And Dusty has gone to 2 consecutive World Series, winning 1. He is a reigning World Champion. Those are facts.
The point is most managers do not inherit a championship team. It was silly to bypass that fact by saying every manager inherits a team. Astros were already in process of being dynasty before Dusty arrived. All he did was not wreck the ship, and his authority was taken from him in last year's playoffs. But this year is different. Astros have more injuries and more competition in the division. He's been making stupid decisions with the lineup all season. The sooner his authority is taken, the better off the team will be. It's amazing his superiors can remove France but can't remove Maldonado.
I read this thread because I read all the the threads. And I know Dusty is not going to he fired - and likely be back next year also. I have wanted Joe Espada to take over for 2 years now. Espada will be gone if that happens. Truth is, he wasn't chosen by Brown and has no managerial experience so may not get the gig even if it becomes available. I come here to vent about Dusty's lineups and in game decisions. It's nice to have a place. 1) I want Diaz to start 75%+ of the games at catcher but I understand that if the SP wants and likes a specific catcher then that must be considered. I also understand that Maldy studies for the upcoming game and lineup like no other, so theoretically is better prepared to call the right pitches. There are real and valuable reasons to start Maldy despite so many negatives his physical limitations bring. So, at least I understand there are legitimate reasons to start Maldy, even if I don't like or agree with them. 2) As for not starting the best 8 other players every day, it simply makes me nuts. No team in MLB gives its star players more healthy days off than Dusty does. In the past when the team had Marwin or Aledmys Diaz on the bench that's a valid strategy. When the bench is made up of AAAA guys AND your starting catcher is an automatic out this team simply does not have that luxury. 3) if Dusty insists on starting Maldy, he simply can't let him hit in the late innings when the game is in question. The starting pitcher is no longer in the game and hitting trumps anything Maldy brings at that point. This team has 49 games left and is in its biggest playoff battle ( besides 2020 that has legitimate reasons for not counting) since 2016. Texas lost another regular yesterday and is vulnerable. The Astros can and should catch them. Dusty needs to do his part.
Just because Maldy prepares for games like no other, doesn't mean he uses what he knows to a better outcome consistently. I really question Maldy's pitch calls sometimes. It can get very predictable and ge wall call the same pitches over and over so the batter knows what's coming. He obviously better than most given our good team ERA, but the number has shown Diaz calls as good of a game and can provide a plus bat.
Maldy's pitch calling got really suspect earlier this year esp with Pressly and Abreu. He outsmarts himself... sometimes a fastball is all that is needed...
I agree with you on this. Unfortunately the Astros either don't, or like hitting, catching the ball, or throwing out baserunners, it's simply another weakness that they feel is less important than all the other positives.
Can you list these positives that they see Maldy brings outweighs the productions? Is it just these pitchers like him as a teammate and person? I dunno, I kind of forget exactly what they were.
Its a mystery they have never expounded upon, has never been directly endorsed by the smart people in the front office, doesn’t show up on the field on offense, defense or pitching results, doesn’t lead to more wins, and that we are supposed to take on faith. And if you question it you are arrogant. So I’m not questioning, just explaining what it isn’t.
Don't ask me. They aren't my positives. They are the Astros' As I have stated- I want Diaz to start. I'm not defending, merely accepting.
So it appears that the Astros are winning despite of Dusty? If the Astros win another championship, would Crane have the cojones to fire him just like he did with Click?
I wonder if Diaz is taking notes on that stuff. If you commit yourself to the off the field work and develop strong relationships with your pitchers then they'll be ride or die with you. You can keep a job well into your late 30's providing below average and later bottom of the league offensive production. Diaz is saying "what must i do". Fans and Dana are saying "what must Diaz do". Maldy, Dusty and the pitchers are like "this is pretty straight forward guys".
Not a chance. Click shot his mouth off and was unlikable. He did not do what he was told - assimilate. Everybody likes Dusty and he gave Crane a second (and "untainted") World Series Championships. He is Teflon
Dusty is a pretty selfless teacher to sacrifice multiple wins in a close division race just so his pupil can learn the right lessons.
Well Teflon is getting ban in Europe...maybe it'll bit America too. Anyways, I've accepted with it is for this year. Will see next season if he'll still be here. If Astros win again, I feel he will definitely be back...if not, then he's gone.
He the pitcher's therapist on the mound which is why I never question his paring with Framber. The difference between elite Framber and lots of potential Framber is between his ears.
If you don’t like it you don’t have to click the fire Dusty thread. I mean- what do you think the thread is about? Granato and Zierlien were talking about this on the radio today. Granato- thank God Maton broke his hand last year or Dusty might have used him Lance- who else do you want to injure themsleves. John- I'm not going there Lance- goofy voice- I'm not saying I want anyone to get hurt- but I want Yainer to play every day John- I can think of 5 guys I'd like to see get hurt Dell (producer) so you are basically saying Dusty can't be trusted with any discretion and guys just need to get hurt so he can't use them Lance and john- pause to think- then- Simultaneous yes. I honestly think the Astros would be a better team with a 21 man roster and just deciding to forfeit a game every other week or so and just not come to the park at all.
