The Houston Astros have fired GM Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner. Filling the shoes of the only manager to lead Houston to a World Series berth will be Cecil "What Took So Long For Me to Get a Shot?" Cooper, one of the heroes of the '82 Harvey's Wallbangers Brew Crew.

Tango is asking for the input of fans on the defensive capabilities of the players they watch regularly.  I am sure that Bauxites will be happy to help him out.  Click on the link to go to the ballot for the Jay defenders.

High-school hotshot pitcher Rick Porcello has apparently been signed to a 4 year major league contract with the Tigers for 7.3 million.  Does this make sense?  Hmm, let's see.  $1.825 million per year.  2 year development time.  50% chance of flameout/arm problem (the Roger Salkeld/Brien Taylor Experience). 25% chance of inconsistency/arm problems (the Kerry Wood Syndrome), 25% chance of greatness (the Dwight Gooden Goldmine).  $8-$12 million per year for mediocre starting pitching on the free agent market as your alternative.

Economists, start your calculators.

JP Ricciardi on the Fan590 this morning announced that the Jays had designated Royce Clayton for assignment after yesterdays game.  Per JP, John McDonald had won the shortstop job and the Jays did not feel they should keep Clayton around in a backup role.  JP said that the Jays would make a roster move before Fridays game, presumably to call-up Rey Olmedo.

Teixeira to the Braves. