Entering his fourth season with the Houston Astros and fresh off the first World Series title of his illustrious career, 73-year-old skipper Dusty Baker discussed his future with Bob Nightengale of USA Today. He was noncommittal about the possibility of continuing beyond this season.
“I don’t know man. I just don’t know. You got to go home some day,” Baker told Nightengale.
While that’s a rather equivocal stance, it seems it’s the approach Baker has taken throughout his tenure there. He’s signed a series of one-year contracts with the organization — even this past offseason on the heels of a championship — noting that the shorter term won’t “force (him) to come or go.”
Baker said he has no plans of announcing his retirement in advance, preferring to wait until he’s absolutely sure he wants to step away before making that call.
The Astros went 230-154 over Baker’s first three seasons at the helm and have advanced at least as far as the AL Championship Series in all three of those campaigns, culminating with the second World Series in franchise history last fall. Baker has had the fortune of overseeing excellent rosters, yet the organization could not have hoped for more when tabbing him, especially in the wake of the team's sign-stealing scandal.
Turning to this year’s roster, general manager Dana Brown offered a couple injury updates prior to the club’s Opening Day loss to the White Sox. The Astros placed Michael Brantley on the 10-day injured list as he rehabs from last year’s season-ending shoulder procedure and Brown provided some specificity on the veteran outfielder's timetable, telling reporters that Brantley would miss at least three weeks of game action (relayed by Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle). The veteran outfielder did not take part in spring training. Once healthy, he’s expected to share left field/designated hitter reps with Yordan Alvarez.
Brown also provided an update on starter Lance McCullers Jr., who is opening the season on the 15-day IL due to an elbow strain. The GM said McCullers is now pain-free, indicating some optimism about his status (via Mark Berman of Fox 26). There doesn’t seem to be a firm timetable for his return, though the righty at least managed to play catch during spring training. While McCullers slowly builds toward game shape, Houston opens the year with a front five of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, José Urquidy and rookie Hunter Brown.
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