why would not renewing Dusty’s contract be a huge PR hit? I understand if we won the WS again, it definitely could be, but why would it be otherwise?
I think you would be surprised how many of the 30K + that fill up MMP on a nightly basis don't really understand a lot about baseball Most of them couldn't tell you the difference between Chas and Dubon, they couldn't tell you the value of Yainer Diaz... They know the media has said our pitching has been great because of Maldanado and so they think Dusty is just so smart to keep playing him over Maldanado But even more importantly I think you underestimate the media and it's ability to stir crap up There would be so many headlines of "Dusty Baker as Astros Manager: ALCS to game 7, World Series Appearance, World Champions to out of a job in 1 year" Plenty of those would bring up race, age, anything to stir up feelings There are a lot, I mean a LOT, of national media members who hate Jim Crane and anything about the Houston Astros, this would make him an easy target once again. As they say, it would be like shooting fish in a barrel
Those same fans don't give a crap about Dusty Baker. The team walked away from Click no problem, but Dusty's 50+ years in the game means he does have a lot more friends to bash the Astros.
Media tried to stir up the James click firing. Nothing happens because astros are still winning. Same will go for johnnie baker once he's let go. Nothing will happen. Now if the astros start losing after........... Then we'll have a story
He may have hired Dana Brown, in part, to shield against some of that. Not saying that Brown didn’t earn the job, but if Dusty isn’t renewed, Dana will be pointed out by Crane defenders if the media goes the “race” route. Bottom line is that we cannot have Dusty here next year. It’s exhausting.
I don't think that Dusty Baker hates Chas McCormick, and I do believe that he sees McCormick and Diaz as different than players like Tucker, Alvarez, Altuve and Bregman. That doesn't mean he hates McCormick. However, I do believe that he has not played McCormick and Diaz enough this season. This isn't anything new. Baker has always preferred the veterans in the clubhouse. That is how it has been in baseball for almost 100 years. Baker saw it as a player and as a coach - so that isn't going to change. By having the veterans on his side, Baker keeps a quiet clubhouse. That was a key to being a successful manager for a long time - you reward good veteran leadership. Also, I don't doubt at all, that at this point Baker has his feet dug in, he has heard the criticism from the media and he isn't going to relent. That is part of his personality. If I went through what he has gone through, I would probably be the same. Chandler Rome is a piece of ****. He has been trying to write this story for a long time, and it isn't coincidence that it all came together now. Astros management should have told the players not to answer any questions like the one's asked of Chas. Ideally, McCormick would have avoided the questions. He gave good answers - but even answering the questions caused issues. Dusty Baker certainly shouldn't have answered the questions the way he did. There was nothing surprising in what he said - but all it did was cause issues. The front office isn't as detail oriented as it has been in the past.
I agree with all of this except the veteran part. Julks and Singleton are not veterans, yet both were chosen over Chas at various points. It clearly is personal.
The hiring of Dana Brown had absolutely nothing to do with his race or the race of Dusty Baker. Dana Brown was hired because of his performance with the Blue Jays and the Braves, and the fact that Brown and Crane had a similar vision and chemistry. It would be very hard to make an argument that Jim Crane has not hired diverse people in his organization. He has mad multiple black managers, he has a black GM, he has minorities in his front office, and scouting department - his player development side is basically ran by two women. It is a non-issue.
I guess this didn't apply to peña? He was a rookie last year and he was getting consistent playing time. Hell, Meyers was getting consistent playing time as a rookie before his shoulder injury. So I don't believe in the whole "preferred to play veterans" one bit.
It is exhausting for you. You don't matter. If the Astros make the WS again, Dusty will probably have the option to continue.
Keep in mind also when we acquired Dubon, it was touted that he was his son's workout partner when they were younger. But at least Dubon has earned his keep this year.
He likes Julks, just like he liked Myles Straw and Dubon and others...... for thirty years he has taken a shinning to particular players and gotten them playing time. His "type" is usually utility players that make contact or can draw a walk or play hard. I really don't think that Dusty Baker hates McCormick or Diaz. He has done this while managing other teams. He just is 75 years old and trusts his gut, when everyone else is numbers. He can be criticized for that - but I don't think it is because he hates Chas and Yarnier and it isn't because of race as some have said. Baker hasn't always gotten along with black players in the past. I will say that I do believe that at 75, that even someone that is as progressive and involved in society is out of touch with 25 year olds..... he is old enough to be their grandfather. I think THAT is what will be his undoing.
Who was he going to play 150 games at SS last year? A.Diaz was basically the only other choice, and his glove wasn't good enough. The Astros had lost their starting SS. As for Meyers, he replace Straw. Also, McCormick and Meyers were starting about the same number of games in CF in 2021.... and that is why Meyers being the better glove. Dusty Baker doesn't have a hit list of people he just dislikes personally and will not play. If nothing else, those players would be dealt.
I’ve never heard of Dusty being criticized for playing favorites based on race. He plays favorites based on antiquated measures and possibly personalities. But you don’t bench a .900 OPS guy every other game for any reason. I do believe he has something against Chas. Not sure he has something against Diaz though. I think Diaz gets screwed by Dusty’s loyalty to Maldy.
If there is, it won't go anywhere - Crane with the Astros has a track record of hiring women, black and Hispanic people in his organization. Being accused of racism in the handling of Dusty Baker is way down the list of concerns..... especially with Baker and Crane being friends away from the game. They are both big on the California circuit for wineries in California.
