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Phil Garner
Phil Garner in the News
Justice: Patton ready to show Orioles he's back: Troy Patton was all of 21 years old when Phil Garner began wondering why he was wasting his time in the minor leagues, says Richard Justice.
Garner steps in as interim coach at UH-Victoria: Former Astros manager Phil Garner isn't itching to return to the dugout. He's happy to do it temporarily for an old friend, though.
Revamped Astros can hit, but have pitching issues: The turnover began before the end of 2007. Cecil Cooper replaced Phil Garner as manager and former Philadelphia general manager Ed Wade was hired to retool a franchise that slipped after playing in the 2005 World Series.
Garner, Baylor, Cedeno join Texas Baseball Hall: Former Astros manager Phil Garner joined former teammate Cesar Cedeno and four others Friday to be honored among the top figures in Texas baseball.
Garner heads inductees into Texas Hall tonight: Phil Garner, who managed the Astros to their only World Series berth in 2005, former Astros outfielderCesar Cedeñoand pioneer broadcasterAnita Martiniwill be among six people inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame tonight at the J.W. Marriott.
Cecil Cooper to return as Astros manager (AP):
Houston Astros interim manager Cecil Cooper talks with the media after being named manager and offered a two-year contract Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 in Houston. Cooper has been interim manager since Aug. 27, he is the club's 16th manager. " align="left" border="0">
With Bud Selig's blessing, the Houston Astros picked Cecil Cooper as their full-time manager. The 57-year-old Cooper received a guaranteed contract through the 2009 season on Friday, a month after he was chosen as interim manager to replace the fired Phil Garner. Owner Drayton McLane, new general manager Ed Wade and Cooper spoke with the commissioner on a conference call after Cooper was promoted.
Many ways to manage failure: The day the Astros canned manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura, Houston was 58-73 (.443 winning percentage) and nine games out of first place. The White Sox were 56-74 (.431) and 161/2 games back. What's the difference between these 2005 World...
Roy Oswalt strikes out 9 in 7-0 victory: Thanks to Roy Oswalt, Cecil Cooper's second game as the Houston Astros' manager went much better than his first. Oswalt allowed four hits and struck out nine in seven dominant innings as the Astros beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-0 on Wednesday night, Cooper's first win since replacing Phil Garner on Monday.
Oswalt returns to lift Astros past Cardinals: Just as he did for Larry Dierker, Jimy Williams and Phil Garner, Roy Oswalt delivered a dominant performance for new manager Cecil Cooper on to defeat the surging St. Louis Cardinals 7-0.
Inside Pitch: Search is on for Astros GM: The Astros dismissed general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner on Monday. As usually happens when a baseball job opens, names were already swirling regarding the Houston GM vacancy.
Notes: La Russa respects Garner: Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa doesn't want to pass judgment on anyone else's decision, but he does believe that Phil Garner was a quality big league manager.
Cardinals 7, Astros 0: HOUSTON (AP) -- So much for Cecil Cooper's managerial debut with the Houston Astros. Chris Duncan shook off an August slump with a three-run homer and an RBI single to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Astros 7-0 on Tuesday night, ruining Cooper's first game as Phil Garner's successor.
Cooper named Astros interim manager: Bench coach Cecil Cooper, who grew up in Independence, was named interim manager of the Astros on Tuesday after manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired.
Astros dismiss Purpura, Garner: The Astros dismissed general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner on Monday and replaced them with Tal Smith and Cecil Cooper, respectively.
Garner backs good friend Cooper: Phil Garner was understandably upset to learn that he was being dismissed from his role as Astros manager on Monday. However, Garner was pleased to see interim skipper Cecil Cooper get a chance to manage a Major League team for the first time.
Astros fire Garner as manager, Purpura as GM: Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday by the Houston Astros, less than two years after leading the team to its first World Series appearance.
Astros Fire Manager Garner, GM Purpura: HOUSTON (AP) -- This is not the way Craig Biggio wanted his final season to end. Still, when manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired, it pretty much told the story of what has happened to the Houston Astros....
Slumping Astros Clean House, Fire Garner and Purpura: The Houston Astros fire Manager Phil Garner and GM Tim Purpura less than two years after celebrating their first Nationals League pennant.
Astros fire manager/GM: Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday by the Houston Astros, less than two years after leading the team to its first World Series appearance.
