Managerial hunt

[Bench]

Berman and Dolan and McTaggart and the usual scribes are reporting that the Astros are bringing in 6-8 people to interview for the managerial position this week.  Biggio will be assisting with the interviews.

So, who has been rumored?

1.  Riggleman

who else?

[Ebby Calvin]

Hoping Ausmus, but I think that has been put to bed.  Bogar?

[chuck]

There's your manager, your bench coach and, since he's so goddamn important, your first base coach right there:

http://tinyurl.com/8bpzat4

[roadrunner]

I'm glad they aren't waiting for the offseason for any current managers.  Can't think of any that will be fired that make sense here.  Although I'm having trouble figuring out who would make sense here.

[Ron Brand]

I'm glad they aren't waiting for the offseason for any current managers.  Can't think of any that will be fired that make sense here.  Although I'm having trouble figuring out who would make sense here.

They're waiting for Bobby V.

[austro]

They're waiting for Bobby V.

I wonder if they'll recognize him without the glasses.

[MusicMan]

They're waiting for Bobby V.

They're waiting for Bobby Fischer.

[juliogotay]

Here's a link to one man's guesses as to the Astros candidates http://www.astroscounty.com/

[MusicMan]

LARRY BOWA?

Seriously... LARRY BOWA??

[Bench]

LARRY BOWA?

Seriously... LARRY BOWA??

Got to somehow keep the Phillies connection alive.

[hostros7]

Got to somehow keep the Phillies connection alive.

Honestly, since the lineup will be dictated by analytical models and the team will be playing in the AL, they really just need to hire the guy with the best bullshit to hang out with the players on the road.

[EasTexAstro]

Honestly, since the lineup will be dictated by analytical models and the team will be playing in the AL, they really just need to hire the guy with the best bullshit to hang out with the players on the road.

I'm not sure Lima is...available....

[moriartp]

McTaggart says they also interviewed former outfielder/Rays bench coach Dave Martinez earlier in the week.

[Ty in Tampa]

McTaggart says they also interviewed former outfielder/Rays bench coach Dave Martinez earlier in the week.

That would be a good hire, IMO. He's been at Maddon's side his entire time with the team.

[das]

Regarding the Porter interview, he's a tough SOB.  Seems to be cut in the Doug Brocail mold:

"Nationals third-base coach Bo Porter walked near the Cubs' dugout and was yelling back at Quirk. Porter didn't give specifics on what was said between the two parties, but indicated he wouldn't back down from a boxing match. The benches and bullpens emptied.

 "When it comes to our players, I'm pretty passionate about it," Porter said. "Every time you start the game, there are two teams out there. When I was younger, I did Gold Glove boxing and my trainer would always tell me before the bell rings, 'Just in case you didn't know, when this bell rings, he is going to hit back.'"

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120906&content_id=38015826&vkey=news_was&c_id=was

He's also Johnson's 2nd in command and is also the outfield coach along with his 3rd base duties.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120913&content_id=38375360&notebook_id=38375362&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was

[juliogotay]

Regarding the Porter interview, he's a tough SOB.  Seems to be cut in the Doug Brocail mold:

"Nationals third-base coach Bo Porter walked near the Cubs' dugout and was yelling back at Quirk. Porter didn't give specifics on what was said between the two parties, but indicated he wouldn't back down from a boxing match. The benches and bullpens emptied.

 "When it comes to our players, I'm pretty passionate about it," Porter said. "Every time you start the game, there are two teams out there. When I was younger, I did Gold Glove boxing and my trainer would always tell me before the bell rings, 'Just in case you didn't know, when this bell rings, he is going to hit back.'"

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120906&content_id=38015826&vkey=news_was&c_id=was

He's also Johnson's 2nd in command and is also the outfield coach along with his 3rd base duties.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120913&content_id=38375360&notebook_id=38375362&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was

Dave Clark is a boxer, too.

[Bench]

Dave Clark is a boxer, too.

With both of the them on the squad they can safely re-sign Chacon.

[BizidyDizidy]

Could probably use some bench clearing brawls to liven things up next year

[Reuben]

Could probably use some bench clearing brawls to liven things up next year

They should hire Rudy Seanez as bullpen coach or something. He wasn't much of a pitcher, but he competed in Ultimate Fighting.

