The Houston Astros have sent Bo Porter packing after less then two years as the team’s manager. Porter, who was hired on as the skipper prior to last season, has fielded a consistently rebuilding team and a 110-190 record as manager was the end result.
.@Astros have relieved Bo Porter of managerial duties. Tom Lawless will take over as manager on interim basis for remainder of 2014 season.
— MLB (@MLB) September 1, 2014
General manager Jeff Luhnow had this to say about the firing Monday morning (via CBS Sports).
Earlier today, I informed Bo Porter that he would no longer be our manager and told Dave Trembley that he would not complete the season as our bench coach.
Bo’s passion and energy are unparalleled, and his desire to win unquestioned. This decision was not made because of our current level of competitiveness in the Major Leagues. I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible. Rather, I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse.
At the very least, Luhnow understood that Porter wasn’t the primary reason for the Astros lack of success. This is a team that has struggled to throw a competitive team out on the field for years now. And that’s a direct result of a strategy within the organization to build up the farm system and improve from within over an extended period of time.
Matt Snyder of CBS Sports previously reported that Luhnow and Porter didn’t share the same vision for the team’s future. That likely played a more important role in the firing.
Tom Lawless takes over as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Photo: Sports on Earth