Astros fire Garner, GM: Less than two years ago, the Houston Astros were celebrating their first National League pennant. Yesterday, they were starting over.Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired...
Astros fire manager Phil Garner and GM Tim Purpura: Manager Phil Garner and GM Tim Purpura fired by Houston AstrosBy CHRIS DUNCANAP Sports WriterHOUSTON (AP) _ Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday by the Houston...
Garner, Purpura Fired by Astros: This is not the way Craig Biggio wanted his final season to end. Still, when manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired, it pretty much told the story of what has happened to the Houston Astros. Owner Drayton McLane fired Garner and...
Cooper succeeds Garner as Astros interim manager: Bench coach Cecil Cooper, who grew up in Independence, was named interim manager of the Astros on Tuesday after manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired.
Astros fire Garner, Purpura; Cooper promoted: "I just felt it was time for a change," team owner Drayton McLane said of the firing of Astros manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura.
Players take some blame for Astros' year: With his club in a virtual tie for last place in the National League Central and only a few percentage points from the worst record in the entire league, Astros owner Drayton McLane didn't exactly shock his players by firing general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner. Purpura learned of his fate Sunday evening, and Garner was told Monday morning.
Astros fire manager and general manager: Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday by the Houston Astros, less than two years after leading the team to its first World Series appearance.
DAILY LETTER: Lane, Scott are misused: Hopefully Jason Lane and Luke Scott will soon be out of options and have the opportunity to move on and play regularly somewhere else where their skills might be appreciated. For the second consecutive year, the Astros will not make the playoffs, and for the second year, both Lane and Scott have no idea where they fit in with Phil Garner.
Popping the question leads to a popcorn-dumping no: The biggest excitement happened in the Minute Maid Park stands (Monday night) when a fan failed in his public attempt at popping the question. With the couple highlighted on the big screen, the mood soured after the man took a knee to offer an engagement ring. Wearing a brick-red replica Astros jersey, the woman appeared to angrily dump a bag of popcorn on the man before rushing up the stairs amid a chorus of boos. After the top of the sixth, the man left amid cheers from the sympathetic crowd. "If it was an act, she put on a good one," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "She looked totally s
Astros get clarification from crew chief on wild-pitch ruling: Umpire Randy Marsh, the crew chief for this weekend's series for the Astros against the Marlins, paid a visit to manager Phil Garner's office before Sunday's game to help clarify the ruling that ended Saturday's game.
Marlins top Astros on wild pitch in 12th inning: Considering how dangerous Miguel Cabrera is with the bat and how poorly he runs, Astros manager Phil Garner said the decision to put him on base as the potential game-winning run in the 12th inning was an easy one.
ASTROS NOTES: Everett fields grounders:
Late getting to Miami
Because of Thursday night's 14-inning game in Atlanta, the Astros didn't arrive in Miami until 3:45 a.m. Friday, and most of the coaches, staff and players weren't in bed until 4:30 a.m. With that in mind, Astros managerPhil Garnerhad batting practice inside— and out of the South Florida sun.Astros' McLane says Garner, Purpura safe: Astros owner Drayton McLane visited the team at RFK Stadium on Tuesday afternoon and said general manager Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner aren't in danger of losing their jobs and that the club isn't planning on trading closer Brad Lidge.
In midst of skid, Garner looks to supernatural: Tired of watching Carlos Zambrano dominate his Astros, manager Phil Garner is willing to go in search of a voodoo expert to put a spell on the Cubs' righthander if for no other reason than to try to get into the ace's head.
DAILY LETTER: Another losing season for Garner: When are the Astros going to get a manager? Phil Garner is not a winner today, yesterday or tomorrow. He had one winning season before he came to Houston, and this surely will be another losing season to add to his loss column.
Biggio to start fewer games: Per the tentative schedule he and manager Phil Garner have set up, Astros icon Craig Biggio will likely start fewer games from now on, especially on the road.
Astros' Rodriguez 4-hits Mets, 4-0 (AP):
Houston Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) is congratulated by manager Phil Garner after pitching a complete game and shutting out the New York Mets, 4-0, in a baseball game Friday, July 6, 2007, in Houston. " align="left" border="0">
Wandy Rodriguez' first career complete game couldn't have come at a better time for the Houston Astros. The lefty threw a four-hitter and Lance Berkman had a two-run homer to lead the Astros to a 4-0 win over the New York Mets on Friday night. With both the bullpen and the starting pitching struggling recently, the Astros hope the maturation of Rodriguez can be a boost.
