned out a little bit differently.

Don't know about Amaro, but FWICT, Wade is his own man (which got him in trouble in Philly).  He does share history, and philosophy with Tal, but I don't think Wade would be interested if he's just a figure head.

Then again, I think the Phillies stopped paying him last year, so puppet with a paycheck might be better than Billy Jack in the unemployment line.

[Burzmali]

Well that's just sad. Washed up losers, but hey they are "baseball guys". 

Sigh. I wonder if Drayton even put out feelers to somebody like Forst.

What happened to that Harvard guy they were interviewing?

[I'm Richies Dad]

Why no Bob Watson?  I am just asking you guys what you think?  Age?  I sure thought he was the favorite.

[jbm]

More and more I'm believing that Tal is running this thing anyway and not the GM. I just listened to the audio link on the Chronical "Smith Looks at 2008 Astros" and it's all about what he's going to do or not do. Maybe they are looking for Tal's assistant.

Thanks for the link.  I'm not sure if they will be Tal's assistant or not (I don't think TP was), but it was very interesting listening to him talk about 08.  Refreshing actually.  "The free agent market is thin at all positions, especially for a #2; trades are difficult to execute, especially when you don't have much to offer; and here is the list of pitching candidates, whom are all current Astros."  The refreshing part to me was that it sounded like in Tal's mind at least, the Astros will be building with what they already have, whether by intention or circumstance, and tweaking here and there when they can of course.  That is good imo for the long term, because they can certainly dig the hole deeper in a quest for an immediate rebound.

[Fredia]

Poo to a second round of interviews.  This sort of decision is best made with very little research or deliberation.  I say they throw them all in a hat and let Bidge pull out a name.

or in the style of a king cake place all three names in random twinkies then let berkman eat till a name is found. hope whoever talkes the helm will be respected and have the ability and courage to pull the strings on a few major deals.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

or in the style of a king cake place all three names in random twinkies then let berkman eat till a name is found. hope whoever talkes the helm will be respected and have the ability and courage to pull the strings on a few major deals.

Or the fortitude to avoid "major" deals, unless it truly benefits the team. 

[pravata]

Thanks for the link.  I'm not sure if they will be Tal's assistant or not (I don't think TP was), but it was very interesting listening to him talk about 08.  Refreshing actually.  "The free agent market is thin at all positions, especially for a #2; trades are difficult to execute, especially when you don't have much to offer; and here is the list of pitching candidates, whom are all current Astros."  The refreshing part to me was that it sounded like in Tal's mind at least, the Astros will be building with what they already have, whether by intention or circumstance, and tweaking here and there when they can of course.  That is good imo for the long term, because they can certainly dig the hole deeper in a quest for an immediate rebound.

If they think they can build with what they have already, why did they fire Purpura?

[Jacksonian]

or in the style of a king cake place all three names in random twinkies then let berkman eat till a name is found.

If you'd have stopped here I would have nominated your post for POTW.  Sadly...

[Mr. Happy]

If you'd have stopped here I would have nominated your post for POTW.  Sadly...

But it was Fredia. C'mon.

[kevwun]

I liked what I read about Watson and the Dodgers assistant.  I don't understand why a gm search was even held.  If knowing Tal Smith is the most important factor, just make him the gm already.

[jbm]

If they think they can build with what they have already, why did they fire Purpura?

I don't know why they fired TP, but Tal did seem to be saying that "don't get your hopes up for big free agent signings or trades."

As to TP, I could only speculate, and that is all this is, total speculation:  I assume TP had a semblance of autonomy to build a club to his liking.  His vision of what a club should be didn't put much emphasis on speed and defense.  This was probably OK as long at the club was successful, but they weren't, and it was time for a change.  Whether that decision came from Drayton and his own observations, or was influenced by those around him, I don't know.  I speculate that Tal had his ear and said something to the effect "Drayton, we are slow and a poor fielding team, that is a bad recipe for our future, we need to change" and Drayton felt that change would be best instituted by someone who placed greater value on speed and defense.  

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I don't know why they fired TP, but Tal did seem to be saying that "don't get your hopes up for big free agent signings or trades."

As to TP, I could only speculate, and that is all this is, total speculation:  I assume TP had a semblance of autonomy to build a club to his liking.  His vision of what a club should be didn't put much emphasis on speed and defense.  This was probably OK as long at the club was successful, but they weren't, and it was time for a change.  Whether that decision came from Drayton and his own observations, or was influenced by those around him, I don't know.  I speculate that Tal had his ear and said something to the effect "Drayton, we are slow and a poor fielding team, that is a bad recipe for our future, we need to change" and Drayton felt that change would be best instituted by someone who placed greater value on speed and defense. 

