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Astros Hire Dusty Baker

By Jeff Todd | January 29, 2020 at 5:34pm CDT

5:34pm: The Astros formally announced that they’ve hired Baker as their new skipper.

4:08pm: Baker’s contract is actually a one-year deal with a club option for the 2021 season, per Nightengale and Rosenthal (Twitter links).

3:15pm: The Astros have found their replacement for recently fired manager A.J. Hinch, having reached an agreement on a “short-term” deal with veteran skipper Dusty Baker, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter link). It’s a two-year pact, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweets. Nightengale reported yesterday that Baker was the team’s choice, and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman added that a deal would be finalized today.

Dusty Baker | Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

When Baker formally puts his signature on a contract, it’ll set the stage for a fascinating season in Houston. The Astros are loaded with talent but face no shortage of organizational adversity in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal that resulted in the firing of prior manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow. The club has yet to hire a new baseball operations leader.

Baker, who commands a presence as large as anyone else in the game, certainly comes with an old-school vibe that runs counter to the analytically driven organizational culture that had predominated in Houston. But the job of this skipper will be to help guide the team through a difficult stretch; Baker is generally beloved in clubhouses and charming with the press. And his different cultural mooring may well be an asset in this case.

It’s also rather unfair to dismiss Baker as a present-day manager. True, he has not yet taken a team to the promised land in his 22 seasons as a manager. He ultimately became a bit of a symbol for certain outdated thinking about the game, particularly regarding the management of pitchers. But Baker has expressed an openness to evolving and certainly didn’t stop his most recent team from posting a whole lot of wins.

Baker’s 2016-17 stint with the Nationals provides quite the secondary dramatic undergirding for the coming season. His D.C. charges posted 95 and 97 win seasons, claiming consecutive NL East titles. But the team lost a pair of heartbreaking postseason series and Baker was somewhat surprisingly not offered a new contract after the end of the year.

It seemed Baker, now 70 years of age, had missed out on his final shot at a World Series. Now, he’ll have another. And he’ll do so with the team that just lost a barn-burning Game 7 to those very same Nats, who finally donned an elusive crown. Those two teams share a Spring Training facility that’s sure to draw flocks of press (and provide quite the boon to the West Palm Beach Marriott). And they’re also slated to square off in a series in D.C. over July 4th weekend.

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326 comments
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Comments

  1. charles stevens

    12 months ago

    Yikes

    14 Like
    Reply
    • greenguy

      12 months ago

      Wow ! Was Ozzie guillen runner up?:)

      9 Like
      Reply
      • looiebelongsinthehall

        12 months ago

        I actually wanted him in Boston. After the cheating, it’s a great short term PR move given his status in the league. He gets his teams to the playoffs.

        4 Like
        Reply
        • RunDMCRunDMC

          12 months ago

          An empty managers seat could get this team to the playoffs…they want to win a title considering they’ve been and/or won 2 of the last 3 WS.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • dynasty in boston

          12 months ago

          And once there, promptly exits.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • spinach

          12 months ago

          Yea there are so many givens in a baseball season.

          Like
          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          12 months ago

          but he gets them there consistently which is more than you can say about many others. what about also blaming the players?

          2 Like
          Reply
        • realsox

          12 months ago

          Now that they’ve lost their rule-breaking advantage, it will be interesting to see if Houston players will be able to perform at the same high levels as in the recent past.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • vtncsc

          12 months ago

          Can they do it with all eyes on them cheating?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Dan

          12 months ago

          looie, that’s my take as well. An organization as analytical as Houston hiring an old-school guy like Baker is all about sending a message to the league, that they’re taking their foot off the gas, that they’re no longer prioritizing winning above everything, including ethics. Of course Baker doesn’t fit in with their organizational philosophy at all — but that’s the point. It’s a humility move.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Rondon

          12 months ago

          I don’t know. He’s always been known as a player’s manager. I think right now they need a manager who holds those players accountable. Hell, they already got off scot free. They need more coddling?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • los olney boys

          12 months ago

          The report says they didn’t cheat in 2019. It stopped at some point in 2018. Anything said that doesn’t align with that is pure conjecture.

          Like
          Reply
        • thetruth

          12 months ago

          No it would be horrible.

          Like
          Reply
        • stros1fan

          12 months ago

          There is zero evidence of cheating in 2019 and they had their best offensive season, won the AL pennant and came within 8 outs of a World Series title.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • sevans36

          12 months ago

          Just because they can’t prove cheating in 2019 doesn’t mean they didn’t cheat. Google Robinson chirinos and buzzer in 2019 World Series. Pretty suspicious.

          Like
          Reply
      • BringBackOzzie

        12 months ago

        Well I’m not really sure what you mean by that comment. But honestly, I just can’t understand how Dusty F’n Baker is still being considered for managerial positions, while Ozzie is sitting at home.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • adrian

          12 months ago

          Dude said he loves Fidel Castro….

          1 Like
          Reply
      • titanic struggle

        12 months ago

        Second comment and I’m already LMAO!!

        1 Like
        Reply
      • AllRiseForTheJudge

        12 months ago

        What ever actually happened to Ozzie?

        Like
        Reply
        • adrian

          12 months ago

          He was fired because of his comments about Fidel Castro.

          2 Like
          Reply
    • mistry gm

      12 months ago

      Well that eliminates Houston.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • AtlSoxFan

      12 months ago

      Finally the Houston players will get some punishment for the cheating…

      3 Like
      Reply
    • crazywarrior

      12 months ago

      There’s only two chants we need to hear ALL YEAR, from EVERY ballpark AND that’s:

      ASTROS CHEATED
      RED SOX CHEATED

      Let’s go Giants…. In a few years ;-)
      Also, forever love for Dusty!

      2 Like
      Reply
      • MrAngelFan

        12 months ago

        If you don’t want to win the World Series, Dusty is your guy.

        3 Like
        Reply
        • southbeachbully

          12 months ago

          @MrAngelFan

          I find it hard to blame Dusty for not winning a WS. At what point do we blame the players for coming up short?

          2 Like
          Reply
      • DrDan75

        12 months ago

        So what’s the chant when the Astros visit Fenway?

        1 Like
        Reply
        • live42day

          12 months ago

          Dr Dan- In Fenway they can chant, “I know you are but what am I”?

          Like
          Reply
  2. GothamNeedsMe

    12 months ago

    Ohhhhh boy

    2 Like
    Reply
  3. PapiElf

    12 months ago

    Will he bring his toothpick?

    6 Like
    Reply
    • Joel

      12 months ago

      No. However his contract option/buyout is a lifetime supply of premium toothpicks.

      4 Like
      Reply
      • brandon218048

        12 months ago

        He’s only getting premium toothpicks no money in the deal. Heard it’s a 20yr deal as well.

        Like
        Reply
    • wjf010

      12 months ago

      Toothpick on the left side – fastball; right side – curve.

      32 Like
      Reply
      • Joel

        12 months ago

        The best

        1 Like
        Reply
      • Eatdust666

        12 months ago

        LMAO

        Like
        Reply
      • Marc (Phillies Phan)

        12 months ago

        wjf010 – comment of the offseason. Thank you for making me almost spit out my drink

        Like
        Reply
      • Stratocaster

        12 months ago

        Now that’s funny. Thank you for that.

        Like
        Reply
      • titanic struggle

        12 months ago

        Ohhhh…INSTANT CLASSIC!!

        Like
        Reply
  4. VonPurpleHayes

    12 months ago

    Tough job here. You got a World Series capable team, but you’re essential joining public-enemy number one right now.

    The boo birds are going to be unreal this season and the Astros did a horrendous job with the PR during their fan-fest.

