Source: Met's GM will allow Don Baylor to join Astros

[moligity]

From JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ in the Chronicle

Class AA skipper opts not to grind rumor mill (http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2675160)
. . .

The Astros are within range of the wild card, but there is a sense among industry sources that Williams no longer will be allowed to lead the team. McLane doesn’t want anything to take away from the 75th All-Star Game, which will be played at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night. One top team official says the Astros will wait until Wednesday to decide Williams’ fate.

Meanwhile, [Jackie] Moore is rumored as a potential replacement for Williams if Mets hitting coach Don Baylor isn’t available. Sources say Mets GM Jim Duquette won’t stand in the way of Baylor joining the Astros.

Baylor, the former Cubs and Rockies manager, is credited with helping Richard Hidalgo regain his power stroke after the Astros dumped him on the Mets because Williams no longer wanted Hidalgo in the Astros’ starting lineup.

Ex-Astro Phil Garner, the former Brewers and Tigers manager; and Astros third-base coach Gene Lamont, the former manager of the Pirates and White Sox, are two other potential replacements for Williams.
. . .
_____________________________________________

"Would be sweet if Baylor could help Bagwell "regain his power stroke"

Killer B as a Manager -- Uncle Drayton has got to Fire Jimy.

[redgoose]

We have a good relationship with the Mets. Hunsicker was allowed to talk to themabout the GM spot, while Baylor is allowed to talk to us.

I'd put my money on it that it's a done deal.:) Here comes the winning streak and the wild card! And it seems like wild card teams are prone to winning the WS these days!:D

[hjg877]

OH THANK GOD!!!!


THERE IS A LORD!!!!!!!!!

LOL!



Wow, now THAT was quick! Who needs a hitting coach now? :p

I expect the 'Astros are racist' remarks to disappear.

FINALLY A WINNER!!!!! I HOPE IT'S TRUE!!!!!

[Preston27]

I wouldn't mind him doubling as manager and hitting coach.

[moligity]

Originally posted by redgoose
We have a good relationship with the Mets. Hunsicker was allowed to talk to themabout the GM spot, while Baylor is allowed to talk to us.

That's right, I didn't think of that. Hopefully, Drayton's goodwill last winter towards the Mets will payoff. Do you think they'll take Weathers back?

[hjg877]

I was just thinking about a possible immenent and new staff in the next week.

Don Baylor - manager.
Robin Yount - hitting coach
Gene Lamont - 3B coach
Jose Cruz - 1B coach
Phil Garner - bench coach

I would say Dierker, but it wouldn't be good bringing in a retread, especially with a core used to his style that they may become lackluster.

I really anticipate the All-Star game player/coach intros when Jimy will be announced. That will be weird for him, knowing it's the last time he will coach on that field.

I fully expect to hear 'FIRE JIMY!' or boos.

[redgoose]

Originally posted by moligity
Do you think they'll take Weathers back?

:D

If it was the Weathers of a few years ago, i'm sure they'd take him back.

[Buck Turgidson]

This is a good thing. Now bring back Mike Maddux as pitching coach.

The players still have to play.

[Groogrux]

Good news, but Buck is right. If the players don't play, it doesn't matter who is manager.

[DanHiggsBeard]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Good news, but Buck is right. If the players don't play, it doesn't matter who is manager.

Agreed, but something has to be done and replacing a manager is obviously the wasiest thing to do.

At the very least they should bring in a new hitting coach.

At any rate, something WILL happen before the 2nd half.

[xiki]

The Mets would dare deny a coach to manage another team? Who planted the Baylor to Houston? Baylor? Mets? Or are the 'stros already pursuing it? Did Justice's column bring the race card to the line up card?

Is Cheo not worthy of managerial consideration?

My favorite choice? Bigg as player - manager thru the paly offs, then full time manager thereafter.

[moligity]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
The players still have to play.

That's right, it's oviously not all Jimy's fault. He's not been the one stricking out or meekly popping up with runners on base.

But the team is so flat and needs a change, maybe for the sake of change. Jimy's moves get magnified because they've all seemed to backfire during this rut.

Also, I think Baylor can help our hitters out, even if the effect is merely psychological (although the way he's helped out Gallaraga and Hidalgo, it's got to be more than psychological). There's no guarantee that we'll start hitting again once (if) we get Baylor, but you've got to try something -- you can't fire the players.

[moligity]

Originally posted by xiki
The Mets would dare deny a coach to manage another team? Who planted the Baylor to Houston? Baylor? Mets? Or are the 'stros already pursuing it?