Interesting... was Polly Prissypants at this imaginary meeting to witness this discussion?

[pravata]

I don't know why they fired TP, but Tal did seem to be saying that "don't get your hopes up for big free agent signings or trades."

As to TP, I could only speculate, and that is all this is, total speculation:  I assume TP had a semblance of autonomy to build a club to his liking.  His vision of what a club should be didn't put much emphasis on speed and defense.  This was probably OK as long at the club was successful, but they weren't, and it was time for a change.  Whether that decision came from Drayton and his own observations, or was influenced by those around him, I don't know.  I speculate that Tal had his ear and said something to the effect "Drayton, we are slow and a poor fielding team, that is a bad recipe for our future, we need to change" and Drayton felt that change would be best instituted by someone who placed greater value on speed and defense.  

So Josh Anderson is why they fired Purpura?

[BudGirl]

So Josh Anderson is why they fired Purpura?

Um no, everything is Pam Gardner's fault.

[pravata]

Um no, everything is Pam Gardner's fault.

It's the only thing I can think of.  If the fans are booing, they're not concentrating on the ric rac hot glued to the walls in left.

[jbm]

So Josh Anderson is why they fired Purpura?

I don't get the connection, but I do think Tal is more likely than TP to value a Anderson type in center/Pence in right outfield, and that might be an example of a philosophical shift they desire.  

[pravata]

His vision of what a club should be didn't put much emphasis on speed and defense.

What it did put emphasis on was offense.  Pettitte, Clemens, and every other pitcher pissed and moaned that they didn't score enough runs last season.  That's why Taveras was traded and Burke put in center.  That's why Carlos Lee was their big acquisition.  If they can't go to the FA or trade market, they're going to have to play the guys they have.  The guys Tim Purpura acquired.

[BudGirl]

It's the only thing I can think of.  If the fans are booing, they're not concentrating on the ric rac hot glued to the walls in left.

Why should the fans concentrate on the ric rac?  As long as Drayton and Co. get the money for the ric rac why care who reads it?  Can the value of having a sign up at a stadium/field be measured?

[pravata]

I don't get the connection, but I do think Tal is more likely than TP to value a Anderson type in center/Pence in right outfield, and that might be an example of a philosophical shift they desire.  

You say the team is slow and poor defensively, it's true.  But the reason it's poor defensively is that they were trying to compensate for being poor offensively.  The only player that the Astros have or had that would fit in an available position and be faster and better at defense is Josh Anderson.  Purpura didn't play Josh Anderson and was therefore fired?

[Craig]

or in the style of a king cake place all three names in random twinkies then let berkman eat till a name is found.

This is a great idea, but it could also be a recipe for disaster, like Taco Bell Border Bowels. Because Berkman would just stuff all three Twinkie candidates in his mouth at once and ruin the whole damn thing. Then we'd have to wait to see which candidate he crapped out first. Drayton would have to wait to schedule the press conference until Berkman dashed to the bathroom. The key phrase to listen for is when Lance says, "Ugh, Dude, I'll be back in a minute. I think I'm gonna have a GM."

[jbm]

You say the team is slow and poor defensively, it's true.  But the reason it's poor defensively is that they were trying to compensate for being poor offensively.  The only player that the Astros have or had that would fit in an available position and be faster and better at defense is Josh Anderson.  Purpura didn't play Josh Anderson and was therefore fired?

No, that is not what I'm implying.  What I'm speculating is that the scenario which you describe of Purpura reacting to the lack of offense by moves A, B and C might have been tolerated as "OK, give it a try, but your ass in on the line" or it might have even been encouraged by Drayton.  Who knows. Problem is, it didn't work, and it had Purpura's fingerprints on it, as least publically.  

[EasTexAstro]

Anderson type in center/Pence in right outfield

Speaking of which, I watched Pence in RF last night. I think I might start closing my eyes if a ball gets hit out there.

[EasTexAstro]

What it did put emphasis on was offense.  Pettitte, Clemens, and every other pitcher pissed and moaned that they didn't score enough runs last season.  That's why Taveras was traded and Burke put in center.  That's why Carlos Lee was their big acquisition.  If they can't go to the FA or trade market, they're going to have to play the guys they have.  The guys Tim Purpura acquired.