    16 Like
    Reply
    • BAINES03

      12 months ago

      Well… he did manage Bonds.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • johnrealtime

        12 months ago

        And Sammy

        1 Like
        Reply
      • Dodgethis

        12 months ago

        Barry bonds wasn’t booed. Everyone loved to see him play. Sorry if facts hurt.

        8 Like
        Reply
        • mistry gm

          12 months ago

          the CHEATING hurt

          Like
          Reply
        • Mick1956

          12 months ago

          Everyone loved to see him play? Don’t think so. Maybe everyone wanted to see the freak show that ended up being Barry, kind of like watching Mike Tyson go off on a reporter for asking a benign question? Maybe everyone in SF?

          BTW, hope he never, ever gets into the hall. He, Clemens, A-Rod, etc. Ban ‘em folks!

          2 Like
          Reply
        • jmcossio87

          12 months ago

          Lol. No. he was booed. Really really loud. I know. I was there.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • Koamalu

          12 months ago

          Bonds was booed on the road. There were hundreds of syringe posters and B*nds posters every road game.

          Like
          Reply
        • DrDan75

          12 months ago

          I remember that time when Clemens broke Mike Piazza’s bat and then got PO’d when the barrel flew towards the mound in his general direction.

          I remember thinking… now there’s some “roid rage.”

          1 Like
          Reply
      • mistry gm

        12 months ago

        another cheater.

        Like
        Reply
  5. keysox

    12 months ago

    Wow like to know the thought process

    1 Like
    Reply
  6. bigbadjohnny

    12 months ago

    He will bring DISCIPLINE in that Astros clubhouse !

    Like
    Reply
    • believeitornot

      12 months ago

      But he sucks in October.

      Like
      Reply
  7. layercake

    12 months ago

    Verlander is already on the IL with elbow strain

    11 Like
    Reply
    • ncaachampillini

      12 months ago

      Don’t worry Dusty knows a great towel drill to help pitchers coming off injuries. Totally helped in restoring Prior and Wood to full health back in the day. Oh wait…

      6 Like
      Reply
  8. bigbadjohnny

    12 months ago

    This was my pick…..look up my old comments with the Astros !

    Like
    Reply
    • ChiSox_Fan

      12 months ago

      Who cares?!

      11 Like
      Reply
    • nowheredan

      12 months ago

      No one is going to fo that. No one.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • crazywarrior

        12 months ago

        Lol

        Like
        Reply
    • seth3120

      12 months ago

      I for one am seriously happy for you. I try to pump up my kids confidence after a good report card or even grade on a test and you deserve nothing less. Your so smart I’m so proud of you

      5 Like
      Reply
      • mac1brad

        12 months ago

        Love when I read “your so smart” LMAO

        4 Like
        Reply
        • live42day

          12 months ago

          “Your so smart”
          That line does make the person seem like a genius doesn’t it mac1brad?
          Lmao

          Like
          Reply
    • Misterants

      12 months ago

      Wow you picked the correct one out of the 6 guys available?? Superlotto here you come!!!

      Like
      Reply
    • VegasSDfan

      12 months ago

      Omg you are a genius. You should be given an award, the MLB best guess for the Astros manager award.

      1 Like
      Reply
  9. Frisco500

    12 months ago

    Good to see ole Dusty back in the game.

    5 Like
    Reply
    • thelegendofmike

      12 months ago

      Is it though?

      4 Like
      Reply
    • cubfanforever

      12 months ago

      Ole Dusty is why he shouldn’t be back in the game.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Rallyshirt

        12 months ago

        You mean Dus tay, Dus tay Bay kah?

        Like
        Reply
  10. baseballpun

    12 months ago

    Is Dusty rusty? He’s old and crusty. A little musty. But Stros can’t be fussy. The winds of controversy are gusty. He’ll be fine so long as he doesn’t get lusty for a busty hussy.

    6 Like
    Reply
    • cubfanforever

      12 months ago

      Baseball pun, as a man who can rhyme anything, that warmed my heart. Nicely done.

      Like
      Reply
    • Dotnet22

      12 months ago

      A for effort.

      Like
      Reply
    • BKS1110

      12 months ago

      Huge missed opportunity to work a “trusty” in there.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • baseballpun

        12 months ago

        dammit

        Like
        Reply
    • Unicorndog

      12 months ago

      Thanks Pun, that was fun, gotta dash…

      Like
      Reply
    • believeitornot

      12 months ago

      You’re a poet.

      Like
      Reply
  11. anthonyd4412

    12 months ago

    Yikes. One and out in the playoffs followed by a truckload of excuses by Baker.

    9 Like
    Reply
    • VegasSDfan

      12 months ago

      I wish he was with the Dodgers

      Like
      Reply
    • solaris602

      12 months ago

      Yeah, Baker is literally the Marty Schottenheimer of baseball. He’ll get you to the playoffs most of the time, but you get bounced each and every time.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • zauberman12

        12 months ago

        The Dan Fouts of managers and now 70-years-old. This is a kneel down mea culpa.

        Like
        Reply
  12. jbigz12

    12 months ago

    Buzz’s girlfriend.

    Woof.

    6 Like
    Reply
  13. stretch123

    12 months ago

    Solid choice in my opinion. Well respected and an old school approach which is a huge contrast from the cheaters.

    3 Like
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      12 months ago

      Agreed. Baker is a solid, old-school baseball guy. He won’t fix this PR disaster, but someone like him was really the best possible choice to try and steer things in a positive direction. It won’t work of course, but it’s the right move.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • dejota

        12 months ago

        “It won’t work of course, but it’s the right move” made me lol

        3 Like
        Reply
    • jimthegoat

      12 months ago

      But WHY is he well respected? What has he done to deserve that?

      4 Like
      Reply
      • baseballpun

        12 months ago

        Taken 4 different teams to the playoffs.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • jimthegoat

          12 months ago

          Lmao I could have managed those 4 teams to the playoffs.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • dabigd

          12 months ago

          show me jimmythegoat

          1 Like
          Reply
        • vtadave

          12 months ago

          highly…doubtful

          1 Like
          Reply
        • dabigd

          12 months ago

          show me jimthegoat. Give me a call when you get that 4th team to the playoffs. Then I will believe you.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • stros1fan

          12 months ago

          That Reds team that haven’t been back to the playoffs since he left and had a sizable drought before he got there was a team you could’ve managed to the playoffs?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • darmstrong92

          12 months ago

          People act like managing an MLB team is the easiest thing ever, yet never agree with or understand the things that even the best MLB managers do.
          There’s a lot more to managing several dozen men playing 162 games a year plus ST and potentially the playoffs (not to mention spending half of that time on the road in hotels) than righty lefty pitching matchups.

          Like
          Reply
      • adachi

        12 months ago

        Because he treated all his players with utmost respect and motivated his players to play hard for him every night. He has his faults, but his results speak for themselves.

        3 Like
        Reply
  14. the mike carter

    12 months ago

    Who’s the next pitcher he ruins with his evisceration of arms?

    8 Like
    Reply
    • anthonyd4412

      12 months ago

      I think I just heard Mark Prior groan

      1 Like
      Reply
    • agentx

      12 months ago

      Who would you say was the last, or are you just going with the old “glass-armed Mark Prior was ruined by Dusty” trope?

      Like
      Reply
    • adachi

      12 months ago

      Which Reds’/Nationals’ pitcher did he ruin?

      Like
      Reply
      • willymayshayse

        12 months ago

        Aaron Harang.

        Like
        Reply
    • dabigd

      12 months ago

      I am thinking Mike Carter will be the next person ruined by satchel Paige, I mean Dusty Baker.

