Ausmus Is Back With Astros, But Bagwell May Be His Biggest Problem

Houston - February 8, 2006 - Brad Ausmus, the new manager for the Houston Astros, is set to take on the challenge of leading the team. However, his return may be complicated by his close friendship with fellow player Jeff Bagwell, a figure who has become a lightning rod for criticism among Astros fans. Bagwell's influence on baseball decisions has raised questions about the direction of the franchise, making his association with Ausmus a potential stumbling block for the new manager.

While Ausmus has legitimate managerial experience, including stints with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, the Astros' fan base may have doubts about his ability to bring fresh perspectives to the organization. This is especially concerning given the current roster's need for improvement and the franchise's quest to return to championship contention.

The Astros' owner, Jim Crane, and the Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell will play crucial roles in determining the team's future direction. As the organization tries to move past its questionable decisions of the past, the hiring of Ausmus and Randy Flores, the new general manager, should ideally bring fresh perspectives. However, the fact that Crane and Bagwell are so intertwined with the hiring process has left fans skeptical and frustrated.

Ultimately, the Astros' success will come down to their performance on the field, but the question remains: will the hiring of Ausmus and Flores ultimately be viewed as a new beginning or a return to the same old problems?