Every newspaper in NY has said that Astros are expected to hire Don Baylor. His managing record is horrible so he fits right in. http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~96~2339287,00.html
His managing has been sub-par, but his track record with handling power hitters is AMAZING. He single-handedly turned Chipper Jones into the switch-hitting monster he is today. He also turned the careers of Andres Galaraga, Vinny Castilla, and even Sammy Sosa hasn't been the same hitter since he left. If he can turn Berkman into a perenial 40-100 guy, and also work with guys like Morgan Ensberg and the upcoming Chris Burke, he would be a decent hire. Of course, this is assuming that our pitching staff of Andy, Roy, Wade, Carlos, and maybe Roger can take care of themselves... and they don't need the coddling style that was Jimy. But, this inconsistent offense needs to be improved upon as soon as possible.... its what has been holding this team down the last 2-3 years, as their pitching (especially in this ballpark) should have been more than enough. The last time the 'Stros seriously hit the ball was 2001, when Moises and Lance were leading the league in hitting.
What is the deal with hiring retreads? Is it not evident that Baylor has had very little success as a manager. He didn't do well after a couple of seasons in Colorado, ditto with the Cubs. He is a hitting coach for a reason, because he knows hitting. As a manager, well it'll be like having Jimy again. Why not give Jackie Moore, John Tamargo, Cheo Cruz, etc. you know Astros guys who already know the team. Why breing someone from the outside, who is going to bring in new guys and most likely be out again in a couple of seasons. Why not start over with young players and perhaps an old-school manager who could help them learn to play the game correctly. Baylor to Astros...yes, but only as a hitting coach, as manager, no.
It's not as if he's even been a decent manager at the major league level - he's been horrible. He's completely inept at handling a pitching staff, and flat out dangerous to starters. And frankly, I think his rep as a hitting coach is inflated.
At the All Star break did it not seem believable that subtracting Jimy might light the fire for a summer run?
Define "Believable". Possible? yes. Likely? No. The injuries that decimated the pitching staff weren't going to go away, and the offense got better, but it dug itself too big a hole.