      Like
      Reply
  15. lordd99

    12 months ago

    Good for Dusty. The players will respect him. Known as a good clubhouse manager. The Astros have the talent. Think of him similar to when the Yankees hired Joe Torre. He doesn’t need to be deep in analytics. Let his bench coach handle that.

    4 Like
    Reply
    • bobtillman

      12 months ago

      Good idea. Alex Cora is available.

      7 Like
      Reply
  16. Brandon Sans

    12 months ago

    Great move. Baker brings integrity, credibility, experience, and respect to Houston. All things they need at the moment.

    Yes, he’s not a good postseason manager, but its clear Crane’s more interested in rehabilitating the Astros image and brand.

    Baker has experience with the media and can handle the timing of the hire with the relationships to assemble a decent staff on short notice.

    An in-house hire doesn’t work as a clear separation nor does putting a first-year manager in the current situation as well as having said manager to build a staff for the first time.

    It’s a strong first step on the road to forgiveness. At the least, he won’t mess up a good team’s ability to make the postseason, but don’t expect anything more than calming the waters and the ALDS.

    8 Like
    Reply
    • dejota

      12 months ago

      Crane is only interested in appearances. His companies have been accused of defrauding the government and racist hiring/firing practices. He’s full of it..

      3 Like
      Reply
      • Koamalu

        12 months ago

        That accusation against Eagle Global Logistics was in 2000.. The EEOC never proved their case or even held a trial. Crane originally settled for $8.5 million which was knocked down to $2.5 million because all but a handful of claims were found to not be worthy by the courts in the end. He said at the time he only agreed to a settlement to stop the interminable attorney’s fees that had reached more than $2 million by that point. Crane won the related civil lawsuit against him by former employees.

        In 2008 one of his employees was caught taking kickbacks on government contracts and the company was fined, but he was so far removed from Crane that putting any responsibilities for his actions on Crane is laughable.

        1 Like
        Reply
    • puigpower

      12 months ago

      “Road to forgiveness” cannot be achieved without an apology.

      1 Like
      Reply
  17. dray16

    12 months ago

    Weren’t they punished enough?

    10 Like
    Reply
    • bballblk

      12 months ago

      Guess not

      Like
      Reply
    • fox471

      12 months ago

      You are kidding right?

      2 Like
      Reply
    • live42day

      12 months ago

      Punished enough? You are kidding. It’s so hard to tell. Players have got to be accountable. As many as 3 players of other teams have stated in interviews that this type of sign stealing cheating is worth than steroids. They knew what pitch was coming and that makes it a lot easier to hit than just taking steroids.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • dray16

        12 months ago

        Why would i kid? The players made a deal to come forward with what they know, in turn MLB said they will not be punished. It was the only way to get to the bottom of it and end this. It’s not too hard to figure out, and yes it was a very harsh punishment, fml

        2 Like
        Reply
      • Koamalu

        12 months ago

        LMFAO. Its not close to as bad as steroids. Steroids are every pitch, all game, every game. Sign stealing is at home and only on the pitches they can actually decipher what the signs are. Only one I can find said that anyway.

        ALL teams steal signs. The system that the Astros used was brought to them from the Yankees by Carlos Beltran. MLB said the system had been in use for the Yankees since 2015. The Red Sox were also caught using a similar system in 2017. MLB mentions 8 other teams that used a similar system in 2017, but MLB had no evidence they used it after the Sept 15, 2017 memo.

        Like
        Reply
        • Mo4ever

          12 months ago

          “ALL teams steal signs.”

          All teams do NOT steal signs with technology. PROVE IT or shut up.

          “The system that the Astros used was brought to them from the Yankees by Carlos Beltran.”

          TOTAL FABRICATION. PROVE IT or shut up.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • takeitback

          12 months ago

          You honestly can’t be this naive.

          The same article that started this whole mess referenced Beltran. The MLB investigation proved he was involved, but yet you need more proof. Haha

          Keep your head in the sand.

          Like
          Reply
  18. titanic struggle

    12 months ago

    Hahahaa!!! They’re done…stick a fork in the ‘Stros…

    5 Like
    Reply
    • tim4

      12 months ago

      No, a toothpick!

      2 Like
      Reply
      • titanic struggle

        12 months ago

        Haha!

        Like
        Reply
  19. DarkSide830

    12 months ago

    this should be interesting…

    Like
    Reply
  20. arc89

    12 months ago

    Going to be tough to manage the most hated team in sports. Watch the Houston press will blame Baker when their players fail to hit with no help.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • coupofthecentury

      12 months ago

      They had the best hitting in MLB history in 2019 w/o electronic help.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Vizionaire

        12 months ago

        how do you know they did not cheat after ’17?

        4 Like
        Reply
        • newtzb0ss

          12 months ago

          The team admitted to the commissioner using the camera in early 2018, but soon stopped after it really wasnt helping anymore. in 2019 there was nothing left over from the Alex Cora mess

          1 Like
          Reply
        • coupofthecentury

          12 months ago

          @vizionaire No proof from the commish office. you can’t crush them based on the evidence in 17′ then use that same evidence that exonerated them in 19′ to claim they cheated.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Mick1956

          12 months ago

          Why can’t anyone say they cheated in ‘19? Astros fans say everyone else cheated without any proof. Goes both ways.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Koamalu

          12 months ago

          How do you know they did? There are no live feeds in ballparks at all anymore so there is no way to cheat like they did in 2017. Maybe just that fact should be enough to tell you that they didn’t in 2019. Some people.

          Like
          Reply
        • Mo4ever

          12 months ago

          Koamalu

          “There are no live feeds in ballparks at all anymore so there is no way to cheat like they did in 2017. Maybe just that fact should be enough to tell you that they didn’t in 2019.”

          So how did the Sox cheat in 2018? Duh.

          Like
          Reply
      • fox471

        12 months ago

        Who said it was without help?

        Like
        Reply
      • mistry gm

        12 months ago

        EXCUSE me? w/o cheating?

        Like
        Reply
    • jjd002

      12 months ago

      Except the cameras weren’t used last year. The important thing is you tried….

      1 Like
      Reply
      • CriminalMethod

        12 months ago

        What’s the reason for them to stop cheating when it was working? Sudden sense of morality?

        1 Like
        Reply
        • stros1fan

          12 months ago

          Was it working? The Astros 2017 regular season home/road splits would say it didn’t help. The small sample size of the playoffs was more favorable for home games than road games for the Astros, but the Yankees had even better home splits in the 2017 playoffs.

          Like
          Reply
  21. thelegendofmike

    12 months ago

    Will Dusty finally win a World Series ring as coach?

    2 Like
    Reply
    • mistry gm

      12 months ago

      no

      3 Like
      Reply
    • Eatdust666

      12 months ago

      No

      Like
      Reply
  22. 24TheKid

    12 months ago

    I want to see Dusty win, but I also want the Astros to suffer.

    2 Like
    Reply
  23. AndreTheGiantKiller

    12 months ago

    the punishment continues

    5 Like
    Reply
  24. Eddie Nice Guy

    12 months ago

    Good to hear and well-deserved. If they lose, the white boy stat line bandwagon can say they were right all along, and if the Astros win, the critics will forget their criticisms as quickly as they’ve forgotten everything else.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • jbigz12

      12 months ago

      “White boy stat line bandwagon”

      Haven’t heard of that one.

      3 Like
      Reply
  25. bballblk

    12 months ago

    Well, there goes the Astros’ dynasty. Good thing Gerrit Cole already got out of HOU.

    1 Like
    Reply
  26. bobtillman

    12 months ago

    Like most managers, Dusty’s rather “meh”. But it’s great from a PR point of view, something that can’t be ignored given the Astros’ situation. Pretty much the perfect choice.

