Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

**SPTO** · 09-21-2009, 06:21 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Because the Astros are run by ruthless bastards?

I dunno, but I always wonder why teams fire their managers before the season is over when it's only a couple or so weeks away from ending.

**texans** · 09-21-2009, 09:30 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Yeah, he was fired mostly because the team's payroll was a record high and they performed so poorly on the field this year. I don't think it was entirely Cooper's fault, but he definitely lost the confidence of most of the team. This included the teams star players, namely Berkman who's having his worst year as a pro and staff ace Oswalt who only tallied 8 wins before shutting it down.

The reason he was let go today, according to the presser, was that it was the start of the team's last home stand and they may as well make the move now. It didn't make sense to go to New York next week then have him come back to Houston just to let him go. It also gives a head's up to other the other coaches that they may not be back next season. I agree with it, other Astros managers have been let go for doing much better (Collins, Dierker, Williams).

I just hope they get an established manager this time around, someone they can keep around for more than 2 seasons. With as many veterans as the club has they need a savvy skipper to keep it all together, although they might infuse quite a bit of youth into the club next year. We'll see.

**Polo Bandit** · 09-21-2009, 09:38 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Brang back Garner.

**J0nnD0ugh** · 09-21-2009, 09:53 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Originally posted by texans

Yeah, he was fired mostly because the team's payroll was a record high and they performed so poorly on the field this year. I don't think it was entirely Cooper's fault, but he definitely lost the confidence of most of the team. This included the teams star players, namely Berkman who's having his worst year as a pro and staff ace Oswalt who only tallied 8 wins before shutting it down.

The reason he was let go today, according to the presser, was that it was the start of the team's last home stand and they may as well make the move now. It didn't make sense to go to New York next week then have him come back to Houston just to let him go. It also gives a head's up to other the other coaches that they may not be back next season. I agree with it, other Astros managers have been let go for doing much better (Collins, Dierker, Williams).

I don't think anyone disputes the firing. Just understand the timing. What does this do for the organization? They still have to pay Coop, they probably have to pay the new guy a raise for now being the interim mgr, the interim isn't guaranteed to be hired permanently. Its not like they get a "jump" in finding the next hire. The timing just doesn't make sense.

**texans** · 09-21-2009, 10:50 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

What difference does it really make? May as well move on now, not like they're in the race.

**J0nnD0ugh** · 09-22-2009, 01:05 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Originally posted by texans

What difference does it really make? ......not like they're in the race.

Exactly. How does this make the Astros situation better? The only thing they accomplished is pay a guy to sit on his fanny, & gave someone else a raise that they probably are intending to let go as well.

Its their money.

**SPTO** · 09-22-2009, 01:17 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Originally posted by Polo Bandit

Brang back Garner.

What the heck is Garner doing these days? I always thought he was a pretty good manager. He usually gets the most out of the talent he's given and I like the attitude and style of play he brings to his teams.

**texans** · 09-22-2009, 01:20 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Originally posted by J0nnD0ugh

Exactly. How does this make the Astros situation better? The only thing they accomplished is pay a guy to sit on his fanny, & gave someone else a raise that they probably are intending to let go as well.

Its their money.

I understand where you're coming from but I'm not entirely sure you have to give a guy a raise to interim manage a team for 12 games. It would be a nominal cost at best (compared to the big picture). If anything it's an audition for Clark to see if he can manage at all at the big league level since he will be a candidate for the full-time job. I hope the Astros go with someone more proven though, Richard Justice blogged today about Jim Fergosi being a possible replacement. I'd be okay with that or someone with his level of experience.

**DubTrey1** · 09-22-2009, 10:21 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

I would go for anyone at this point that has an established track record. I suppose in a word of "I wish" - I wish Uncle Drayton would sell the team off to someone who knows baseball and stop thinking we that the team he started the season off with year after year is just good enough to compete in the NL Central. I mean, this year we had no real number 3 starter, we have a washed up broken down Mike Hampton, a useless (or misused) Russ Ortiz, and a whole host of gasoline bullpen hurlers that love to blow games it would seem.

