Tension, lack of communication lead to Astros’ firing of manager Bo Porter

Just days ago, on August 29, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that there was tension brewing between the Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and the team’s manager Bo Porter in his column Just a Bit Outside.

Well, the word tension now seems to have been an understatement. Within three days of Rosenthal’s report it has been announced Bo Porter has been fired. Along with him goes bench coach Dave Trembley. The two will be replaced for the remainder of the season by Tom Lawless and Adam Everett.

In the intial report Rosenthal he says that that people shouldn’t be shocked that the GM and manager were not getting along, being that Luhnow is very analytical and Porter more emotional and that there had been a general lack of communication.

That lack of communication was highlighted by an incident where Luhnow failed to communicate to Porter that Astros’ prospect Mark Appel, who had not been having much success at the minor league level, would be traveling through the area and would stop to throw a bullpen session at the Houston’s Minute Maid Park.

The Astros players were extremely unhappy believing that Appel was getting special treatment without having earned it. Had Porter had time to speak with his player prior to Appel surprising them at the stadium there would have been less discord in the clubhouse.

That is only one example of communication between two integral parts of an organization that must work together to get the team to where they would like to be. According to Rosenthal that was supposed to be at least finishing the season at .500, at least that was the hope of Astros’ owner Jim Crane. The Astros are currently on pace to finish the season at 68-94.

Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports that the move was to clearly show everyone who is in charge of the club. It is Luhnow, Crane and company. Crane released a statement,

"“This was not an easy decision to make. We wish Bo nothing but the best in the future. Jeff has my full support moving forward. Our goal to bring a championship to Houston remains.”"

A statement was also issued by Luhnow,

"“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.“What we will seek going forward is a consistent and united message throughout the entire organization. It is essential that as an organization we create an atmosphere at the Major League level where our young players can come up and continue to develop and succeed. Ultimately, I am responsible for creating that culture, and I will do everything in my power to do so—even when it means making difficult moves like the one we made today.“Moving forward, I am optimistic about the direction of our team. Our young core continues to progress, and I believe wholeheartedly that our plan—while at times challenging—is working and will bring a consistent winner to Houston in the very near future.”"

An official press conference is scheduled to start soon at 2:00 pm ET.