In news that comes as much of a surprise, the Houston Astros have decided to part ways with manager Bo Porter.
The news comes as a proverbial shock considering Porter has only been the team’s manager for two seasons. It is unclear about what caused the decision, but it is believed that Porter and GM Jeff Luhnow have been at odds with each other.
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal first reported the divide between the two last week, reporting Porter’s unhappiness with the team and its decisions.
Luhnow and the Astros have had a few questionable decisions over the course of the year. The biggest coming from the failed signing of top overall pick Brady Aiken, and the signing of Johnathan Singleton to a $ 10 million deal before his first MLB game. (Singleton is now batting .178 in 264 at-bats)
Luhnow did not specify any particular issue with Porter during the team’s press release, but he did hint at some disconnect stating the following,
“I believe we need a new direction in the clubhouse.”
“What we will seek going forward is a consistent and united message throughout the entire organization. It is essential that as an organization we create an atmosphere at the Major League level where our young players can come up and continue to develop and succeed. Ultimately, I am responsible for creating that culture and I will do everything in my power to do so — even when it means making difficult moves like the one we made today.”
Bo Porter should not be to blame for the Astros bad record over the last two years. The team is in the middle of a long rebuild, that has seen the team acquire three straight top overall picks in the MLB amateur draft. (With the aforementioned Aiken being the most recent)
Despite his two-year record of 110-190, Porter has seen a lot of success from his young team. Jose Altuve has had a career year, and the team has seen solid pitching from the likes of Dallas Keuchel and Colin McChugh.
In addition, top prospect George Springer suffered an injury that kept him out if action for most of his rookie season, and starting center fielder Dexter Fowler has also missed part of the season due to injury as well.
The Astros have pegged Tom Lawless as the interim manager for the rest of the 2014 season.
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