    1 Like
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  27. Cubfan Mike

    12 months ago

    How’s this guy keep getting jobs. He has had some of the best teams and somehow can’t win a best of 7 series. Easy to win slot of games with the talent he has had. But when he has to manage he fails. Astros out 1st round of playoffs

    4 Like
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  28. tigerdoc616

    12 months ago

    An appropriate additional punishment for a cheating team.

    5 Like
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    • paindonthurt

      12 months ago

      Yeah maybe MLB is forcing them to hire his ole’ ass.

      1 Like
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  29. madmanTX

    12 months ago

    Guess he needs to supplement his social security somehow. No reverse mortgage, huh?

    Like
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    • vtadave

      12 months ago

      Yeah his net worth is estimated at $20 million, but I’m sure that’s it.

      Like
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  30. dejota

    12 months ago

    No! Please God no!

    2 Like
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  31. lonestardodger

    12 months ago

    I expected Showalter, but I’m not terribly surprised.

    Like
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    • FourTfour

      12 months ago

      You pretty much got him.

      Like
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  32. melj

    12 months ago

    Truly a mistake if Baker is hired.

    3 Like
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  33. The_Porcupine

    12 months ago

    I’m conflicted on this hire. Given the cheating scandal, hiring dusty is a good choice. Brings respect and integrity while also knowing how massage egos. However, he is a horrible choice to manage a world series contending team. Especially his track record of ruining the arms of his pitching staff. And the Astros pitching arguably went from it’s biggest strength to its biggest weakness this off season. So much negative momentum for this team, I am sadly doubting they make the postseason.

    2 Like
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    • Casor_Greener

      12 months ago

      Please elaborate on his track record of ruining arms. what manager hasn’t had a few ruined arms. That’s part of baseball

      2 Like
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  34. LarryR

    12 months ago

    Highly over rated

    3 Like
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    • lordd99

      12 months ago

      Seemingly not by people here. Just the opposite.

      3 Like
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  35. maximumvelocity

    12 months ago

    Good hire. Adds discipline and will quickly gain respect in clubhouse. Needs no on-the-job training, which is terrible idea for scandal-ridden team full of vets.

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  36. tim4

    12 months ago

    That’ll teach them not to cheat!

    5 Like
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  37. aggie99

    12 months ago

    Hahahaha… your Yankee insecurities come flooding out of your rat infested sewer hole of a yapper, like the streets of Manhattan.

    The Astros fans don’t deny there was sign stealing… just that nearly every other team was doing something similar. The Astros are still the Yankees daddy… and us Houstonians will be stay classy, while beating your team’s ass once again the the playoffs…

    2 Like
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    • TJECK109

      12 months ago

      This is lame, as lame as Kuechel so called apology. Claiming nearly every other team was doing something similar is ridiculous. Any ownership you take of the situation is downplayed by saying others do it.

      2 Like
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    • seth3120

      12 months ago

      I don’t see it as wide spread as you do I think that’s a cop out. In a scheme like this so many people are aware and know its crossing a line that many other instances would come to light. Not a coincidence that the one other as of late was the Red Sox when they hired Cora who was a big part of the Astros scheme. I won’t say it can only be those two teams nobody can say that. But it wasn’t ok and to say that everyone else is doing it is a cop out in my opinion. Even Kuechels apology was half hearted. He points out six of eight teams using multiple signs with runners on base. Maybe they did that because they were suspicious of sign stealing not necessarily doing it themselves.

      2 Like
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    • mistry gm

      12 months ago

      No longer. I’m not a yankees fan but Houston is over with.

      1 Like
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  38. Rondon

    12 months ago

    They’re touting his being a “players coach” as a plus. I’m thinking they need a guy who’ll hold those players accountable.

    1 Like
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  39. Chasingamymatt

    12 months ago

    I’m not his biggest fan but can we at least stop the “he ruins arms” nonsense. Injuries happen. Yankees and Nationals tired to limit Joba and Stasburg – both got surgery. The mets blew out generation K in roughly one season. Liriano was phenom who had surgery after 1 year. King felix was probably overpitched so hes done younger than he might have been. I can go on and on, its sad for Prior and Wood but that has happened to countless pitchers.
    If you want to critisise Dusty for his in game managerment and bullpen then im with you, but not the injury nonsense.

    2 Like
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    • jekporkinsjekporkins

      12 months ago

      Forget that. It’s NOT NONSENSE. Do your research.

      Baker didn’t earn the nickname “Widowmaker” because he broke hearts, but rather because he broke pitchers. Google Robb Nen if you want a perfect example of what he does wrong. Over his decades in the game, Baker has notoriously overworked young pitchers, driving up pitch counts against medical advice.

      This is the guy that in the final, must-win game against the Dodgers in 1993 played a rookie in his 8th start. That kid never recovered from that. Yet here is Baker, given another chance at 70 to fail.

      2 Like
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      • agentx

        12 months ago

        Whose arms has Baker supposedly ruined since the more nuanced understanding of pitch mechanics, pitch selection, and load management have become widespread?

        Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, and Robb Nen all pitched on Baker-led teams 15-20 years ago.

        2 Like
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      • maximumvelocity

        12 months ago

        Are you really faulting Baker for something that happened when Pete Alonso wasn’t even alive yet?

        1 Like
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        • jekporkinsjekporkins

          12 months ago

          Why not? OJ killed two people before Pete Alonso was born. Is he less of a murderer?

          1 Like
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        • lysander

          12 months ago

          Convoluted logic built on a false premise.

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  40. D0m

    12 months ago

    BEST PICK! Well respected and is the best man by far to restore faith in the organization. Criticize how he manages all you want the Trashtros need him.

    1 Like
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  41. carlos15

    12 months ago

    Dumb hire

    2 Like
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    • Eatdust666

      12 months ago

      Who do you think the Asterisks should’ve hired if not Captain Toothpick?

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  42. boognailz4

    12 months ago

    He will bring some “old school” credibility to the team that really needs that now and he will hold them accountable. The team is still stacked so he doesn’t really have to worry about that, maybe just find a #3 starter…..

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  43. ffjsisk

    12 months ago

    There’s been a lot of great managers that have never won a World Series and there’s been lousy managers that have won. Dusty is a great manager, always won everywhere he’s been just hasn’t got the ring. This’ll be a great chance to get the monkey off his back.

    1 Like
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  44. Bill Smith

    12 months ago

    In Dusty, we trusty! Credible, respected and the perfect hire to attempt to rehabilitate that organizations image. Likely a bridge hire, but I suspect they will win w/ him.

    1 Like
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  45. Gary White

    12 months ago

    Who’s arm will Dusty blow-up first? Any guesses?

    2 Like
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  46. Bill Smith

    12 months ago

    In Dusty, we trusty! Credible, respected and the perfect hire to attempt to rehabilitate the “trashed” image of the organization. Likely a bridge hire, but I suspect they will win w/ him.

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  47. hopper15

    12 months ago

    This wouldn’t have been my first choice but I understand why they couldn’t give the job to Espada.

    1 Like
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  48. Col. Taylor

    12 months ago

    Should be interesting dynamic between Dusty and Greinke… this whole Asterisks mess keeps getting better.

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  49. dwgoebel

    12 months ago

    Hiring Showalter, Baker, and Gibbons are a step backwards. Even possibly Bannister, even though I like Jeff. The Astros were caught cheating. They shouldn’t have. I get it. But that should not stop them to continually push the envelope of utilizing technology to make their team better. Their cheating efforts were not technologically advanced. It was a camera and guy beating on a trash can. Might as well have been a watchtower and guy beating a drum. I have nothing against old guys. Heck, I’m an old guy. But to discount the value of technology because “I’m a baseball guy”, to me, show the inability to change and adapt. Venable, Ausmus, and Kotsay are interesting choices. AJ is an highly intelligent guy, knows baseball, and realized the value of technology. His one weakness was not shutting down the cheating. We need another AJ, except with the demeanor that would shutdown such activities. I don’t think you get that from Showalter, Baker or Gibbons.

