Wow. I mean, I really did believe the Astros might be well-served by hiring a shorter-term, veteran manager to help change the culture a bit – and also step right in and try to win with a good core – but I wasn’t sure Dusty Baker would be the guy.
But here it is – Dusty Baker is back:
The #Astros have decided on Dusty Baker to be their next manager, a perfect choice.https://t.co/UlDHjACFD0
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 28, 2020
Among other veterans like Buck Showalter and John Gibbons, the Astros also interviewed Cubs third base coach Will Venable, so he’ll be sticking around for 2020.
Baker, 70, has managed successfully with the Giants, Cubs, Reds, and Nationals, known for his work in the clubhouse and his older-school approach. I’m sure the latter has softened in recent years, though it’s still surprising to see the most technologically progressive organization in baseball going this route. Maybe it’s what they need.
Of course, keep in mind that it is the Astros owner, Jim Crane, who is making the hiring decision here, rather than the front office – because the front office currently has no people at the top. So, going with an old-school, good-clubhouse veteran for a short-term period, a period that’ll be full of a whole lotta scorn for the players everywhere they go, probably feels pretty safe to an owner. And it might wind up a fine decision, too. Like I said, Baker has generally been successful in the regular season with his teams.
Baker will now be in the AL West, featuring another former Cubs manager, as Joe Maddon takes over the Angels. So that’s kinda fun.
UPDATE: Did Bob jump the gun? We’ll see:
Two sources with knowledge of the situation say there's no confirmation that the Astros will hire Dusty Baker as their manager. @BNightengale reports Houston will choose Baker, the three-time Manager of the Year winner who has won more than 1,800 games
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) January 28, 2020