Mark Berman is reporting that Charlie Norton, former director of baseball research/pro scouting coordinator, is suing the Astros for breach of contract/wrongful termination.
According to the lawsuit, during a meeting on Dec. 16, 2011 that included Norton, Luhnow told those who were there, "everyone here and around are signed through next year and can have comfort that they have a job for a year." The lawsuit also states Luhnow made similiar comments on Jan. 3, 2012.
Berman:
Nine days later the Astros fired Norton and according to the lawsuit the reason given was "not for cause, but as set forth in its termination letter, due to an elimination of your position as the club's director, baseball research and analysis."
Norton's attorney:
"It's our contention that they did not have the ability to terminate Charlie for restructuring reasons for which they ultimately did terminate him."
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