Uncle Drayton is a self proclaimed fan of Baylor, according to Justice.

[bobrek]

Obviously the players have been in a collective slump, but here are some issues I have with Williams (in no particular order):

1. The early inning bunt. Williams admitted this has been successful due to the number of 1st inning runs the Astros have scored. At the time he said that, (a couple of weeks ago), they were 7th in the league in 1st inning runs. Most teams do not have their 2nd hitter bunt when their leadoff hitter is on in the 1st inning. Prior to moving Everett out of the 2 spot, Williams did it regardless of pitching matchups.

2. What's with the lineup? Statistically this year, the hitters have hit best in this order: Biggio, Beltran, Bagwell, Kent, Berkman. Why was it necessary to have Beltran hit 3rd when he was hitting 2nd in KC? If he's going to bat Bagwell 2nd, he might as well bat Beltran 2nd. If he was going to keep Everett 2nd, then I agree with Beltran 3rd.

3. For the most part, having his tied/leading bullpen guys (Weathers, Miceli, Dotel, Lidge) only pitch whent he game is tied or the Astros are leading. It has been plain to see that the other guys (for the most part) have been bad, yet he tends to bring them in in the 6th or 7th inning if the Astros are losing by 1 or 2 runs. Then the deficit has been turning into 3-4 runs.

4. Not allowing pitchers to work out of jams, especially those that aren't their doing (for the most part). Case in point: During Duckworth's last start a pop fly should have been caught by Kent or Beltran but fell in. This led to the pitcher getting a hit and RBI. Duckworth was removed. While no more runs scored that inning (even though Gallo had to also be removed) 2 runs scored the folllowing inning to turn a 3-2 game into a 5-2 game). With the execption of Clemens, Oswalt, Lidge and Pettitte, every other current pitcher HAS to be looking over his shoulder when a runner gets on base.

5. Last year when Ensberg was on fire, he still sat quite often in lieu of Blum. This year, with Lamb hitting well, Ensberg has stayed in the lineup most of the time. It was expecially galling that Lamb did not get one AB during the Seattle series even though they threw 3 right handers and the DH was in effect. I know there was a death in his family at that time, but he was with the team. Since his HR barrage last weekend agains the Rangers, he is 1-21.

[arkoe]

Originally posted by moligity
That's right, it's oviously not all Jimy's fault. He's not been the one stricking out or meekly popping up with runners on base.

All Jimy's fault? No, but it is his job to light a fire under his players when they're not performing up to par. Take Hidalgo for example. He leaves and his new managers helps him get back to his old self, almost instantly.

Luis Gonzales did the same thing when he left. His new batting coach in Arizona tweaked his batting stance, and he became an All-Star.

Jimy's job is to find why it's broke before it's broke. And that he is not doing.

[bobrek]

Originally posted by arkoe
All Jimy's fault? No, but it is his job to light a fire under his players when they're not performing up to par. Take Hidalgo for example. He leaves and his new managers helps him get back to his old self, almost instantly.

Please let us know what is the "old self" of Hidalgo? Is it the budding superstar of 2000? The flop of 2001-2002? The comback player of 2003? The all-world of April 2004? The miserable player of May - mid-June of 2004? The stud of mid-June to early July? or the pedestrian Hidalgo (.241, .290 OBP) of the past week?

[arkoe]

Originally posted by bobrek
The stud of mid-June to early July?

I pick this one.

Do disagree with my post other than my possible over valuation of Hildalgo?

[deepellumrocket]

Originally posted by moligity
Uncle Drayton is a self proclaimed fan of Baylor, according to Justice.

Well, he is on the Board of Regents there isn't he?


:p

[bobrek]

Originally posted by arkoe
I pick this one.

Do disagree with my post other than my possible over valuation of Hildalgo?

I think Williams is as much to blame as the players. It is his job to recognize and use the talents of the players on hand. He seems to overestimate the value of the bullpen at the expense of the starters.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by arkoe
All Jimy's fault? No, but it is his job to light a fire under his players when they're not performing up to par. Take Hidalgo for example. He leaves and his new managers helps him get back to his old self, almost instantly.

Luis Gonzales did the same thing when he left. His new batting coach in Arizona tweaked his batting stance, and he became an All-Star.
Hidalgo's *always* been an extremely streaky hitter. Only time will tell if his recent resurgence is anything other than the same 'ol streaky Hidalgo. To say that he's somehow "fixed" now is way premature.

The coaches in Detroit & Cubtown didn't fix Gonzo's swing either, fyi.