[Reuben]

In this Chron story about Larry Bowa's thoughts on the Astros, we learn that besides Bowa, DeFrancesco, Porter, and Dave Martinez, "The Boston Globe also reported that Red Sox bench coach Tim Bogar may be a candidate. ...Interviews with at least one potential candidate continued Monday, but no details on that candidate have emerged. And while there has been speculation that the Astros would consider someone from the Cardinals because of Luhnow’s background with the St. Louis organization, the Cardinals confirmed that they had not received any requests from Houston to speak with a member of the organization about the managerial position."

Bowa shared this genius tidbit: "they’re going to go through a period of time here where it is going to be an adjustment going from the National League to the American League. They’re not used to having a DH, so they’re going to have to sort of groom somebody or go out there and sign somebody as a DH."

I assume the tricky "grooming" part he's referring to involves a drawn out process of fattening up the chosen player, ala Hansel and Gretel, and perhaps doing something to make his knees bad as well. Then, and only then, will they be ready for the AL.

[Mr. Happy]

In this Chron story about Larry Bowa's thoughts on the Astros, we learn that besides Bowa, DeFrancesco, Porter, and Dave Martinez, "The Boston Globe also reported that Red Sox bench coach Tim Bogar may be a candidate. ...Interviews with at least one potential candidate continued Monday, but no details on that candidate have emerged. And while there has been speculation that the Astros would consider someone from the Cardinals because of Luhnow’s background with the St. Louis organization, the Cardinals confirmed that they had not received any requests from Houston to speak with a member of the organization about the managerial position."

Bowa shared this genius tidbit: "they’re going to go through a period of time here where it is going to be an adjustment going from the National League to the American League. They’re not used to having a DH, so they’re going to have to sort of groom somebody or go out there and sign somebody as a DH."

I assume the tricky "grooming" part he's referring to involves a drawn out process of fattening up the chosen player, ala Hansel and Gretel, and perhaps doing something to make his knees bad as well. Then, and only then, will they be ready for the AL.

Actually, it takes a special ball player to be able to play DH well. Many players have trouble getting or staying loose or focused sitting on the bench except for hitting. It's like pinch hitting four or five times in a game; it's damn hard to do. Ask Pat the Bat about it.

[Noe]

Actually, it takes a special ball player to be able to play DH well. Many players have trouble getting or staying loose or focused sitting on the bench except for hitting. It's like pinch hitting four or five times in a game; it's damn hard to do. Ask Pat the Bat about it.

Actually, Bowa is spot on with his assessment. If you're a number 4 or 5 hitter and play on the field, you're used to hitting in the NL with a specific set of accomplishments in mind. In the AL, the game changes because you no longer employ a pitcher hitting and the pitcher on the other side is going to attack the lineup a bit differently. It is going to take time for a person used to hitting in a NL lineup to figure out how they're attacking you as opposed to how you're used to thinking about how they attacked you in a NL lineup.

Two different worlds and the person who gets it will help. Hence why I think the offseason is about getting some AL veterans to help the youngsters understand how to play the game as it is in the AL. It will be needed in the interim.

[Ron Brand]

Actually, Bowa is spot on with his assessment. If you're a number 4 or 5 hitter and play on the field, you're used to hitting in the NL with a specific set of accomplishments in mind. In the AL, the game changes because you no longer employ a pitcher hitting and the pitcher on the other side is going to attack the lineup a bit differently. It is going to take time for a person used to hitting in a NL lineup to figure out how they're attacking you as opposed to how you're used to thinking about how they attacked you in a NL lineup.

Two different worlds and the person who gets it will help. Hence why I think the offseason is about getting some AL veterans to help the youngsters understand how to play the game as it is in the AL. It will be needed in the interim.

If you can support this numerically (please show your work) you may forward this on to:

We Can Whip Nolan's Ass
c/o Sig Mejdal
501 Crawford St.
Houston, TX 77002

[astrosfan76]

Two different worlds and the person who gets it will help. Hence why I think the offseason is about getting some AL veterans to help the youngsters understand how to play the game as it is in the AL. It will be needed in the interim.