Notes: Biggio gets call from presidents: Now that Craig Biggio's 3,000th hit is in the books, the logical question is, what's next?"Why don't we wait a day and just enjoy this?"manager Phil Garner suggested. Fair enough. But it's no secret that Biggio's pursuit of 3,000 hits sparked endless speculation about what would happen once he got it.
Biggio won't play Saturday for Astros: Astros second baseman Craig Biggio, who was in the starting lineup Friday at designated hitter, will be off for today's afternoon game. Manager Phil Garner said he was undecided whether Biggio would be in the lineup Sunday, but Biggio said: "I'll be in there in some fashion."
Garner intercedes as umpire approaches Rodriguez: Astros manager Phil Garner was not pleased with what he saw in the sixth inning when plate umpire Angel Hernandez confronted Astros starting lefthander Wandy Rodriguez.
Garner intercedes as umpires approaches Rodriguez: Astros manager Phil Garner was not pleased with what he saw in the sixth inning when plate umpire Angel Hernandez confronted Astros starting lefthander Wandy Rodriguez.
ASTROS NOTES: No issues between Wheeler, Sampson:
No hard feelings
ManagerPhil Garnerwas confident Thursday there would be no lingering issues between pitchersDan WheelerandChris Sampson, who were involved in an altercation in the dugout during Wednesday's game.Astros backslide against Chisox: The Astros fell to 3-3 on their trip by losing 6-3 to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, with three errors hurting Phil Garner's team. They'll play the Cubs tonight in a makeup game before coming home to face the Oakland A's.
Lidge to transition back to closer role: During his two-month stint as the Astros closer, Dan Wheeler knew this job could very well be temporary. After all, if Brad Lidge was to get back on track at any point in the season, manager Phil Garner was fully willing to put him back in the closer's role.
Astros backslide in defeat against White Sox: The Astros fell to 3-3 on their trip by losing 6-3 to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, with three errors hurting Phil Garner's team. They'll play the Cubs tonight in a makeup game before coming home to face the Oakland A's.
Astros send catcher Quintero to AAA: Catcher Humberto Quintero saw lefthander reliever Mark McLemore in the clubhouse Sunday and wondered what move the Astros would make to clear space for him. A few minutes later, he got his answer when manager Phil Garner told him he had cleared waivers, been taken off the 40-man roster and outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock.
Berkman meets with umps' disapproval again: 's HoustonLance Berkman, who is appealing a suspension for his outburst following an ejection earlier this week, was tossed from Friday's game against the White Sox for arguing a called third strike. Moments later Astros manager Phil Garner was also ejected. But Houston won 5-2 as Chicago fell for the 11th time in 15 games.
Berkman, Garner ejected in Astros' win (AP):
Houston Astros closer Dan Wheeler, right, celebrates with catcher Eric Munson after they beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2 in an interleague baseball game Friday, June 8, 2007, in Chicago. " align="left" border="0">
The Astros got along just fine after Lance Berkman and Phil Garner got booted from the game. Hunter Pence made a highlight reel slide to score the go-ahead run and the Astros got some timely hitting in the late innings Friday night to beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2 in a meeting of two struggling teams who faced off in the 2005 World Series.
Notes: Lidge regains closer role: It appears that manager Phil Garner is ready to move Brad Lidge back into the closer's role, but the skipper warns that switching Lidge and Dan Wheeler won't be an overnight move. However, consider the transition under way.
Astros kick up fuss in beating Rockies: Lance Berkman got a big hit and threw a big fit as the Astros beat the Rockies 4-1 in a game that saw Berkman and Phil Garner get ejected.
ASTROS NOTES: Munson put to quick use:
When going gets tough ...
Astros managerPhil Garnercan tell there's a sense among some of the pitchers that they don't have much room for error when they take the mound.Purpura says Astros have enough talent to start winning: With some fans suggesting owner Drayton McLane shake up the Astros by firing manager Phil Garner, general manager Tim Purpura said Tuesday he doesn't believe anyone's job is in jeopardy.
