Earlier today, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that the job of Pirates GM Neal Huntington isn't completely secure. Manager Clint Hurdle appears to have won over upper management, however. Here are some more notes from the NL Central as Chris Carpenter returns to action against the Cubs…
- Brad Ausmus told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart (via Twitter) that he enjoyed meeting with the Astros but has withdrawn his name from consideration for their managerial job. The former catcher may also be a candidate for the Marlins if they move on from Ozzie Guillen.
- The Astros interviewed former MLB catcher Brad Ausmus for their managerial opening, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). Ausmus, who played 18 seasons with the Astros, Padres, Tigers and Dodgers, is now a special assistant with the Padres.
- Several National League executives have been predicting for weeks that Ausmus is the favorite for the job in Houston, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports (on Twitter). Nick Cafardo reported yesterday that Rays bench coach Dave Martinez and Red Sox bench coach Tim Bogar are frontrunners for the position. Interim manager Tony DeFrancesco and Nationals third base coach Bo Porter are also candidates.
- The Reds are a better team this year than they were in 2010, when they last appeared in the postseason, Rosenthal writes.
Thanks Ken!
I didn’t realize that a team with a .607 winning % was better than a .562 winning %.
Ausmus is a really smart baseball guy with the kind of deep game knowledge that successful catchers must have, and he was a great one. The Astros could do far worse than Ausmus. The only real question is whether Ausmus could do better than the Astros.
Would be a good opportunity to manage in a low pressure situation and grow. Better than managing in the minor leagues.
In addition, if he helps turn that franchise around, he’ll be revered.
Seems the second part of my question applies.
There it is! Brad Ausmus’ name in the managerial rumor mill! It’s officially on!
…and there went the managerial excitement…
Ausmus made it very clear when he retired that he did want to manage one day but not until his children were grown and out of the house. Based on the “personal reasons” he just cited to the Houston Chronicle, sounds like he’s sticking to that. Just hire some guy for the next 2-4 years and then let him go when Ausmus is ready.
The Reds have already matched their win total from 2010 this year. His point kind of goes without saying, doesn’t it? I will say this, while the Reds were good going into the season, I didn’t see their starting pitching being anything like this. They’ve yet to have a starter miss a schedule start, and their all having good seasons except for Leake, who is very solid for a five spot.