Why the Outrage?

So, as noted in this morning's link dump, Jim Deshaies interviewed with the Cubs this weekend. News of that interview immediately created anger and outrage throughout Astros fandom. A lot of this outrage came before any facts were known, which is so unlike the internet. But even after Dave Barron provided more details, the outrage only abated somewhat. So, I honestly want to know: Why are we so angry at the Astros for something they don't want to happen, and which has not happened yet?

I get from that article that the Astros want JD back, and he wanted to come back as well. Now, several people have argued that they should have locked him up sooner, and maybe that's the case, but was anybody really expecting the Cubs, or any other team for that matter, to come calling? It seems like this was rather out of the blue for everyone. According to the article, JD's contract expires in February. From the sound of it, both sides fully expected to extend the contract well before then. However, when the Cubs called, he decided, in his own words "Well, that's worth talking about."  

And can you blame him? I mean, I watch Astros games. You likely watch Astros games. But the product they put on the field last year resulted in the lowest ratings in the majors. Dare we forget the mid September .05 rating the Astros pulled in?  The Cubs bring a bigger market, more eyeballs, and more national exposure. We all know that Deshaies is talented enough for bigger and better things. If he decides that he wants to move on, are we going to begrudge him that?

That's not to say he will move on. I sincerely hope that he stays on. The Cubs would be foolish not to offer him the job, but if they do, I hope the Astros give him what he needs to stay. He makes some miserable play on the field enjoyable. However, if he does leave, I will still be an Astros fan. I will still watch whoever they get to replace him. Losing someone who makes miserable baseball enjoyable will sting less when the the baseball is no longer miserable to watch. On that front, I continue to believe the Astros are on the right path.