Baseball: Weekend goes to Cleveland: PHOENIX - The Houston Astros haven't had a skid like this in six years. Things are so bad that Roy Oswalt finally lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks beat Oswalt for the first time on Sunday, 8-4, extending the Astros' losing streak to eight games. Houston has been outscored 66-16 during the skid. "There's no question," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "We've had an absolutely awful, rotten, no-good, lousy week." Arizona's Livan Hernandez allowed 11 hits in his 43rd complete game. Oswalt, 6-0 in seven previous starts against Arizona, blanked the Diamondbacks for four innings
Webb hands Astros seventh straight loss (AP):
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Jose Valverde reacts after the Diamondbacks made the final out against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 26, 2007, in Phoenix. Valverde earned his 18th save as the Diaondbacks won 5-4." align="left" border="0">
Close is no consolation for the slumping Houston Astros. Brandon Webb limited Houston to two runs through seven innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks held on to hand the Astros their seventh loss in a row, 5-4 on Saturday night. "We played a good game," Houston manager Phil Garner said, "but right now we could use a sloppy game and a win." Webb (4-3) scattered seven hits, struck out eight and walked...
Garner overhauls lineup for Game 2: Astros manager Phil Garner made his most drastic change yet to the starting lineup, moving All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman to right field and inserting Mike Lamb at first base and Mark Loretta at third base.
Garner worried about Berkman's play: Astros manager Phil Garner admitted Monday he's concerned about the lack of production from first baseman
Notes: Everett, Ausmus swap spots: Manager Phil Garner has used dozens of different lineups this year, but Monday, for the first time, he decided to tweak the bottom of the order and switch Brad Ausmus and Adam Everett.
ASTROS NOTES: Garner worried about Berkman's play: Astros manager Phil Garner admitted Monday he's concerned about the lack of production from first baseman
ASTROS NOTES: Loretta gets another start at short:
Loretta still at short
Mark Lorettastarted at shortstop for a second day in a row Sunday, but managerPhil Garnerhasn't given an indication whenAdam Everettwill return to the lineup. Everett is hitting .190, including .129 in May.Notes: Ensberg understands benching: Morgan Ensberg admitted it"rips my heart out"to not be playing all the time, but made it abundantly clear that he has no issue with manager Phil Garner starting Mike Lamb at third base.
Situation at 3B fluid for Astros: Mike Lamb started at third base for the Astros on Tuesday. And although Phil Garner was hesitant to say whether Lamb was his new starting third baseman, it appears that Morgan Ensberg isn't guaranteed the starting job anymore.
ASTROS NOTES: Garner clears air on Clemens:
Clearing the air
ManagerPhil Garnerappeared on ESPN Radio'sMike and Mike Showagain Thursday to further his point that the travel arrangementRoger Clemenshad with the Astros in which he could miss games to be with his family wasn't a distraction to the team.Notes: Garner irked by interpretation: On Tuesday, Phil Garner conducted an eight-minute interview with Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike Show, but it was a 30-second sound bite that has attracted attention -- a little too much attention, in Garner's estimation.
Clemens angry about comments by Astros' Garner: Roger Clemens is angry with a comment manager Phil Garner made Tuesday regarding the freedom clause the Astros gave Clemens to entice him out of retirement in 2004.
Astros beat Reds 7-6, get engines humming: The Astros have given their manager a few thrill rides this season, and he's starting to get used to them. Phil Garner praised his team again on after it rallied to a 7-6 win over the host Cincinnati Reds.
Astros give Albers plenty of support to beat Cardinals: Phil Garner called upon Morgan Ensberg and Matt Albers to change their routines and they came through just like almost every other Astro who saw the field at Busch Stadium.
ASTROS NOTES: Management discusses state of team:
Meeting of the minds
Astros ownerDrayton McLane, general managerTim Purpura, president of baseball operationsTal Smithand managerPhil Garnermet for about two hours Wednesday inside Union Station to discuss the state of the team. Purpura and Garner said such meetings aren't uncommon.Slumping Astros ready to kiss April goodbye: The Astros are finding it easy to keep their 10-14 start in perspective. After all, they opened a lot worse (15-30) in 2005 and reached the World Series. Manager Phil Garner says he believes the team's hitters will eventually come around.
Rollins, Phillies clobber Astros in 11-4 blowout: For a while on the night that honored a baseball great who wore No. 42, it looked like the Phillies might do Jackie Robinson proud by scoring 42 runs. They wound up winning 11-4 and left Phil Garner's team with a three-game skid.