    3 Like
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    • BlueSkies_LA

      12 months ago

      Seems you are into chasing horses that are already out of their barns. Either that, or you are saying that the cheating wasn’t as technologically sophisticated as it should have been. Or something. In any case, baseball managers don’t make technological decisions, their main job is to supply leadership.

      1 Like
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    • lordd99

      12 months ago

      Who said the Astros will stop using technology? The front office analytics apparatus is still in place. Baker is going to manage the team and club house.

      1 Like
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  50. lordd99

    12 months ago

    Follow the Process, and the Process leads to Baker.

    Most of the negative commentary on Baker is lazy and extremely outdated. This will be the best team he’s managed and he’s been more successful than you believe.

    twitter.com/jamessmyth621/status/12221936605671505…

    1 Like
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    • jekporkinsjekporkins

      12 months ago

      What’s this follow the process babble?

      I am a Giants fan. I watched for a decade as this guy squandered talented teams with mismanagement, bad calls, and overusing starting pitchers. He cost my team titles in 1993 and 2002. He’s been gifted talented teams and doesn’t get it done. These aren’t lazy nor outdated comments. These are facts. Read all the other comments and you’ll see he is an incredibly polarizing presence. Just calling it lazy is disingenuous, condescending, and obnoxious.

      Is this the most talented team he’s inherited? Possibly. That has nothing to do with how he’s still a mediocre manager that has more screwups on his resume than World Series titles.

      1 Like
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      • believeitornot

        12 months ago

        He cost the Nationals in 2017 as well. Brought in a crappy pitcher who coughed up the lead in game 3 against the Cubs. He thought the guy deserved another chance and gave up another two hits and another run in the deciding game.. Both games were lost by one run. Now he gets another chance to screw up.

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  51. seth3120

    12 months ago

    I just don’t think they needed to go this direction. The Astor’s had an overall philosophy outside of sign stealing that worked/is working. They simply lost control and didn’t take a step back and consider the fact that they were crossing a line. I think the comment made by assistant gm was the first sign that things were out of hand. But that doesnt mean you have to jump in the time machine and go back to Dusty Baker. They needed to shake things up but not blow it up

    1 Like
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  52. BlueSkies_LA

    12 months ago

    Many scoffed when I said that Baker was a good fit for the Astros and their current situation. Too old school (blah, blah, blah) when old school is exactly what they need. Seems the Astros saw it that way.

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  53. moody

    12 months ago

    PR hire for Crane. I project 200 innings for Lance McCullers…

    4 Like
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    • luvbeisbol

      12 months ago

      300 for Verlander?

      1 Like
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      • AssumeFactsNotInEvidence

        12 months ago

        Rumor has it that Dusty Baker told the Astros a 4 man bullpen will be plenty. He has requested 16 positions players. 4 of them being catchers.

        3 Like
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        • moody

          12 months ago

          lol, four man rotation, each has a personal C.

          2 Like
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        • believeitornot

          12 months ago

          And each one will use both arms.

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  54. brooklynboy

    12 months ago

    I guess they just want to get through this year and then look for someone else. I don’t expect them to make the playoffs.

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  55. Derekb69

    12 months ago

    Why was Dusty hired? In my uneducated opinion I think it was because his teams often develop an “us against the world” mentality & that is definitely needed here. Also he comes off as charming & generally his players & the press like him. Lastly, it gives assurance to fans & the league that the Astros are attempting to clean things up a bit.

    1 Like
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  56. 30 Parks

    12 months ago

    Baker is the correct choice. The Astros need a leader with presence to lead them out of the woods.

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  57. number1dodger

    12 months ago

    Dusty Baker was a great player as a Dodger. As a manger not so much. But the way I and the rest of the baseball world see things. Houston definitely deserves every set back and disappoint they are given.

    4 Like
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    • Chief Two Hands

      12 months ago

      In a just world the Astros would somehow get stuck with Mattingly managing.

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  58. Ducey

    12 months ago

    Its like this this is another part of the penalty for cheating.

    6 Like
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  59. DockEllisDee

    12 months ago

    now THIS is some ironic punishment I can get into

    3 Like
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  60. Deckard

    12 months ago

    Mistake not hiring Gibbons.

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  61. number1dodger

    12 months ago

    My prediction for Houston’s season. There will be 100 hit batters. Dusty will be thrown out of half of those games. And Houston will finish the season in third place under 500.

    1 Like
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    • You know what this is called? Intimidation.

      12 months ago

      Lol best offense by wRC+ last year and they’ll be under .500? These Dodger fans really are out here man.

      2 Like
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  62. em650r

    12 months ago

    Looks like those Pitchers will get overworked

    2 Like
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  63. hotchkiss

    12 months ago

    If true, excellent hire. Nats were literally at each others’ throats —Pap & Bryce—in Williams’ tenure. Dusty comes in, settles down the team, wins 95 & 97 games. What, it’s his fault Wieters throws the ball into right field or that Max melts down in G5? Great person, he’ll be surrounded by the analytical guys, this Nats fan hopes he gets his shot at a ring. Dusty is 1 of a kind, the team will like him as will Houston’s great fans ( their classiness is underreported in this cheating saga imo. Time to move on and play ball).

    2 Like
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  64. southern lion

    12 months ago

    Surprised. I was hoping for Ausmus or Showalter.

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  65. WereAllJustGuestsHere

    12 months ago

    A manager with over 1800 wins and a .532 winning percentage. Not a bad hire and probably the personality the Astros need to get ready for 2020.

    The pitching stuff is garbage; every team has seen a couple arms simultaneously go down for long periods. That is the way of the game today even when you protect arms. Countless examples. Baker gets a bad rap. He wins ballgames, period.

    1 Like
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    • AssumeFactsNotInEvidence

      12 months ago

      If you’re not ready to throw 200 innings out of high school—you’re a bust who will never make it anyway!!!

      1 Like
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    • paindonthurt

      12 months ago

      He will win more with this team because they have talent. I think he is a negative war manager if that exists. They won’t win as much with him as they could with a different choice.

      1 Like
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      • WereAllJustGuestsHere

        12 months ago

        WAR only exists for marginal baseball fans trying to sound smart. So no. It doesn’t exist.

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    • jimthegoat

      12 months ago

      With the rosters he has inherited it’s kind of embarrassing that his winning percentage is only .532

      4 Like
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      • WereAllJustGuestsHere

        12 months ago

        SF had some mediocre teams between 93-97. His winning percentage is higher than some great managers. I wouldn’t embellish by calling his record embarrassing.

        1 Like
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      • paindonthurt

        12 months ago

        Exactly

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    • mistry gm

      12 months ago

      Really? Tell the Cubs.

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  66. Whifff

    12 months ago

    How does someone who spews such nonsense get another top spot? His July 2003 tirade for example about the Cubs having too many white players historically to play winning day baseball……..was just insane and would have made Jimmy The Greek and worse types proud. No thank you.

    5 Like
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    • fishy14

      12 months ago

      100% agree

      2 Like
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  67. AstrosWS20

    12 months ago

    This is the real punishment.

    4 Like
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    • padam

      12 months ago

      I would agree. And thank you.

      – Mets fan

      2 Like
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  68. Sabermetric Acolyte

    12 months ago

    Those poor young pitchers.

