Astros fire Cooper as losing streak continues

With only 13 games remaining in the season and the Astros mired in one of the longest slumps of the season, the Astros have released their manager, Cecil Cooper. While many ask why the Astros would fire Cooper with only 13 games remaining in the season, I ask what took them so long.

During this year’s spring training the Astros had one of their worst records ever. They started the season with only one win in their first seven games, and as the pressure cooker finally started to reach the point where Cooper’s release was likely, the Astros front office did the unthinkable and picked up the 2010 option on Cooper’s contract. I did not fully understand the motives of the Astros front office then, and certainly there are numerous questions that have yet to be answered in the impending off-season for the Astros. Dave Clark, the Astros third base coach, will act as the interim manager for the remainder of the season and will be considered for the full-time job next year.

The firing of Cooper does not solve any of the Astros’ problems. Currently, the Astros sit in fourth place in the NL Central with a 70-80 record and are a staggering 17.5 games back of division leader St. Louis. The offensive woes continue for the ‘Stros and it appears that the team has finally succumbed to the notion that they are playing for 2010 and beyond. Still, the major question is: who will manage the team next season? Ed Wade loves managers with established resumes, so that narrows the candidates down to a handful of individuals who are currently out of work. Some names that have surfaced are Jim Fregosi, Manny Acta and Buck Showalter. Though Ed Wade would love to bring in a manager like Fregosi or Showalter, do not be surprised if the Astros look at a couple of individuals who have a history with the Astros and are looking for their first shot at managing at the big league level. While the Astros would love to bring in someone like Jeff Bagwell, he lacks the pedigree as a game manager. On the other hand, former Astros player Tim Bogar, who currently coaches in the Red Sox organization, and Brad Ausmus might be persuaded to forego their futures with their current organizations for a shot at managing in the bigs.

Unfortunately, even if the Astros do find a manager in the near future, it does not even begin to solve the problems that the Astros will face entering next season. There are questions regarding the rotation, and of course, several high-profile veteran position players whose contracts account for the lion’s share of the Astros’ current payroll. Wandy Rodriguez and Hunter Pence are due for a substantial upgrade in salary in the arbitration process this off-season, and that means that the money situation will become even tighter. Some in the organization have hinted that they are trying to shop slugging outfielder Carlos Lee, but his contract is scaring off potential suitors. Miguel Tejada has stated that he would like to remain in the organization and would even move over to third base if necessary. Tejada would have to take a significant pay cut for that circumstance to pan out, and it still leaves third base prospect Chris Johnson playing another year in the minors. Tommy Manzella, the heir apparent at shortstop, is a cheaper and younger option at shortstop. Kaz Matsui wants to return to Japan, and that leaves a hole at second base. Catcher Jason Castro, the hot–hitting, hard-throwing first round draft pick last season, is sure to get a chance to play every day, and will get a good long look in spring training to prove he can handle the job, likely leaving J.R. Towles as his backup. So, if Matsui and Tejada depart for a chance to escape the rebuilding process that is sure to ensue in Houston, the Astros could have three rookies starting in the infield next year with Johnson, Manzella and Castro. If Drew Meyer, 2B, can prove that his stats at Corpus Christi this season were no fluke, then that brings the number of rookies up to four. If the Astros can unload Carlos Lee and his enormous contract, then that makes five rookies. Surely the Astros know that you cannot be competitive with five rookies starting, so let the rebuilding begin.

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I have waited several years for this process to begin, and am now excited at the prospect of finally seeing some of the younger Astros in the organization get their opportunity to shine. The Astros organization lacks relative depth, but there are some excellent players in the system, although unfortunately they are a few years away from realizing their big-league potential. So, next year may be a relative wash when it comes to competing in the NL Central, but if you are a true Astros fan, it will be fun to watch the new faces in the organization emerge.

By: Jordan Fleck
MLBcenter.com Houston Astros correspondent

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