DUSTY GONNA DUSTY
Here are the Astros last options to fade Dusty Baker’s curious managerial decisions
Astros manager Dusty Baker took a lot of heat over the weekend for once again using Rafael Montero in a high leverage situation that almost cost the team a win. Baker also took more criticism for his reluctance to pinch hit for Martin Maldonado late in the game when the team needed offense.
And his refusal to move Jose Abreu down in the lineup, when he's literally in the top five for worst OPS in baseball, has fans super frustrated.
Baker's managerial style may have worked perfectly last year, but this season he is clearly not pushing the right buttons. And the Astros have a much more difficult path back to the playoffs with a much stronger division to win. Houston is currently five games behind the Rangers, with an epic clash looming this weekend in Arlington.
Which begs the question; how much longer can the Astros fade Dusty's poor decisions and unwillingness to play his better offensive options? Plus, these issues appear more dire with Yordan Alvarez unable to contribute. So his mistakes are more glaring.
Don't miss the video above as we address what options the team has to get more out of their manager, and better production from the team overall.
If you enjoy the videos, subscribe on YouTube for our latest content.
Listen to ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM for Houston's best sports talk.