    3 Like
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  69. Android Dawesome

    12 months ago

    When Dusty came in to interview they noticed he had a flip phone. “This is our guy”

    2 Like
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    • Chief Two Hands

      12 months ago

      He upgraded from passenger pigeons? Will wonders never cease…

      1 Like
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  70. baycommuter

    12 months ago

    The best single choice the media and opposing fans will accept, and unfortunately the Astros’ reputation is so bad that’s what they need to survive in 2020. The players will also respect him. The strategy part…well, no one outside Houston wants them to win the World Series this year anyhow.

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    • Eatdust666

      12 months ago

      Or ever again, for that matter.

      3 Like
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  71. bravesfan

    12 months ago

    Really a good hire given the situation

    1 Like
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    • wordonthestreet

      12 months ago

      I agree. Arguments could be made for him anyway but to your point and as the article also addressed the circumstances of this position call for more than just a manager and Dusty’s personality and presence are uniquely suited for this. Player friendly manager helps in what could be a tense clubhouse to start and his ability with the media will be able to help be a new face and is so much different than the old regime which they are trying to put in the rear view mirror.

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  72. paindonthurt

    12 months ago

    I don’t trusty in Dusty.

    1 Like
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  73. live42day

    12 months ago

    Hey Yankees fans- at least your team isn’t the most hated team in baseball anymore.

    2 Like
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    • Eatdust666

      12 months ago

      Still right up there, though and I will not deny that, because I’m not one to blatantly deny such things.

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    • Koamalu

      12 months ago

      The system the Astros used was brought to Houston from the Yankees by Carlos Beltran.

      Still the most hated team in baseball.

      Like
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      • Mo4ever

        12 months ago

        You totally fabricated that lie. Prove it or shut up.

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  74. TomL

    12 months ago

    This is a great move and I’m surprised they went down this path. I’m a Cubs fan and was actually at the “Bartman game” and I have no love lost for Dusty but appreciated what he did that year.

    I think his track record of getting them into the playoffs is exactly what this team needs now. Get into the playoffs on merit vs. sign stealing. Even though Dusty has this notoriety of failing at the playoffs, I think this time around it re-writes his narrative should he take them to the playoffs. It’s on the team now to actually win it fair and square.

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  75. jimthegoat

    12 months ago

    Why?

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    • dynamite drop in monty

      12 months ago

      Masochism?

      1 Like
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  76. hinglemccringleberry

    12 months ago

    Everybody hates dusty until he turns the loser into a winner. He’s done it time and time again.

    3 time manager of the year.

    Guided 4 teams to the post season, 9 appearances overall:
    Reds, Cubs, Giants, and Nationals

    1863-1636 record overall

    And some of you idiots think he can’t manage.

    Not many managers can touch that. No championship? I get it. At least you get the opportunity to win one.

    1 Like
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    • jimthegoat

      12 months ago

      When has he “turned a loser into a winner?” He has always inherited loaded rosters in otherwise weak divisions.

      2 Like
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    • Koamalu

      12 months ago

      At least you get the opportunity to lose one. /Fixed.

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  77. Mick1956

    12 months ago

    Sweet?

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  78. rememberthecoop

    12 months ago

    Verlander’s arm just fell off.

    4 Like
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  79. Jordan

    12 months ago

    Cool that eliminates the Astros from winning another World Series.

    5 Like
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    • Chief Two Hands

      12 months ago

      I think getting caught cheating and subsequently not being able to do it anymore took care of that already.

      2 Like
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  80. nature boy

    12 months ago

    Things were bad, then they got worse. God help us.

    3 Like
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    • PinstripedPride

      12 months ago

      God doesn’t smile on cheaters

      2 Like
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  81. jimthegoat

    12 months ago

    I’ll venture to say that he should have never been hired as a manager.

    2 Like
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    • Moneyballer

      12 months ago

      That’s going way too far, not true!

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  82. rycm131

    12 months ago

    Wow Houston’s still punishing themselves. We get it, you’re sorry.

    3 Like
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  83. LordAlphaClass

    12 months ago

    ¿How good is he with modern metrics, defensive shift, computer data, etc? ¿Is he going to trust blindly the statisticians o the metrics team? ¿What is the background or his history dealing with the above?

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  84. Cubby777

    12 months ago

    Hahahahaha well non-Astros fans called for additional punishment, but who expected it to come internally? With Dusty at the helm, the Houston fanbase and franchise will suffer immensely year after year…..oh Houston will potentially make the PS….and then watch dusty throw it away as he has done in the past with the Cubs and Nats.

    3 Like
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    • jimthegoat

      12 months ago

      Actually a likely outcome. They still have far-and-away the most talented roster in their division, which would match the usual trend for Dusty.

      2 Like
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    • mparkinson2

      12 months ago

      and the Reds.

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  85. MikeEmbletonSmellsBad

    12 months ago

    What the commish needs to do is vacate their championship, take back their trophy and all the World Series rings and smelt them down, instruct them to remove all mention of the 2017 championship from the stadium and have them removed from the list of World Series champions on every site that lists such things. Send a message to them and to all that it doesn’t count if you cheat.

    2 Like
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  86. Doug Bird

    12 months ago

    So the Astros want to get to the playoffs and then blow the playoffs? I feel sorry for their fans who will see playoff baseball but will watch BaKer snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again.

    1 Like
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  87. Scrap1ron

    12 months ago

    Toothpick futures just shot up 25% .

    2 Like
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  88. shortytallz

    12 months ago

    The Dustros to the dust bin of history.

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  89. Dodgerfan34

    12 months ago

    Thats a good hire and I see where they can both ways with this. 1) If the AStros don’t do well, Dusty can be the fall guy and they can hire a younger manager or whoever the flavor of the year is.

    2) Maybe Dusty does well and they can groom a bench coach to become the new manager.. Pretty sure Dusty doesn’t know how to run cheating schemes and he is a rules.order guy. Guess we will find out who runs the team this season…. Cheating players or a man who has some integrity.

    1 Like
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  90. whyhayzee

    12 months ago

    Old school. Go ahead and throw at an Astros batter. See what happens. Good choice for next year.

    1 Like
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  91. PinstripedPride

    12 months ago

    Baker and Hinch do have one thing in common: they both sat their best available pitcher in a critical game right before the game-winning home run.
    And whereas Hinch wouldnt bring himself to do anything regarding the trash cans, Baker might not even hear them.

    4 Like
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  92. CrikesAlready

    12 months ago

    I get it, he is so old school that there would be no way for them to cheat using video cameras or any other electronic devices (i.e. remote control buzzers).

    It sets up a plausible deniability.

    I just hope that he’s picked because they really want him and not because of some sort of racial agenda. I would have to think that younger players don’t take well to old school authoritarian managers like Dusty Baker, Dick Williams, Billy Martin, Larry Bowa, Tony LaRussa, etc… As I recall, Dusty Baker never been a “players favorite” like Bruce Bochy had the reputation of being.

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  93. dunnetg

    12 months ago

    In Dusty Baker’s last six seasons as a manager, his Reds and Nats teams averaged 92 wins a year and made the playoffs five times, earning four division titles and one wild card berth. Despite this, the only thing anyone really talks about with him is Mark Prior pitching too much almost twenty years ago. I predict a comfortable AL West win and an astonishing collapse in the LDS.

    1 Like
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    • mparkinson2

      12 months ago

      and usually 1 and done is in the post season. That is what I remember as a Reds fan.

      2 Like
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  94. thunderbolt

    12 months ago

    Excellent Hire. Jim Crane, you sick fox, you nailed it.

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  95. AssumeFactsNotInEvidence

    12 months ago

    Only two things are certain in life:

    I can’t wait until this season is over and Dusty Baker can be fired. After that the Astros can get the manager that they actually want.—once the helium gets out of the cheating scandal balloon! Will Venable I’ll see you in 2021!

