Here are the Astros last options to fade Dusty Baker’s curious managerial decisions

DUSTY GONNA DUSTY

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.

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How will Soto's massive contract impact the Astros?Composite Getty Image.

Over the weekend, the big domino finally fell with Juan Soto agreeing to a 15-year, $765 million megadeal with the New York Mets. Which means Alex Bregman and the other top free agents on the market should soon follow in short order.

In fact, we're already seeing reports from Rob Bradford of WEEI and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale claiming that the Red Sox and Yankees are “expected” to make a run at Bregman.

Soto heading to the National League certainly feels like a win for Astros fans, but that could change if missing out on Soto causes the Yankees to pry Breggy away from Houston.

We'll have to wait and see how this plays out before we get too excited. However, one thing is for sure, all the free agents on the market have to be thrilled about the size of Soto's deal. Not to mention Willy Adames' 7-year, $182 million deal with the Giants that could help Bregman's chances of receiving a more lucrative deal than the Astros reportedly offered him, 6- years, $154 million.

What's really eye-opening about Soto's contract is how it could impact Framber Valdez and Kyle Tucker, specifically Tucker. It's hard to imagine Tucker won't get an offer of at least $300 million, and at this point $400 million wouldn't surprise us.

Historically, the Astros don't trade their big name free agents before their contracts expire, but perhaps they should rethink that approach with King Tuck. If they won't even entertain a deal approaching $300 million, it might be worth taking a step back this year to replenish the farm system and focus on the team long-term.

Speaking of trades, the Astros are reportedly calling anyone who will listen about the availability of Ryan Pressly.

Don't miss the video above as we react to the Soto deal, share our thoughts on how it could impact the Astros championship window, and much more!

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