Jon Heyman's column today has some news for Astros fans, after scaring the bejeezus out of us by announcing the Cardinals will try to lock up both Holliday and Pujols this off-season.
ANYway, on the managerial search:
A person familiar with the Astros' plans says they will interview Manny Acta for their managerial opening. But if the Houston Chronicle's candidate list has any legs, he'll have plenty of company. It's a veritable potpourri of former Astros stars and current Astros coaches and decision-makers.
Always nice when the national media questions the validity of the local media.
Heyman first lists Jim Fregosi, but intriguingly enough, Barry Axelrod - Bagwell and Biggio's agent - declined to comment until "real contact" was made by the Astros.
And then, out of absolutely nowhere:
The other possibility, and it's probably a long shot (though the possibility has been rumored), would be to hope La Russa and Duncan bolt the Cardinals and they can steal that vaunted tandem from the best team in the NL Central. That would be a coup, as it's hard to imagine La Russa ditching a great situation in St. Louis for a team with troubles.
This would rock the very foundations of my soul. Thoughts?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