    3 Like
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  96. DarrenDreifortsContract

    12 months ago

    Haven’t they suffered enough?!?!?!?

    2 Like
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  97. cleve1969

    12 months ago

    Every MLB team cheats … the Astros & Red Sox were given up on a “silver platter” by a whistleblower but make no mistake … others will get caught and cheating will continue for as long as the game is played.

    2 Like
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    • driftcat28

      12 months ago

      Whatever helps you sleep at night

      1 Like
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    • John Smoke

      12 months ago

      alL tEaMS ChEaT. Derp

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  98. Flipjunior89

    12 months ago

    Baker still getting offers out here lol

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  99. mparkinson2

    12 months ago

    Good regular season manager.
    Crappy post season manger.
    1 and done for astros.

    2 Like
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  100. djmac

    12 months ago

    If my Cubs don’t get there, and it appears they won’t as they think simply swapping managers is the fix for this upcoming season, I hope Dusty finally gets a ring as a manager with the Astros. I don’t like what the Houston club did to help them win a championship a couple of years back, but Dusty is a good manager – 10 years finishing as a top 5 in NL manager of the year voting and 3 times getting the top award. He was a good fit for the Cubs and absolutely helped the team get past St Louis in 2003. Things fell apart in 2006 because the front office had stripped the roster little by little as his tenure went along. You give him a talented roster like the Astros and they’ll have a good shot at another championship.

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    • hotchkiss

      12 months ago

      Baker won 10+ more games than his Nats predecessor in his first year, won 192 reg season games in his 2 years, made playoffs both times. His moves didn’t cost Nats in the NLDS either time. Playoffs are a crapshoot often, hey, if Gresham doesn’t misplay ball in the 8th, who knows if Nats win vs Brewers. Baker is a class act, Crane made a good decision. Burning out pitchers is fake news, neither Max or Stras complained about Dusty, the team united around DB after the toxic Williams got whacked deservedly.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Strike Four

        12 months ago

        lmao Baker still does not have what it takes to win a title. He’s a LOSER who needs to retire like the rest of his ilk.

        There’s so many highly qualified managers at AAA who understand the modern player, this is just so utterly disrespectful to so many better candidates.

        Trashstros are still trash. Baker makes them even worse somehow…..

        1 Like
        Reply
  101. Moneyballer

    12 months ago

    I’m not a huge Dusty Baker guy. I wasn’t too impressed with him during his time with the Cubs. The experience is there, sure, but I’m not sure he has a progressive view of managing today’s game. The astros are a cushy job with a lineup that sets itself from top to bottom. If they regress this season as well as in seasons to come, you can give part of the blame to Baker’s laid back approach to managing.

    2 Like
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    • djmac

      12 months ago

      I was at 2 of the 5 game series at Wrigley late in the 2003 season when the Cubs faced down the Cardinals for control of the division and Dusty countered every one of LaRussa’s moves at the 2 games I attended. Just about every one of Baker’s moves worked and the Cubs won 4 of 5. I think as the talent of the roster got stripped away in succeeding years, he was probably resigned to his fate and that was interpreted as being “laid back”. I think he got a raw deal at the end of his stay with the Cubs.

      2 Like
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      • Moneyballer

        12 months ago

        I live in chicago. He had more than enough to win it in 2003. Facts are, that was an old team with vets playing at the end of their careers. The talent wasn’t stripped away like you said, it just got old. Ask Kerry Wood and Mark Prior if Dusty Baker is a good manager!?? Their careers were dramatically shortened by being burned out by this guy. He was the REASON the cubs didn’t win one with that high end rotation. It was tragic what he did to the Cubs. He absolutely needed to go.

        2 Like
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        • djmac

          12 months ago

          I’ve lived in the Chicago area for more than 30 years and have been to a lot of Cubs games during that time. Check the stats, the most innings Prior or Wood threw in any season while Baker was the manager was 211, both in 2003. Wood threw 213 the year before Baker was their manager. By comparison, between the ages of age 25 and 30, Verlander threw 201, 240, 224, 251, 238, 218 and then threw 214 and 223 the last 2 years at ages 35 and 36. I guess Baker needed to be clairvoyant and know to baby Prior and Wood when they were 22 and 26 respectively? The “Dusty burned them out” myth is just that. Steve Stone says something and then all the people who don’t check the facts or don’t think for themselves take it as gospel and repeat it.

          2 Like
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        • Prospectnvstr

          12 months ago

          Totally agree with you djmac. It drives me crazy how many times people act like sheep and just follow the flock. Forget about looking up the facts, that takes to much time AND effort.

          1 Like
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        • lysander

          12 months ago

          Yes … Prior and Wood had arm trouble because of their delivery. It’s absurd to blame the doctor if he has a patient who smokes 2 packs a day, downs a fifth and considers a bag of chips and hot dog as a balanced diet.

          1 Like
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        • Koamalu

          12 months ago

          Wood threw 213.2 in 2002. Wood threw 211 + 27.2 in the playoffs in 2003. Prior threw 14.1 in the playoffs in 2003. People tend to forget about playoff innings.

          Still doesn’t seem like that much for either.

          Like
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        • Chief Two Hands

          12 months ago

          Are you stalking me, lysander?

          Like
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        • Strike Four

          12 months ago

          Don’t use innings, use pitch counts. It’s pitch counts that cause TJs not innings. You can throw a 5 pitch inning and be totally fine, but being at 100 after 5 and being left in is when the damage happens, just so the SP can throw 120 over 6.1 IP and not even win the game.

          2 Like
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        • Strike Four

          12 months ago

          Its pitch counts, not innings.

          Like
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  102. jcraft21

    12 months ago

    No manager has had more talent handed to him. Not developed, handed. No one‘s done less with it. No one cares about division titles when you have World Series winning talent. He was embarrassing in Cincinnati as I went to every home game.

    4 Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      Finally someone speaks truth. Baker should have 10 rings by now if he was even remotely competent. Remember when he let his small child be the bat boy and he nearly got run over by a player trying to score?

      As a manger, Dusty Baker has been nothing but a plague on the game and the Astros are massive cowards and idiots for not going with Espada.

      This all but seals the AL West for the A’s, fact.

      1 Like
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  103. wesstl

    12 months ago

    A 1 year deal and them they bring back Hinch.

    Like
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  104. Rumncoke

    12 months ago

    Could of hired me for 500 thousand less

    Like
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  105. brucenewton

    12 months ago

    Probably still win the AL this season.

    2 Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      Won’t even win the West, the A’s are the far superior team now Cole is gone.

      1 Like
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      • goastros123

        12 months ago

        No, they’re not. Lol.

        Like
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  106. 8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH

    12 months ago

    This must be part of the punishment for the cheating. Manfred doesn’t mess around.

    2 Like
    Reply
  107. Johhos

    12 months ago

    Astros owner directive – just don’t f things up Dusty ….

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      Dusty “pitch counts arent real” Baker is totally going to f things up, bet on it.

      1 Like
      Reply
  108. madmanTX

    12 months ago

    Free Geritol in the clubhouse! (Next to the trash cans)

    1 Like
    Reply
  109. bobtillman

    12 months ago

    Toothpick hanging outside mouth = Fastball

    Toothpick standing up in mouth= Curveball

    Toothpick stuck in nose= Change Up

    5 Like
    Reply
  110. CriminalMethod

    12 months ago

    So they couldn’t find proof, but they’re still probably guilty? Makes me wonder what you think about the Astros with an actual mountain of evidence.

