Ex-Giants, Cubs, Reds and Nationals boss to take over
Report: Astros to hire veteran Dusty Baker as new manager
Jan 28, 2020, 11:29 am
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According to reports, the Houston Astros are hiring Dusty Baker to take over the vacant Manager's position with the club. Baker replaces A.J. Hinch, who was suspended one year by the MLB in conclusion of its sign-stealing investigation before ultimately being fired by owner Jim Crane.
Baker last managed for the Washington Nationals in 2016-17, going 192-132 in those two regular seasons, which was enough to win the NL East both times. However, he and that Nationals team were unable to make it past the divisional round in either year.
Baker has vast managerial experience, dating back to his 10-year run with the Giants starting in 1993. His overall record in his career is 1863-1636 for a .532 winning percentage. He has fared worse in the playoffs, combining for a 23-32 record in postseason play across his four teams.
He has been to the World Series one time in 2002 with the Giants where they would lose in seven games to the Angels. Baker is seen as somewhat of a controversial person in the baseball world, having received scrutiny over his years for over-using pitchers and being at the helm during some of the most notable collapses. In that 2002 World Series, the Giants took a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 and a 5-0 lead into the seventh inning of that game before allowing six unanswered runs before ultimately losing the series in Game 7.
Baker now gets the opportunity to manage a team full of talent, but with the challenge of trying to overcome the attention and ire of many in the baseball world.
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The Houston Rockets (37-24) travel to Indianapolis on Tuesday to take on the Indiana Pacers (34-25) as they aim to end their seven-game road losing streak.
Indiana has been strong at home, posting an 18-10 record while averaging 116.6 points per game. Pascal Siakam has been a key contributor, averaging 21.3 points and 7.2 rebounds over his last 10 games. Myles Turner continues to be a force in the paint, scoring 15.5 points per game while pulling down 6.5 rebounds.
Houston, despite recent road struggles, leads the Western Conference in offensive rebounding (14.6 per game). Alperen Sengun continues to anchor the Rockets’ attack, averaging 19.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Jalen Green has also provided a scoring boost, averaging 3.5 made three-pointers over his last 10 games.
Both teams have played .500 basketball or better over their last 10 games, with the Pacers going 6-4 and the Rockets sitting at 5-5. Indiana has thrived offensively, shooting 49.6% from the field during that span, while Houston has relied on its rebounding advantage to stay competitive.
Injury concerns could play a factor, with the Rockets dealing with several day-to-day absences, including Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks. The Pacers will be without Isaiah Jackson for the season, and Bennedict Mathurin’s status remains uncertain.
Houston will need to improve its shooting efficiency and limit Indiana’s fast-paced offense if it hopes to leave Indianapolis with a much-needed road victory. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.
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