Here's a list of players who are/could be available in the off-season.  I don't know if any of them have signed extensions, but it's a start.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=177

Just from the outside, it seems like the OF and pitching (possibly catcher) would be where they would look to upgrade, especially for contracts longer than 1 year.  Second and short seem unlikely to change, our best prospect should be ready within a year at first, and Dominguez may be buying a little more time at third.  I don't see anyone without an option worth starting at third, anyway.  DH is obviously another spot.

Out of the outfielders, the guy who seems like the best fit is Torii Hunter.  I don't know what kind of deal he'll be looking for, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to go to a contender, but from a clubhouse and experience standpoint, he's the best position player available for our squad. 

Luhnow could always fill holes by trading for players, but it's too early to identify who could be available. 

[JimR]

If you can support this numerically (please show your work) you may forward this on to:

We Can Whip Nolan's Ass
c/o Sig Mejdal
501 Crawford St.
Houston, TX 77002

"see the ball, hit the ball"

[HudsonHawk]

"see the ball, hit the ball"

"Bunting is like jacking off.  Once you learn how, you never forget."

[Reuben]

Here's a list of players who are/could be available in the off-season.  I don't know if any of them have signed extensions, but it's a start.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=177

Just from the outside, it seems like the OF and pitching (possibly catcher) would be where they would look to upgrade, especially for contracts longer than 1 year.  Second and short seem unlikely to change, our best prospect should be ready within a year at first, and Dominguez may be buying a little more time at third.  I don't see anyone without an option worth starting at third, anyway.  DH is obviously another spot.

Out of the outfielders, the guy who seems like the best fit is Torii Hunter.  I don't know what kind of deal he'll be looking for, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to go to a contender, but from a clubhouse and experience standpoint, he's the best position player available for our squad. 

Luhnow could always fill holes by trading for players, but it's too early to identify who could be available. 

Funny, I was looking at a list the other day of upcoming FA's, and thinking to myself that Torii Hunter would be a great player for them to sign, he can still play and would be the perfect veteran guy to show the kids how it's done, and he's 36 so won't be looking for a long-term deal. The question, as you said, is whether he'll get an appealing offer from a contender. I think he lives near Dallas in the off-season, dunno if he has a ranch or not...

[Reuben]

McTaggart says Bogar is interviewing tomorrow.

[Fredia]

he gets my vote. been in the astros system, but knows the world beyond

[Limey]

Honestly, since the lineup will be dictated by analytical models and the team will be playing in the AL, they really just need to hire the guy with the best bullshit to hang out with the players on the road.

It's the American League.  How hard can it be?

[MusicMan]

It's the American League.  How hard can it be?

It's the AL! It's like invading Wisconsin - we're in, we're out!

[Limey]

Actually, it takes a special ball player to be able to play DH well. Many players have trouble getting or staying loose or focused sitting on the bench except for hitting. It's like pinch hitting four or five times in a game; it's damn hard to do. Ask Pat the Bat about it.

Berkman would make a perfect DH. 

[Noe]

Berkman would make a perfect DH. 

"really?!?!" - New York Yankees

[MusicMan]

No Bowa

[Jacksonian]

No Bowa

And there was much rejoicing.

[juliogotay]

Levine has tweeted that Crane wants a mgr. named by end of next week.

[jbm]

Levine has tweeted that Crane wants a mgr. named by end of next week.

Unless it is TD, it will be an awkward final few games.  Why not just wait until the end of the season like every other franchise would?

[roadrunner]

Unless it is TD, it will be an awkward final few games.  Why not just wait until the end of the season like every other franchise would?

Wouldn't you need to then wait until after the postseason?  I could be wrong.

[Reuben]

Wouldn't you need to then wait until after the postseason?  I could be wrong.

I feel like they allow announcements like that on off-days between playoff series, but then again it is Bud and it's the Astros so who knows.

[Fredia]

well said...when you say bud you say it all

[Mr. Happy]

Levine has tweeted that Crane wants a mgr. named by end of next week.

Then it is Tony D? I sure hope not.

[austro]

Unless it is TD, it will be an awkward final few games.  Why not just wait until the end of the season like every other franchise would?

Bud has (always? at least during the last few years) insisted no such announcements be made during the playoffs, lest they detract from the agonizing suspense of his myriad off days.

