He's a PR nightmare, that's for sure. You can almost hear the Astros' scrambling, "He said what??" Shame, too, because Lunhow is the real deal - a very smart, charasmatic guy who people will love as his (hopefully successful) vision starts to play out. He should talk; Crane should own.
Anybody expecting Jim Crane to be a quiet owner was kidding themselves. While he will always have haters, I think his comments will resonate with fans if the club starts winning.
This. Though there are a few decisions with which I disagree, I like how he has reiterated what the franchise is doing with payroll (may be in the minority here). Crane will be loved when we turn it around, and frankly, I love his hires. Side note: I was leaning against the wall at the Astro's College Classic a couple weeks ago to only have Biggio and Crane stand next to me. I was a content fly on the wall. Not much baseball was spoken, but they seemed to get along with one and another. I will be curious to see what Biggio does once Conner is out of HS.
Biggio seems to love coaching HS. I think the organization truly believes in Bo Porter long-term, which would take away the manager spot for Biggio. I'd guess Biggio stays in Houston until his daughter graduates, and then I could see him coaching at his alma mater (Seton Hall). It is hard for me to imagine Biggio being with the organization long-term as just an assistant.
I've spoken to him about it - he's done when his son's done. (Which isn't really a secret, so far as I know.) And he shot me a pretty disgusted look when I mentioned coaching for the Astros. Now, it may have been out of respect to Porter, if he thought I meant being the Astros' manager - but I don't think he has plans to enter that arena. I think he genuinely likes his current role. He speaks of having Lunhow's trust and being very involved in the team's operations. Lots of "we"s when he mentions hiring managers, drafting players, the future...
I don't think he has said publicly, but that has been the assumption. I'd guess we would see more of him in the Spring if that is indeed the case.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>If I'm an ALE or ALC owner, Houston's plan to have no payroll, lose,get the 1-2 pick 4 years in a row and still steal revenue-sharing $--</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/314163082979069952">March 19, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>may guarantee 3 teams in the AL West win 90 games and make the playoffs, and spit on the integrity of the sport. Fellow big market teams who</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/314163549859610624">March 19, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>have payrolls under $40M should 1.not get revenue-sharing and 2. be out of the protected pick business. Rewarding trying to lose is wrong</p>— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/314163991352078336">March 19, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The AL East with all those years of the Devil Rays can hardly complain about another division getting an advantage. The central features the Tigers who set the modern standard for embarrasment.
I am also assuming Biggio will be done with H.S coaching when son is finished. Then watch his daughter play softball which she plays competitively, and graduate of course
I wonder if Grandpa Gammons had a problem when Connie Mack tanked or when A's, Browns and Senators were minor league teams for the Yankees and Red Sox. Last if the ALC and ALE owners have an issue with it, then they should have left the Astros in the NL.
really that wasn't funny to you? lighten up man however i do think the black manager is pr for his past problems and its ironic he will be hated because the team will be so bad because of the long term strategy
is gammons implying the stros should be punished for abusing a system that currently is legal.. i understand what he is saying but there would have to be a year or 2 of a grace period before a new system is implmented and by then luhnows quick-rebuild plan should be nearing its end..
unless the Astros do get that 4th 1st overall pick in a row I won't say they are gaming the system. If that happens there won't be any fans left anyways.
With the way some of our guys have been performing this ST, I am worried we won't even make it to 3 #1s in a row.
I think the same was said last spring, and into April when Jose Altuve and JD Martinez were proclaimed the next Biggio and Bagwell.
