Brian McTaggart's new post gives a first impression of Brad Mills, as he spent a couple of hours welcoming families transitioning out of homelessness at Minute Maid Park (he welcomed them at Minute Maid Park. They're not transitioning out of homelessness into Minute Maid Park. Never mind.)
Whether Mills can manage a game or a bullpen remains to be seen, but at first glance the Astros have hired a personable and capable manager. He said he's reached to about 90 percent of the players, and on Saturday got some face time with Berkman and Pence. Trust me. Having Berkman in your corner is a pretty big deal in the clubhouse. And so is communication with the players. Just ask Cecil Cooper...
...He won't get too high or too low. At least, that's his reputation. He's never been a Major League manager before, so we don't know for sure. He's been on the job for a month and is still feeling his way around, but if first impressions are anything, the Astros have a gem.
It's my fervent hope that the Astros won't suck so much that Mills gets let go after his two years are up.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