[OregonStrosFan]

Dude in the booth talking with JD and Brownie tonight noted that Biggio sat in on all of the managerial interviews.

[MusicMan]

Dude in the booth talking with JD and Brownie tonight noted that Biggio sat in on all of the managerial interviews.

You don't suppose Crane is familiar with how W picked his VP, do you?

[austro]

You don't suppose Crane is familiar with how W picked his VP, do you?

I thought Cheney got picked first and then figured out who would make the best front man.

[Bench]

Bud has (always? at least during the last few years) insisted no such announcements be made during the playoffs, lest they detract from the agonizing suspense of his myriad off days.

I thought that was only during the World Series.

[juliogotay]

You don't suppose Crane is familiar with how W picked his VP, do you?

I'm not. Would love to hear.

[MusicMan]

I'm not. Would love to hear.

Cheney was placed in charge of vetting the candidates for VP.  After his review of them, Bush compared the list to Cheney and chose him.

[juliogotay]

Cheney was placed in charge of vetting the candidates for VP.  After his review of them, Bush compared the list to Cheney and chose him.

OK, that's coming back to me now. Yes, Biggio seems to be making quite an impression on Luhnow. I'm pleased Luhnow reached out to him for this. It would not surprise me to see Biggio manage the team someday.

[Limey]

Cheney was placed in charge of vetting the candidates for VP.  After his review of them, Bush compared the list to Cheney and chose him.

I thought Cheney reviewed the candidates, said none were up to the job and then proposed himself.

[Bench]

I thought Cheney reviewed the candidates, said none were up to the job and then proposed himself.

Bush was the decider, or so I've heard.

[HudsonHawk]

Bush was the decider, or so I've heard.

Yes...yes he is

[Fredia]

so bush is our new management
wonder if he will let others sit in his seats

[Reuben]

Dude in the booth talking with JD and Brownie tonight noted that Biggio sat in on all of the managerial interviews.

Crane mentioned Enos Cabell being part of the interview panel too.

[austro]

Crane mentioned Enos Cabell being part of the interview panel too.

That's a hell of a lot better than Pam.

[Andyzipp]

Crane mentioned Enos Cabell being part of the interview panel too.

Does Cabell speak in anything other than cliches?

"Where should you hit em?"
"Excuse me?"
"Where should you hit em?
"I thought I was applying for the manager's job?!?"
"And I thought we were interviewing a baseball man.  You should hit em where they ain't.  Good day, sir."

[Bench]

Does Cabell speak in anything other than cliches?

"Where should you hit em?"
"Excuse me?"
"Where should you hit em?
"I thought I was applying for the manager's job?!?"
"And I thought we were interviewing a baseball man.  You should hit em where they ain't.  Good day, sir."

"Let's discuss a hypothetical in which you need to keep grinding.  Would you, sir, just keep grinding?"

[BlownRanger]

A Biggio hiring would be very similar to Luhnow's previous employers' hiring of Matheny.

[Texifornia]

"Let's discuss a hypothetical in which you need to keep grinding.  Would you, sir, just keep grinding?"

Say, hypothetically the Marketing department suggests playing 'em two or even three at a time, would you do so?

[NeilT]

Say, hypothetically the Marketing department suggests playing 'em two or even three at a time, would you do so?

"Tell me what you think of defense up the center?"

[MusicMan]

Does Cabell speak in anything other than cliches?

I can't wait until he snatches away Correa's guitar for singing "women get wooly... from all the stress..."

[Ebby Calvin]

I can't wait until he snatches away Correa's guitar for singing "women get wooly... from all the stress..."

Yeah, but Correa still has that Porsche 911 with a quadrophonic Blaupunkt.

[Reuben]

Yeah, but Correa still has that Porsche 911 with a quadrophonic Blaupunkt.

Y'all lost me.

[Ebby Calvin]

Y'all lost me.

Bull Durham bus scene.

[HudsonHawk]

Y'all lost me.

You cannot possibly be serious.

[Reuben]

You cannot possibly be serious.

That I don't have every line of that movie memorized? 'Fraid so.

[HudsonHawk]

That I don't have every line of that movie memorized? 'Fraid so.

That you didn't recognize one of the greatest baseball movie scenes of all time. 