    Like
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  111. bobtillman

    12 months ago

    The 1 year deal, even with the option, is an egregious insult to a guy who deserves better. Really, really terrible. I know Dusty probably wanted back “in” no matter what, but that contract is a slap, pure and simple.

    Now we know why Bucky didn’t talk to them. I can’t imagine what Buck’s response would have been to that offer.

    Actually, I can…….

    2 Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      You mean two senior citizens who should be in retirement like everyone else their age actually deserved mega-deals?

      Get out of here. Dusty and Buck probably call the internet “the onlines” and don’t have a phone, how on EARTH are they going to relate to under 30s?

      I can’t think of a worse person to manage a MLB team in 2020 than a senior citizen.

      1 Like
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      • JD396

        12 months ago

        How on earth do you relate to people over 30?

        Like
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  112. Oddball Hererra

    12 months ago

    Astros pitching staff – time to take insurance policies out on those elbows and shoulders.

    3 Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      Lance McCullers Jr trade request in 5, 4, 3…..

      1 Like
      Reply
  113. dirkg

    12 months ago

    If ‘ol Dusty starts to dose off, they can just buzz him with a jolt of electricity.

    3 Like
    Reply
  114. stratcrowder

    12 months ago

    Good luck Dusty, I’m glad you have another legit shot at getting that title. You are a great definition of good old fashioned ‘winning culture’, in spite of not having the ring to show for it. It’s a very difficult thing to pull off, regardless of what team you field every day.

    1 Like
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  115. Koamalu

    12 months ago

    Dusty, we need you to carry us through the bad PR period and then you can go away. We will hire a young gun that actually understands the analytics we produce for our manager after this season.

    In the meantime we are keeping most of our coaching staff on so they can translate is for you. Be a good talking head for the press and we will pay you for it and you get to pad your resume for the HOF as a manager. .

    2 Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      Do you honestly believe Dusty reads MLBTR comment sections?

      AND you think Dusty is making the HOF as a manager???

      LMAO!!

      Come on man, be better….

      1 Like
      Reply
  116. Strike Four

    12 months ago

    So, the Astros ownership decided to hire a manager before a GM, knowing the GM might not like the manager?

    Why

    Like
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    • Oddball Hererra

      12 months ago

      Dusty was probably on the short list for the Mets and/or Red Sox, creating some urgency.

      Like
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      • jimthegoat

        12 months ago

        Lmao is he really that hot of a managerial candidate that anyone is feeling any kind of urgency to hire him?

        Like
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  117. david722

    12 months ago

    One of the most brilliant minds of the game, then their is Dusty Baker. Still waiting for Crane to apologize.

    2 Like
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  118. Ezpkns34

    12 months ago

    Normally I would say that a 1 year deal proves it’s just a PR stunt so they can hire within next year in hopes of it not looking so bad …. but all contracts with people in their 70s should probably be done on a year to year basis

    Like
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  119. stgpd

    12 months ago

    The short term contract is an insult. Unless Baker did not want to make a longer term commitment. But, that said I’m glad Dusty is back in the dugout

    Like
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    • Strike Four

      12 months ago

      It’s not an insult in the slightest: Dusty Baker has no business managing a MLB team in 2020 no matter how big a fan of his you are.

      This is the man who made Kerry Wood throw 140+ over 7 IP AFTER he already had TJ. He’s clueless, possibly senile and can’t possibly relate to anyone under 30.

      We need NEW BLOOD! So sick and tired of the same old names…..

      1 Like
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      • JD396

        12 months ago

        Carlos Beltran and Alex Cora are available
        #manageryouthmovement

        Like
        Reply
      • jimthegoat

        12 months ago

        He had no business managing a MLB team ever

        Like
        Reply
    • wordonthestreet

      12 months ago

      How was it insulting since Baker jumped all over it

      Like
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  120. vtadave

    12 months ago

    RIP Jose Urquidy

    1 Like
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  121. AllRiseForTheJudge

    12 months ago

    Nothing like being a lame-duck before you even take the job. A one-year deal suggests Houston will move on no matter what a year from now.

    Am I the only one who thinks the firing of Hinch looks more like a farce, and Crane will just re-hire him in a year?

    Like
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    • david722

      12 months ago

      Crane will rehire Beltran when things cool down.

      Like
      Reply
  122. oldleftylong

    12 months ago

    Verlander will no longer need to convince his manager to keep him in, regardless of pitch count. We may see him have an 11-inning complete game win this year!

    1 Like
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  123. CDKinNoVA

    12 months ago

    Happy for Dusty,…loved him in Washington

    Like
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  124. dbec72

    12 months ago

    Baker is overrated garbage who b destroys arms and clubhouses and cant ever when the biggest games even with great teams.

    3 Like
    Reply
  125. rycm131

    12 months ago

    Get them toothpicks ready

    Like
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  126. kiddhoff

    12 months ago

    Who would’ve thought Astros players punishment would come in the form of Dusty Baker? NOW I feel sympathy for them

    1 Like
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  127. thebeatlesshow

    12 months ago

    Well, there goes the dynasty. This guy kept the Giants and the Cubs from winning titles by doing dumb things that got the other dugout enraged.

    The only good thing is that it’s only a one year contract….meaning they can blow him out in June as the team tanks.

    I agree with MIkecubfan. Into the playoffs. Out in the first round.

    Like
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    • Mo4ever

      12 months ago

      What dynasty? One stolen WS does not make a dynasty.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • goastros123

        12 months ago

        Dynasty? Not even close. Stolen? You can choose to think of it like that. Game 7 of 2017 was like game 7 of 2019: the offense of the home team got shut down. Dodgers had a chance to win that world series despite the Astros cheating, but they just couldn’t score any runs.

        1 Like
        Reply
  128. Dan65

    12 months ago

    Baker has a legacy of destroying the arms of his pitchers. Verlander and Greinke are nearing 40 and under contract, so they don’t need to worry much. Though younger pitchers should worry. Cole fortunately got out while he could before possibly destroying his arm under Baker and then facing free agency.

    1 Like
    Reply
  129. seth3120

    12 months ago

    They had the most progressive franchise currently and went too far. Instead of taking a step back and fixing checks and balances they went back a decade. I sure hope they don’t do something similar with gm for their sake.

    Like
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  130. thomasg2018

    12 months ago

    Just lost me a others!

    Like
    Reply
  131. JD396

    12 months ago

    Does he get to manage the AL all stars?

    Like
    Reply
  132. driftcat28

    12 months ago

    Hinch back in a season

    Like
    Reply
  133. jimthegoat

    12 months ago

    So basically they’re going to get bounced in the first round.

    Like
    Reply
  134. HugeBootsDayFAn

    12 months ago

    They should have hired Maria from the “Sound of Music” to show the world they have a new, clean image.

    1 Like
    Reply
  135. Shannon Wolfe

    12 months ago

    Justin Verlander is already calling the best TJ doctor. And I hear half the pitchers asked for trades. R.I.P Houston Astros pitchers :(

    Like
    Reply
  136. tokyofist81

    12 months ago

    what…you sly dog!! Looks like Manfred found a real way to punish the Asteriks for cheating by handicapping them with a manager who probably still has trouble negotiating his flip phone. Strip the title or you take Dusty?

    Like
    Reply
  137. believeitornot

    12 months ago

    Johnnie says that stealing signs won’t happen on his watch. I believe him when he says this because he’ll probably be taking a nap.

    Like
    Reply
  138. Kk3445

    12 months ago

    Why was their bench coach not considered? He was a runner up for a few managerial jobs this offseason and now there was a few and his name isn’t even brought up.

    Like
    Reply
  139. BruntlettSupastar

    12 months ago

    His son is old enough to hit the trashcan for fastballs now plus no need to worry about Altuve running him over at the plate

    Like
    Reply

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