Search for new Astros manager begins after Dusty Bakerโs retirement; Astros bullpen could be tough to replace; and more
Hey guys, itโs Ari Alexander with the Astros newsletter. Itโs November and the Astros arenโt playing. Itโs weird. Nobody is very used to this, since it hasnโt happened since 2020, so now instead of figuring out what the Astros need to do to take down another World Series title, weโre...looking ahead? Letโs break down what kind of changes could come to this team in 2024.
Timeline: How did the Astros sign-stealing scandal unfold? Where does the team stand today?
Jan. 13: MLB reaches an Astros decision and releases nine-page reportMLB released a nine-page report regarding the Astros cheating scandal. Jan. 17: Astros interview three candidates to replace HinchThe Astros interviewed three candidates for the teamโs manager position. March 12, 2020: MLB announces that spring training games are canceled over coronavirus concernsThis also marked the day the start of the regular season was pushed back. October 2020: Astros make the postseasonIt was a strange shortened season, but the Astros clinched a spot in the postseason, in large part due to the 16-team format. Oct. 19, 2020: Luhnow tells his side of the storyAfter being fired amid the scandal, now weโll finally get to hear from Luhnow himself.
Avila says Tigers arenโt ruling out disgraced former Astros manager AJ Hinch or Alex Cora for manager
DETROIT โ Tigers general manager Al Avila said Friday that Detroit is not ruling out the possibility of hiring A.J. Hinch or Alex Cora for its manager vacancy. Hinch and Cora were suspended through the 2020 postseason for their roles in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Theyโre serving their suspensions, and once their suspensions are over, then theyโll be free to pursue their careers. Avila said it is important that the next manager be able to help with talent evaluation, since there are important decisions to make throughout the roster.
5 key takeaways from MLBโs report on the Astros sign-stealing system
Major League Baseball released a nine-page report from Commissioner Rob Manfred, issuing punishment and context behind the Astros sign-stealing allegations. The MLBโs investigation found the original idea was to have a runner in the replay room decode the signs, then call Astros Bench Coach Alex Cora. According to MLBโs investigation, Hinch never explicitly told players to stop the conduct, but believed it was wrong and distracting. ALEX CORAAccording to the report, Alex Cora was heavily involved in developing both the original plan and the trash can-banging scheme. ASTROS MANAGEMENT CULTURERob Manfred made sure to list observations about the Astros front office and the Brandon Taubman incident.