[NeilT]

That you didn't recognize one of the greatest baseball movie scenes of all time. 

I recognized it immediately.  It's part of that speech Prince Hal gives in Henry V.

[Andyzipp]

That I don't have every line of that movie memorized? 'Fraid so.

You don't need a quadraphonic Blaupunkt.  You need a curve ball.  Or in your case, better long term memory.

[AtascAstro]

Interdasting*

*BudGirl advised not to open in public, perhaps later this evening with a glass of wine.

[Bench]

Interdasting*

*BudGirl advised not to open in public, perhaps later this evening with a glass of wine.

But sadly, per McTagTweet:  Brad Ausmus, in a text message to http://MLB.com, said he enjoyed speaking with Astros but is withdrawing name from consideration.

[NeilT]

But sadly, per McTagTweet:  Brad Ausmus, in a text message to http://MLB.com, said he enjoyed speaking with Astros but is withdrawing name from consideration.

He's probably worried about the whole stalking thing.

[homer]

But sadly, per McTagTweet:  Brad Ausmus, in a text message to http://MLB.com, said he enjoyed speaking with Astros but is withdrawing name from consideration.

Thanks BudGirl.

[Fredia]

hmm did that restraining order get revoked?

[94CougarGrad]

hmm did that restraining order get revoked?

She has competent representation.

[Bench]

@JoseCanseco I heard @Astros are looking for a manager. I have managed before with Yuma scorpions. That's a job

[Reuben]

I have been a delivery guy for a pizza place. That's a job, too.

[Jose Cruz III]

hmm did that restraining order get revoked?

Restraining order has never stopped love.

[juliogotay]

Seemingly, Tony D's stock is going up with the team playing .500 in September. That's tremendous progress from the abyss of the summer. FTIW, I don't think he'll get it.

[Nate in IA]

Brownie reported someone in Boston as saying the Astros were going to hire either Tim Bogar or Dave Martinez.

[Fredia]

bogie

[Ron Brand]

Brownie reported someone in Boston as saying the Astros were going to hire either Tim Bogar or Dave Martinez.

Either one of those guys ought to be good by 2014/15.

[Bench]

Brownie reported someone in Boston as saying the Astros were going to hire either Tim Bogar or Dave Martinez.

I've heard scuttlebutt that Bogar might be in line to replace Bobby V in Boston.

[Reuben]

I've heard scuttlebutt that Bogar might be in line to replace Bobby V in Boston.

I've heard those two guys, plus Ausmus and I think Porter, mentioned a lot in regards to Boston, Florida, etc. lately. Perhaps part of the motivation for firing Mills at such an odd time was Luhnow and co. felt they might have too much competition for the guys they wanted if they waited until the season was over.

[roadrunner]

Perhaps part of the motivation for firing Mills at such an odd time was Luhnow and co. felt they might have too much competition for the guys they wanted if they waited until the season was over.

Yep.  And they get a head start on moving forward instead of just letting Mills rot with the team.

[geezerdonk]

Looks like Ozzie might be available.
He would add some high entertainment value to a team that is not likely to have much.

[JimR]

Looks like Ozzie might be available.
He would add some high entertainment value to a team that is not likely to have much.

please God, no.

[Mr. Happy]

please God, no.

Come on, Coach! Where's your spunk? Nothing like an off-the-wall skipper to take the attention of the mediots and fans off of the field. 

[MusicMan]

Looks like Ozzie might be available.
He would add some high entertainment value to a team that is not likely to have much.

Donald Trump and Bill Maher are available, too.

[JimR]

Come on, Coach! Where's your spunk? Nothing like an off-the-wall skipper to take the attention of the mediots and fans off of the field. 

the games occur on the field. that is where everyone's attention should be focused.

[Ron Brand]

Ozzie and his outsized behavior is supposedly designed to take the heat off of his players by serving as a magnet for press attention. That Heath Bell blip in the legend notwithstanding, of course.

[Mr. Happy]

the games occur on the field. that is where everyone's attention should be focused.

Ahem, Coach. You need to recalibrate your sarc-meter. In my opinion, Ozzie Guillen is not what this team needs right now.