Rollins, Phillies clobber Astros: For a while on the night that honored a baseball great who wore No. 42, it looked like the Phillies might do Jackie Robinson proud by scoring 42 runs. They wound up winning 11-4 and left Phil Garner's team with a three-game skid.
Garner shares thoughts on Robinson: Phil Garner says he never met Jackie Robinson, but there's another player who had some of the same struggles and whom the Astros manager knew well: Willie Stargell. Garner and Stargell were teammates in Pittsburgh.
Lee is happy to be back in Milwaukee: Carlos Lee was all smiles around former Brewers teammates Geoff Jenkins and Bill Hall. Meanwhile, Lee's new manager, Phil Garner, compared him to some of the past greats in Milwaukee.
Astros' Lee happy in return to Milwaukee: Carlos Lee was all smiles around former Brewers teammates Geoff Jenkins and Bill Hall. Meanwhile, Lee's new manager, Phil Garner, compared him to some of the past greats in Milwaukee.
Notes: Garner has faith in Lidge: Astros manager Phil Garner has said it was a matter of karma -- bad karma -- that had something to do with his decision on Monday to replace Brad Lidge with Dan Wheeler as the Astros' closer.
Garner demotes Lidge, goes with Wheeler: For the fourth time since last May, Phil Garner has dropped Brad Lidge from his role as Astros closer. Setup man Dan Wheeler moves into the spot.
Astros hold off Cubs in Wrigley opener: With all of manager Phil Garner's grousing lately about wanting hitters to take better approaches at the plate, he was probably pretty pleased with Adam Everett's actions in the eighth inning on Monday at Wrigley Field.
Wheeler to replace Lidge as closer: Manager Phil Garner announced prior to Monday's series opener with the Chicago Cubs that Brad Lidge will not be closing games for the Astros in the foreseeable future.
New Astros closer Wheeler halts Cubs for save: For the fourth time since last May, Phil Garner has dropped Brad Lidge from his role as Astros closer. Setup man Dan Wheeler moves into the spot.
Astros' Oswalt five-hits Cardinals 5-1 (AP): Roy Oswalt stayed away from Astros manager Phil Garner. He didn't want to give him a chance to take him out of the game. Oswalt pitched a five-hitter, Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman homered and Houston beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 Saturday night for its first victory of the season. The win helped Houston avoid its worst start since going 0-9 to open the 1983 season.
Notes: Injured elbow sidelines Scott: Manager Phil Garner's original lineup on Tuesday included Luke Scott hitting fifth, but that quickly changed when Scott alerted the team athletic trainers that he felt stiffness in his right elbow. Scott was examined by team doctors, who diagnosed Scott with a hyperextended elbow. He'll be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
RF Scott rewards Astros for believing in him: Astros manager Phil Garner rewarded right fielder Luke Scott for his terrific rookie season of a year ago and a solid spring by giving him his second career opening-day start Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pirates Notebook: Garner likes effect of more lefties: HOUSTON -- Phil Garner has no problem discussing how his Houston pitchers have had an upper hand on the Pirates'hitters in recent years.[Read this article]
Mystery solved, Scott to start in right: Luke Scott will receive the majority of playing time in right this season. Phil Garner has decided against a platoon system which means Scott will get a lot of at-bats. He will most likely hit fifth or sixth in the line every day.
Notes: Milton scratched from start: Luke Scott will receive the majority of playing time in right this season. Phil Garner has decided against a platoon system which means Scott will get a lot of at-bats. He will most likely hit fifth or sixth in the line every day.
Notes: Scott could open in right field: Manager Phil Garner has decided who's starting in right field for the Astros on Opening Day, but he's not showing his hand just yet. That said, Luke Scott has been strong after coming into Spring Training with an edge.
Notes: Garner considers lineup shuffle: Astros manager Phil Garner raised a few eyebrows with the lineup card he filled out for his team's game against the Indians on Tuesday. Several players, including Morgan Ensberg and Luke Scott were moved to different spots in the batting order.
ASTROS NOTES: Ensberg may move into No. 2 spot:
Ensberg might hit No. 2
Astros managerPhil Garnersaid Tuesday he's considering putting third basemanMorgan Ensbergin the No. 2 spot in the batting order. Ensberg batted second six times near the end of last year because he was piling up the walks.Notes: Right field still undecided: Phil Garner has a few options for right field this season, but if he's decided, he hasn't revealed it just yet. Jason Lane and Luke Scott have made cases for themselves this spring, and could wind up in a platoon situation.
