Porter still believes he's right man for Astros Spoiler Roads taken, roads not taken. Bo Porter took the road from Washington to Houston last September after two seasons as the Nationals' third-base coach to become the Astros' manager. He insists he made the right decision. But you have to wonder if he wonders, especially since speculation has been rampant about who will succeed Davey Johnson as the Nationals' manager when he retires after this season. If Porter had remained in Washington, he would be one of the favorites - perhaps the favorite. The Nationals have been disappointing, four games under .500, but they retain the nucleus of the team that led the major leagues in victories in 2012. They could be contenders for years. Porter remains close to Nationals players. Seven, including Bryce Harper, belong to the spiritual book club he leads. But just as Porter has moved on, so have the Nationals. They probably will turn to bench coach Randy Knorr or Arizona third-base coach Matt Williams. So Porter continues to look ahead. That's not because he has no other choice. It's his nature. He was exuberant before the season, saying the Astros could be a surprise team, that they weren't going to lose 100 games just because the critics said they were. They were on pace going into this weekend to lose 109. Next Sunday will mark the one-year anniversary of Brad Mills' firing as the Astros' manager. Who can say they would have been worse this season with Mills? "I understood what I was signing up for," Porter said Friday. "But I also knew where we were going as an organization. "I believe in these players. I believe in the players we have coming. It's very easy to look at the dark side and say this isn't working yet. Or you can look at the bright side and see the progress the organization has made. When we start winning, we're going to win for a long time." Porter does get frustrated. There is a clear divide within the Astros' organization. The front office, which for the most part relies heavily on analytics, has a view of the game not always shared by those coaching the game. Porter, as the middleman, is scrutinized, even criticized, by some on both sides. Sure, they disagree General manager Jeff Luhnow and Porter acknowledge they have disagreements. But at least the GM and manager are talking to each other. That is not the case with every major league team. "We don't always agree," Porter said. "But we've never left the room when we weren't able to share our views, when I felt my voice hadn't been heard." Luhnow said it would be boring if he and Porter agreed on everything. "It makes us better if we can discuss all of our options," Luhnow said. Neither he nor Porter would address specific arguments. But you can imagine there was a discussion when outfielder Robbie Grossman was recalled last month from Oklahoma City after hitting .198 in Houston during 28 games earlier in the season. Before Friday's game, Grossman had hit in 10 consecutive games with a .472 batting average, three home runs and nine RBIs. "If you had asked me what I thought of him when he was first here, it wouldn't be the same answer I would give you today," Porter said. No Rivera in sight But Grossman was 0-for-5 Friday and 1-for-4 in Saturday night's 5-4 loss to Texas. In another game recently, he apparently forgot his power surge and bunted his way on base. Jose Altuve, an All-Star last season, recently tried to steal third with a lefthanded batter at the plate, giving the catcher a clean throw. Jason Castro, an All-Star this year, insisted Wednesday that relief pitcher Josh Fields throw a breaking pitch despite Fields' attempts to shake him off. Fields relented, resulting in a game-winning home run for Boston. Chris Carter is striking out at a record pace despite constant coaching. Porter gave him two days off to relax. He returned Friday and struck out twice. As for the bullpen, it had blown saves in six of the last seven chances. Porter looks out and sees five rookies, two of whom made their major league debuts Friday. "I've been openly frustrated for a few weeks about our bullpen," Porter said. "I wish I had Mariano Rivera. If I had him, I'd call for him in the ninth inning, sit back with my legs crossed and smile. I don't have him." Teachable moments What does Porter have? Teachable moments. "I feel completely blessed to have this opportunity," he said. "I believe I'm the right man for the job." But you still have to wonder if he wonders. With the Nationals, a teachable moment would be telling your players to visit the Smithsonian on their days off.
Lets hope he isnt thinking otherwise. How could any manager suggest he isnt the right man for the job?
I have been underwhelmed by Porter, understanding that a.) he's had minimal talent to work with and b.) we have no idea what happens off the field. His bullpen management has been spotty and the way he handled Carter & Pena in the DH role was downright bizarre. I think he may be better suited to manage in the NL, if at all.