[Fredia]

is there enough room on this site to contain all that the team needs? (aka war and peace size)

[OregonStrosFan]

Ahem, Coach. You need to recalibrate your sarc-meter. In my opinion, Ozzie Guillen is not what this team needs right now.

This I ain't never seen... Mr. Happy having to tell someone else to check their sarc-meter...  Coach, I worry about you indeed... (unless of course you've been doing a little 'birthday week celebrating', in which case carry on!).

[remy]

Sorry if cabrera'ed:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8430173/houston-astros-name-washington-nationals-bo-porter-manager-source-says

[ValpoCory]

Regarding the Porter interview, he's a tough SOB.  Seems to be cut in the Doug Brocail mold:

"Nationals third-base coach Bo Porter walked near the Cubs' dugout and was yelling back at Quirk. Porter didn't give specifics on what was said between the two parties, but indicated he wouldn't back down from a boxing match. The benches and bullpens emptied.

 "When it comes to our players, I'm pretty passionate about it," Porter said. "Every time you start the game, there are two teams out there. When I was younger, I did Gold Glove boxing and my trainer would always tell me before the bell rings, 'Just in case you didn't know, when this bell rings, he is going to hit back.'"

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120906&content_id=38015826&vkey=news_was&c_id=was

He's also Johnson's 2nd in command and is also the outfield coach along with his 3rd base duties.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120913&content_id=38375360&notebook_id=38375362&vkey=notebook_was&c_id=was

Love that.

[Ron Brand]

I was at SXSW Interactive earlier this year and attended a bit on Internet comments. The consensus was that the industry wishes it hadn't been created, but doesn't know how to stuff it back into the bottle.

There's no defensible reason to keep this shit going.

[austro]

I was at SXSW Interactive earlier this year and attended a bit on Internet comments. The consensus was that the industry wishes it hadn't been created, but doesn't know how to stuff it back into the bottle.

There's no defensible reason to keep this shit going.

If you're not depressed yet, just remember that these people get to vote, too, and those votes will be based on the same sort of astute analysis.

[juliogotay]

I was at SXSW Interactive earlier this year and attended a bit on Internet comments. The consensus was that the industry wishes it hadn't been created, but doesn't know how to stuff it back into the bottle.

There's no defensible reason to keep this shit going.

Yes, this certainly brought the idiots out to show their ass. One comment, "he reminds me of Cooper."
Hmm. Why would that be?

[subnuclear]

Its a good sign that Nationals fans are sorry to see him go and feel bad for him that he has to coach the Astros.

[MusicMan]

Yes, this certainly brought the idiots out to show their ass. One comment, "he reminds me of Cooper."
Hmm. Why would that be?

Probably the same reason that calls him "another product of affirmative action."

Fuck those "people".

[NeilT]

Yes, this certainly brought the idiots out to show their ass. One comment, "he reminds me of Cooper."
Hmm. Why would that be?

He wears a baseball cap.

[Ebby Calvin]

But...but...Crane's racist!

[Ty in Tampa]

The consensus was that the industry wishes it hadn't been created, but doesn't know how to stuff it back into the bottle.

This really is horseshit. They can stuff it back in the bottle easily but are unwilling to take the revenue hit from loss of clicks. They would rather have a cesspool below every story they post than maintain any ethical standards.

[subnuclear]

This really is horseshit. They can stuff it back in the bottle easily but are unwilling to take the revenue hit from loss of clicks. They would rather have a cesspool below every story they post than maintain any ethical standards.

There are lots of sites on web where comments are informative and entertaining, but they require people to give a shit and develop a real audience of literate people rather than with click-whoring articles.

[roadrunner]

Sports On Earth comments are actually good.  So are MLBNation's. 

All local newspaper comments are embarrassing for the human race.

[Ron Brand]

This really is horseshit. They can stuff it back in the bottle easily but are unwilling to take the revenue hit from loss of clicks. They would rather have a cesspool below every story they post than maintain any ethical standards.

Yes and no. By 'industry' I mean the clowns who thought this shit up and then birthed it for every starved entity to slap it up and then watch as their feeble revenue stream turned into an incubator for hate and stupidity. The dimwits who implement it can surely turn it off but they can't do without the spare change it generates, despite requiring one or two flunkies to 'police' it instead of doing something else.