Questions remain about fourth starter: To the critics who wonder why manager Phil Garner is still giving Wandy Rodriguez that"leg up"for the No. 4 starter job, even though the left-hander has had less than a stellar spring, the skipper poses this question: Who deserves it more?
DAILY LETTER: Astros not fielding `best team': Phil Garner says he's taking his best team out of spring training, but Hunter Pence is not on it. C'mon, Phil. Whoever is making the decision is wrong. The Astros keep talking about right field, but the real issue is center field. Chris Burke is a second baseman, not a center fielder. Unfortunately he has to wait one more year for his time.
Oswalt rounding into fine form: Roy Oswalt has a couple of weeks left to get into game shape. It looks like he's already rounding into form.Oswalt allowed three runs and one hit in 5 2-3 innings to help the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday. He didn't allow a hit until Reed Johnson's double in the sixth inning. "He was outstanding," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "That looked like season-ready right there.
Oswalt throws 5 2-3 innings, Astros win (AP): Roy Oswalt has a couple of weeks left to get into game shape. It looks like he's already rounding into form. Oswalt allowed three runs and one hit in 5 2-3 innings to help the Houston Astros beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday. He didn't allow a hit until Reed Johnson's double in the sixth inning. "He was outstanding," Astros manager Phil Garner said.
Pence not in Garner's mix for RF job: Despite all the hype Hunter Pence is getting for his hot start in spring training, manager Phil Garner made it clear the outfielder isn't a contender at this point for the Astros' open spot in right field.
Notes: Plenty of pitching options: Astros manager Phil Garner has a problem most skippers would love to have -- he has too many capable pitchers trying out for spots at Spring Training. He still needs to decide who to put in one starting rotation spot and three bullpen spots.
Astros pitchers can also make impact at the plate: Pitchers are paid for what the do on the mound. But the Astros have the potential this season to have a good-hitting pitching staff. And that, manager Phil Garner says, is a luxury
Astros manager Garner to be guest on Astroline radio show: The Astros announced today that manager Phil Garner will be the guest on the clubÂ’s popular Astroline offseason call-in radio show Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
ASTROS NOTES: Williams gets first start:
Williams gets first start
Astros managerPhil Garnerrevealed Tuesday thatWoody Williamswill start the team's exhibition opener March 1 against the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven, Fla.Astros watch closely as Burke takes over center field: The Astros can't keep Chris Burke out of the everyday starting lineup any longer. He'll replace Willy Taveras in center once the season starts, and manager Phil Garner expects that Burke will come through cleanly because of his strong athletic ability.
Astros' Garner has unofficial assistant: catcher Ausmus: At times, Phil Garner jokingly refers to Brad Ausmus as the Astros' manager. And the Dartmouth graduate who is about to turn 38 may well become a skipper in the major leagues one day.
Lidge, Astros agree to one year, $5.35M (AP): Brad Lidge agreed to a $5.35 million, one-year contract with Houston on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration following a rough year in which he temporarily lost his job as closer the season after helping lead the Astros to their first World Series. Lidge was 1-5 with a 5.28 ERA and 32 saves, and his struggles led manager Phil Garner to adopt a closer-by-committee approach in mid-August.
Phil Garner in the Blog Pen
Baseball Library Vault of Lists: February 11, 2009 - Seasons Cycles by Madison McEntire:Jim Gerard: July 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 31: Enter Letty:
: April 3, 2008 - DFA, chapter 20: Viva La Revolucion!:
Jim Gerard: March 17, 2008 - DFA, chapter 18 -The Creative Process:
: March 12, 2008 - My Transaction History, part 2:
Richard Lally: July 19, 2007 - Richard Lally Spends Five Minutes With…Sparky Anderson :
John Shiffert: June 27, 2007 - The Winless Pitcher Syndrome:
Peter Doyle: June 26, 2007 - Roger Clemens, The Best Righty?:
Richard Lally: June 18, 2007 - Richard Lally Spends Five Minutes With...Eddie Joost:
Peter Doyle: May 30, 2007 - Those Who Ignore History...:
: May 29, 2007 - :
: May 7, 2007 - : THE NATURAL, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
John Shiffert: April 16, 2007 - 19 to 21: Volume 5, #13, April 16, 2007
Phil Garner in Bios