[No Worries]

Don Baylor does not thrill me. Bob Brenley is another matter.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by No Worries
Don Baylor does not thrill me. Bob Brenley is another matter.

Brenley is not a good manager. Phil Garner would be a good choice, IMO.

[Groogrux]

Phil Garner's been great everywhere he's been.

[rockets-#1]

I don't really care who it is at this point. The Astros need a shakeup.

[The Real Shady]

Houston Astros fans want blood. It's time for management to sacrifice Jimy to appease us. I doubt it will really make a difference but I want to take this wasted season out on someone. Jimy is an easy target.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
Houston Astros fans want blood. It's time for management to sacrifice Jimy to appease us.
How about a live chicken?

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
How about a live chicken?

We're doing that over here around 7:47:23. Give or take a second. MLB 2004 will follow. Refreshments served.

[Lil Francis]

I wouldn't mind having Terry Pendleton as the Stros manager.

[No Worries]

Originally posted by leroy420
Brenley is not a good manager. Phil Garner would be a good choice, IMO.
How many World Series has either won?

I really view Brenley as a mid-season rental. If the Astros do not make and advance in the playoffs, Brenley would be gone at the end of the season.

I am also not opposed to bring back Derk for a half season.

[Deji]

Bring back Hal Lanier for all I care. I never liked Jimy.

[moligity]

How come Cito Gaston hasn't got a job after his good job in Toronto. Has he retired, or is bad guy?

Anyone know?

[Another Brother]

Originally posted by moligity
How come Cito Gaston hasn't got a job after his good job in Toronto. Has he retired, or is bad guy?

Anyone know?

I ALWAYS ask this question.

[xiki]

Originally posted by Another Brother
I ALWAYS ask this question.

At least Felipe and Baylor get recycled. FRob was pulled off the trash heap. Must be another somewhere, some where.

I am still asking, 'Why, not Cruuuuuuz?'

[haven]

Baylor is terrible. Why the hell would we want him?

We can't we ever be in the market for the clever, innovative coaches :(?

[xiki]

Originally posted by haven
We can't we ever be in the market for the clever, innovative coaches :(?

Because...they are clever?

[Nashvegas]

Baylor is a good hitting coach...look at what he did in Atlanta, and also I heard that's a big reason for Hidalgo's resurgence.

[codell]

Originally posted by Another Brother
I ALWAYS ask this question.

Rumor has it that Gaston was one of the most abrasive personalities with management and his players.

Of course, I am sure you think its something else though. :)

[RocketManJosh]

Originally posted by xiki
At least Felipe and Baylor get recycled. FRob was pulled off the trash heap. Must be another somewhere, some where.

I am still asking, 'Why, not Cruuuuuuz?'

I would love to have Cruz be our manager and I think he deserves it.

[Zac D]

Originally posted by haven
Baylor is terrible. Why the hell would we want him?

We can't we ever be in the market for the clever, innovative coaches :(?

Throw out some names for me!

[hjg877]

Did SportsCenter REALLY just mention a possibility of GRADY LITTLE replacing Jimy again?!?!!?

NOOOOOO!!!!!!


If that happens, I swear to god I will track down Hunsicker and McLane until they are forced to leave town.

In fact, if it's ANYONE BUT DOn Baylor I will be QUITE upset. (Lopes, Garner, similar are acceptable)

[hjg877]

UPDATE!

According to Peter Gammons, Jimy will be OUT by noon tomorrow and the new manager will be either Phil Garner or DOn Baylor.

Baylor is preferred, but whether the Astros will be able to get him (really, if the Mets will allow him to speak to the team; if not, **** NY!).

Garner 'seems more likely'.

[RocketManJosh]

Originally posted by hjg877
UPDATE!

According to Peter Gammons, Jimy will be OUT by noon tomorrow and the new manager will be either Phil Garner or DOn Baylor.

Baylor is preferred, but whether the Astros will be able to get him (really, if the Mets will allow him to speak to the team; if not, **** NY!).

Garner 'seems more likely'.

Frankly to me it matters not who they get so long as Jimy is gone.

Not for the sake of Jimy deserving to get fired, but for the simple fact that something needs to happen to change the mindset in the clubhouse. If many of the players are upset that Jimy gets fired, I'd rather them be thinking about that than the terrible slump they have been in.

Garner or Baylor, both work for me.

[Groogrux]

I want Garner and his proven track record of success.

[xiki]

Originally posted by Zac D
Throw out some names for me!

Start with Jose Cruz, or Biggio?