It makes it hard to look forward to next year when we seem to be stuck in a holding pattern of failure.

**Sandman42** · 09-22-2009, 10:29 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Originally posted by DubTrey1

I would go for anyone at this point that has an established track record. I suppose in a word of "I wish" - I wish Uncle Drayton would sell the team off to someone who knows baseball and stop thinking we that the team he started the season off with year after year is just good enough to compete in the NL Central. I mean, this year we had no real number 3 starter, we have a washed up broken down Mike Hampton, a useless (or misused) Russ Ortiz, and a whole host of gasoline bullpen hurlers that love to blow games it would seem.

It makes it hard to look forward to next year when we seem to be stuck in a holding pattern of failure.

First step would be to get rid of Ed Wade.

**texans** · 09-22-2009, 10:40 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

I agree with ya DubTrey, the franchise took a turn for the worse when Gerry Hunsicker left. Actually he was more or less chased off by Drayton McLane. Hunsicker only went on to help the Rays turn into a respectable organization as senior VP. The good news for us is that it seems Ed Wade is on the right track in turning us around and has the track record to prove he can do it. The bad news is it usually takes 3-5 years to do it, although we are 2 years in to his regime. I'm really optimistic the team will hire a good manager as Wade has a good track record of doing that as well.

**DubTrey1** · 09-23-2009, 11:54 AM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

I am not holding my breath on Wade - but anything is better than Pupura or whatever his name was after Hunsicker got the door. I only hope realistically Drayton decides to cut his losses and (hurts to say it) but actually does Berkman, Roy O and Lee to a lesser extent a favor and ship them off for prospects. And I mean can't miss prospects... Those guys will never get close to another WS trip with the Astros IMO. I think we could rebuild quickly if we got some talent for those guys and just call it - Our minors are weak, Castro is a few years away, Mier as well - Norris and Brad James could be up soon, but after them? Collin Delome? Who? Who next? We need something...

**rsox** · 09-23-2009, 06:31 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

Norris is already up and has started 9 games so far this season.

The Astros have some decisions to make which i think will effect the interest of possible managerial candidates. Many believe that Oswalt will ask for trade once the offseason begins. They tried to trade Carlos Lee during the season but he would not waive his no-trade claus, they will continue to try and move him over the winter. Miguel Tejada probably will not return. Jose Valverde will be the only real closer on the free agent market.
I don't see Berkman being traded though.

A veteran manager like Jim Fregosi or Buck Showalter or the like are probably not going to want to take over a rebuliding team and the Astros need to rebuild, not re-tool.

**texans** · 09-23-2009, 07:21 PM

Re: Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

It wouldn't surprise me if Art Howe is a candidate. He's been doing the Astros post game show at the stadium all year and he'd be a good candidate. He was the manager the last time the team had a lot of young guys coming up (Bags, Biggio, Caminiti, Finley, Luis Gonzalez, Kile, Reynolds). I'd also really disapprove of Garner as a pick. He took the team to the WS yeah, but he also had a really good team. Other than that his track record kinda stinks. If they do bring someone back I'd rather it be Deirker, but I don't think he's up to it anymore.

Also, isn't Billy Wagner going to be on the FA market this year? I think I'd rather have Wags over Valverde right now. Valverde's been on and off hurt all season which might hurt him in the market, even though he led the NL in saves in '07 and '08. Can't argue with Billy the Kid's 385 career saves and he seems to be pitching well right now. I doubt he'd come back to Houston though, they parted on bad terms last time around.

Also, DubTrey, if you're around a TV tonight Norris is starting against the Cards. He reminds me of a Pete Harnisch because of his stature and stuff, but he obviously has a ways to go yet.

Cecil Cooper fired by Astros

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