Hell, just look at the Chron's redone web site. It's 75% "Entertainment" bullshit splashed all over the front page, like the syphilitic jizz from their commenters in some kind of web bukkake.

[Ty in Tampa]

Yes and no. By 'industry' I mean the clowns who thought this shit up and then birthed it for every starved entity to slap it up and then watch as their feeble revenue stream turned into an incubator for hate and stupidity. The dimwits who implement it can surely turn it off but they can't do without the spare change it generates, despite requiring one or two flunkies to 'police' it instead of doing something else.

Hell, just look at the Chron's redone web site. It's 75% "Entertainment" bullshit splashed all over the front page, like the syphilitic jizz from their commenters in some kind of web bukkake.

Yes, I'm referring to the old-school newspapers who are watching their entire industry shrivel around them as they gasp for air. Not that they were any bastion of ethics prior to their rapid decline but now it seems anything goes and giving voice to these idiots is their worst offense. It's doing real damage to just about every subject they bring up.

[Ty in Tampa]

Hell, just look at the Chron's redone web site. It's 75% "Entertainment" bullshit splashed all over the front page, like the syphilitic jizz from their commenters in some kind of web bukkake.

And I'm not going to let this fine specimen of hate go by without a "Bravo!"

[jbm]

And I'm not going to let this fine specimen of hate go by without a "Bravo!"

It was well done.

[Bench]

Via Berman:  On the hiring of Bo Porter as Astros manager GM Jeff Luhnow: "Bo has the knowledge. I said I wasn't going to do it, but Bo knows baseball."

Classic Luhnow! 

[ValpoCory]

I was at SXSW Interactive earlier this year and attended a bit on Internet comments. The consensus was that the industry wishes it hadn't been created, but doesn't know how to stuff it back into the bottle.

There's no defensible reason to keep this shit going.

I'm surprised they got 1000 voters in an Ultimate Astros poll in a couple hours on a Thursday morning.

[Mr. Happy]

Go Bo Porter! Welcome!

[geezerdonk]

I hope he comes complete with a factory installed giant case of the red ass.

[JackAstro]

I, for one, support the idea of the Astros having a manager. This is a good move.

[Bench]

I, for one, support the idea of the Astros having a manager. This is a good move.

I thought there was no need for a manager in the AL.

[moriartp]

I thought there was no need for a manager in the AL.

Well shit, they could've just kept Coop this whole time and saved themselves the trouble.

[MusicMan]

Well shit, they could've just kept Coop this whole time and saved themselves the trouble.

I guarantee, that will not happen again.

[Navin R Johnson]

Q&A with Bo from a couple months ago.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/qa-bo-porter-future-big-league-manager/

[Navin R Johnson]

Rather peculiar time to hire Bo.  Probably just a coincidence that it coincided with the Astros playing their last NL home game, and that the remaining 3's of media people paying attention to the Astros are talking about the hire and not the NL/AL thing....

[juliogotay]

Rather peculiar time to hire Bo.  Probably just a coincidence that it coincided with the Astros playing their last NL home game, and that the remaining 3's of media people paying attention to the Astros are talking about the hire and not the NL/AL thing....

Suppossedly they were worried about the Marlins and maybe others going after him when the season ended.

[roadrunner]

Suppossedly they were worried about the Marlins and maybe others going after him when the season ended.

Stop with your logical reasoning.  Obviously all of this was to blame Brad Mills for the state of the team and to cover up he move to the AL.

[ValpoCory]

Probably the same reason that calls him "another product of affirmative action."

Fuck those "people".

I'm surprised someone hasn't said, "Jim Crane has said he wants to be like the Rangers, so hiring an energetic African American 3rd base coach as your manager should not come as a surprise".

Idiots.

[OregonStrosFan]

I'm surprised someone hasn't said, "Jim Crane has said he wants to be like the Rangers, so hiring an energetic African American 3rd base coach as your manager should not come as a surprise".

Idiots.

There is a Twitter feed called ChronCommenters (or comments, I forget) that will post some of the really stupid stuff said in the comments here and again. Pretty funny (and sad).

[moriartp]

From a Q&A about Porter over at the Crawfish Boxes: "[Porter's outfield drills] had outfielders running for line drives, gappers, with a football tucked under their arms so that they weren't flailing about and kept their form as they ran balls down."

