Astros fire Bo Porter: GM says 'I don't tinker with lineups and tell people when to hit and run'
Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow is refuting a report that suggested his meddling into the club's in-game decision-making played a part in the eventual firing of manager Bo Porter.
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Saturday that the pair were at odds due to a lack of communication and a perceived pattern of second-guessing from the Astros' front office.
"I don't tinker with lineups and tell people when to hit and run," Luhnow told reporters Monday after replacing Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley with interim manager Tom Lawless and Adam Everett, respectively.
Luhnow didn't specifically address Rosenthal's report, but did offer one indirect statement that suggested he and Porter did not always see eye to eye.
"When you think about the relationship between the general manager and a manager, it's complicated," Luhnow said. "It really has to work perfectly."
As for the managerial search, which is expected to include a new bench coach, Luhnow said the club plans to move quickly.
Luhnow said search process begins immediately. Doesn't have a lot of details. Wants to put together a staff shortly after season ends.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 1, 2014
Luhnow said Nolan Ryan will be part of managerial search process.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 1, 2014
“It’s possible” — Luhnow on interviews before the season over and possibly naming a manager before season is over. “Not sure."
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) September 1, 2014
The Astros GM did not rule out Lawless as a candidate for the permanent job, saying, "If Tom expresses interest, I'm not going to rule anything out."
Porter also issued a statement Monday thanking the Astros organization for his two years at the helm.
"I wish the Astros well in the future and look forward to the next chapter of my baseball career."