That is why Pettitte, Clemens, and every other pitchers are pitchers and not GMs.

[pravata]

That is why Pettitte, Clemens, and every other pitchers are pitchers and not GMs.

I think it was pretty much unanimous that the focus of the Astros management, from owner down, this preseason was to improve the Astros offense.

[pravata]

No, that is not what I'm implying.  What I'm speculating is that the scenario which you describe of Purpura reacting to the lack of offense by moves A, B and C might have been tolerated as "OK, give it a try, but your ass in on the line" or it might have even been encouraged by Drayton.  Who knows. Problem is, it didn't work, and it had Purpura's fingerprints on it, as least publically.  

"I felt it was time for a change," McLane said. "Our goals, our objective is to be a champion. I just feel we need a fresh start." "... we needed a new direction, a new configuration. To play with more enthusiasm and to be a champion."  If they aren't going to FA or trade, as Smith said, then how will a new GM make any difference?

[Noe]

You say the team is slow and poor defensively, it's true.  But the reason it's poor defensively is that they were trying to compensate for being poor offensively.  The only player that the Astros have or had that would fit in an available position and be faster and better at defense is Josh Anderson.  Purpura didn't play Josh Anderson and was therefore fired?

Add to this that Tim Purpura actually had a deal in place with the Phillies to acquire Michael Bourn.  They backed out, not Houston.  They then made the other deal they had in place for Ty Wiggington.  Purpura was trying to answer the need for a speed and defense with the Bourn move.  If he got fired because it was lacking, then I don't understand how it could be his fault for a move that Philly just didn't make at the last minute.  Does the new GM have magical powers of persuasion to actually force other teams to trade with them?  Looks like Tal Smith is already saying "no".

[BUWebguy]

Purpura had a deal in place for Bourn? I don't remember hearing that... What was the deal going to be?

[jbm]

After reading y'alls replies, you are probably right, TP is probably just a fall guy for poor decision making from the top down.  

[CarolinaStro]

Purpura didn't play Josh Anderson and was therefore fired?

Since he is batting .524, the data would support the validity of that hypothesis.  That Timmy sure was a dumbass.

[Mr. Happy]

After reading y'alls replies, you are probably right, TP is probably just a fall guy for poor decision making from the top down.  

Eggszactly. Drayton couldn't fire himself.

[JimR]

Purpura had a deal in place for Bourn? I don't remember hearing that... What was the deal going to be?

Bourn for Qualls and Scott

[MikeyBoy]

"I felt it was time for a change," McLane said. "Our goals, our objective is to be a champion. I just feel we need a fresh start." "... we needed a new direction, a new configuration. To play with more enthusiasm and to be a champion."  If they aren't going to FA or trade, as Smith said, then how will a new GM make any difference?

Another quote from Drayton that day...

"HITTING is the NUMBER ONE ISSUE with the Astros"

[pravata]

Drayton tells Ortiz that he'll meet with Tal Smith and Bob McClaren on Wednesday morning to discuss the candidates again.  “We might want to re-interview some of these."  Mclane says  "We worked at it so intensely on this. We had over 30 hours of conversations. We’re going to sit down and talk tomorrow.”  (30 divided by 11, carry the 8...)

“I don’t know that we’ll actually do (a second round of) interviews,” Smith said Monday. “You can always pick up the telephone.... the interview process itself is a very small part of the process. ...due diligence (is done by) examining what the candidates have done, their track record, their work product, talking to people that they have been involved with either working with or working for.”

McLane has battled a tad of the cold in Washington while he monitors his other companies, and he admits that “it all kind of runs together.”
Link

Spiffy.  "OK, Watson I remember, he was the scary one.  But the others?  Which ones owe you money?  There was the two who talked in letters.  And was there a guy named Muzzy?"

[kevwun]

Since it all kind of runs together, might I suggest Drayton lessen his load by selling the Astros?

[JimR]

Since it all kind of runs together, might I suggest Drayton lessen his load by selling the Astros?

great idea. get Nolan and Reid on the phone.

[Lurch]

Can the value of having a sign up at a stadium/field be measured?

Ie, 315' to Left?

[Jacksonian]

selfish of me, but Wade is good for my friend who wants to come back home to finish his career. he thinks a lot of Wade b/c they worked together in Houston and in Philly.

Welcome home friend.

[JimR]

Welcome home friend.

sadly (for me), not yet. he intends to stay with Gillick until he retires.