I decided to stop twiddling my thumbs and write about the Astros again. A brief hiatus was honestly beneficial and let me recharge. Whether this organization will stop twiddling its thumbs anytime soon is another matter.
Obviously, the Astros are an organization in transition. Joe Espada’s fate remains undecided, although he was given permission to interview with the Mariners for their managerial opening. That update likely clarifies Espada’s status with Houston, but Jim Crane can be unpredictable. He could let Espada’s contract expire at month’s end instead of firing him. I think that is the likely course of action. Heck, even with Tuesday’s development, I wouldn’t entirely rule out Crane bringing back Espada if the fancy strikes him, albeit a low-probability outcome. The organization still gives off some weird vibes, though, and I don’t like it.
But what else is new? Weird has been the common vibe in recent years.
Regardless, we know for certain that a new general manager will be brought aboard. Whenever that happens. It might be helpful to do some interviews soon, but what do I know? Whoever that person is will have a heck of a time sorting out this roster, which has multiple issues. The pitching staff lacks both creativity and depth. It was clear watching them this season, and it became painfully obvious in these playoffs. The outfield was filled with fourth- and fifth-outfielder types. Too much payroll tied up in underperformance. The farm system still ranks among the worst in baseball.
In other words, the next general manager will certainly have an experience to remember, for good or for ill. Hopefully more of the former than the latter, but that’ll depend on how involved Crane and Jeff Bagwell remain in baseball operations. If the environment is anything like what James Click and Dana Brown dealt with, then my hopes aren’t particularly high that anything will meaningfully change within the organization.
Feature photo from Astros on X
There is going to be so much turnover with player personnel coming up. As well as that, the new core is coming up through the Carolinas. Nothing is imminent for success next season(especially with no CBA in the future).
Are we sure our fam system stinks? Or we are not developing players the way we used to? Our scouting staff? Are they as good as they used to be? The department of Dark Arts? Can we go back to be an elite organization with the current leadership? We are looking like the Houston Angels.
I know we are turning over staff in these departments. But the problem as I see it, without a talented GM, without a POBO that has a true vision that is guided by the insights of an edge, we will just be the rangers big brother, nothing more.
One good hiring could change everything for us….