News came in today that the Houston Astros (58-73) fired head coach Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura. Cecil Cooper has been named the new manager with Tal Smith taking over as interim GM for the rest of the year. Purpura’s ousting was expected, and if anything, a little late, but the axing of Garner was slightly more surprising (but only slightly). Garner took the Astros to their first-ever World Series and managed with an exciting style; lots of small-ball and runner movement on the base paths via hit-and-runs, base stealing, sacrifice bunts, etc. He didn’t sit around and wait for a three-run homer as is the boring style of play popular in the American League.
Purpura’s performance has been disappointing pretty much from the get-go. Trading speedy centerfielder Willy Taveras and highly rated pitching prospect Jason Hirsh to the Rockies in exchange for Jason “Damaged Goods” Jennings should have been enough cause for his dismissal. Trading the underperforming Morgan Ensberg to the Padres for absolutely nothing at this point and unloading set-up man Dan Wheeler to the D-Rayz in exchange for third baseman Ty Wigginton – which is an even trade at best – are just a few of his blunders. Although Wigginton does appear to be a decent third bagger. Even though the Stros did reach the Series in Purpura’s first year as GM, this was due almost solely to the work of previous GM Gerry Hunsicker. Good riddance to Purpura and a warm hug farewell to ol’ “Scrap Iron” Garner.
This article appears in August 24 • 2007.