Astros' Baker: 'We didn't have a general manager' to move on veteran starter
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker would have liked the franchise to add a veteran starting pitcher in the offseason but said it wasn't possible since an important front-office member was missing.
"Well, you've got to ask the powers that be," Baker replied when asked if the team thought of bringing another experienced hurler into the rotation, according to KHOU 11's Jason Bristol.
"I've got power, but I don't have authority. That was always a consideration for me ... at the time, we didn't have a general manager in place in order to make that move."
The Astros operated through most of the offseason without a GM after failing to come to an agreement with James Click, who rejected a one-year offer from the organization six days after Houston won the World Series. His successor Dana Brown wasn't hired until Jan. 26.
Houston did make notable moves during the offseason without a GM in place, including an extension for pitcher Rafael Montero and signing first baseman Jose Abreu to a three-year deal, which special assistant Jeff Bagwell and assistant GM Bill Firkus negotiated.
The Astros' rotation depth will be tested early this season after the club let Justin Verlander depart in free agency. Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier now lead the way ahead of Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Hunter Brown.
Lance McCullers Jr., another important part of Houston's rotation, will miss Opening Day with a strained muscle in his throwing arm.