Should've hired him when Thunderpants was around.

[astrosfan76]

Let the flame wars begin:

Richard Justice ‏@richardjustice

Did an idiot at the @houstonchron really write that Brad Mills lacked intensity? Way to make a fool out of yourself, Mr. Harvey.

Richard Justice ‏@richardjustice

Yeah, Brad Mills was holding the Astros back. Let's make it about him. He was holding all that talent down. Pigs fly, squirrels talk, etc.

Pretty bad when you get called out by Justice.

[roadrunner]

Interesting.  Riggleman was offered the interim gig and a spot on next year's staff.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/jim-riggleman-spends-no-time-wondering-what-might-have-been/2012/10/04/ecfa75a4-0e61-11e2-bd1a-b868e65d57eb_story.html

[BlownRanger]

From a Q&A about Porter over at the Crawfish Boxes: "[Porter's outfield drills] had outfielders running for line drives, gappers, with a football tucked under their arms so that they weren't flailing about and kept their form as they ran balls down."

Should've hired him when Thunderpants was around.

Slightly off-topic, but I've always wondered why outfielders seem to think it's against the rules to actually sprint if a ball gets by them and they have to turn around and chase it.  A sprightly jog is all that's required.

[juliogotay]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/04/might-the-red-sox-make-brad-ausmus-their-next-manager/

[Bench]

Interesting.  Riggleman was offered the interim gig and a spot on next year's staff.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/jim-riggleman-spends-no-time-wondering-what-might-have-been/2012/10/04/ecfa75a4-0e61-11e2-bd1a-b868e65d57eb_story.html

Wow.  Thanks for the link.  This deserves a block quote:

After the Houston Astros fired Brad Mills on Aug. 19, they made Riggleman an offer: Manage on an interim basis for the remainder of the season, then return in 2013 as a coach.

Riggleman turned it down. Rather the manage in the majors again, he stayed at Pensacola. Really, Houston would have been in the same situation he walked away from with the Nationals: managing without a certain future beyond the end of the season.

“If I was going to be a candidate to manage, I would have done that,” Riggleman said. “I was flattered they wanted me on the staff. The Reds have been great to me. For me to leave my club and then come back to the Reds as a manger, I didn’t want to do that. At this time, coaching in the big leagues didn’t appeal to me.”

[Don]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/04/might-the-red-sox-make-brad-ausmus-their-next-manager/

Ausmus will be interviewed in Boston.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/10/brad_ausmus_to.html?sudsredirect=true

[Taras Bulba]

Ausmus will be interviewed in Boston.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/10/brad_ausmus_to.html?sudsredirect=true

Ausmus needs to go back and read, "Heart of Darkness" again.

[Bench]

Ausmus will be interviewed in Boston.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/10/brad_ausmus_to.html?sudsredirect=true

Great surfing in Provincetown. 

[Limey]

Great surfing in Provincetown. 

Beanie don't surf.

[OregonStrosFan]

For anyone thinking HOU would be a crappy place to manage, there are certainly worse...  Ozzie fired by Fish

[juliogotay]

It's not all that often that a mgr. gets canned after one year. Before Ozzie I can't think of another fired after one year since...oh, yea. Bobby V. I guess if you're a flamboyant, polarizing figure you better win quick and often.

[MusicMan]

For anyone thinking HOU would be a crappy place to manage, there are certainly worse...  Ozzie fired by Fish

He was a dead man walking as soon as he made the Castro comments.

[juliogotay]

He was a dead man walking as soon as he made the Castro comments.

I bet he'd still be employed if he had won.

[Mr. Happy]

I bet he'd still be employed if he had won.

I wouldn't bet against you. Loria is well known for firing good managers though. He fired Girardi and Fredi Gonzalez. Guillen has a ring but only got one year, albeit with a heavy payroll.

[MusicMan]

It's not all that often that a mgr. gets canned after one year. Before Ozzie I can't think of another fired after one year since...oh, yea. Bobby V. I guess if you're a flamboyant, polarizing figure you better win quick and often.

Bobby V: Still an asshole

[Gizzmonic]

Bobby V: Still an asshole

Of course he sidelined himself!  He's a DH!  It's what they do!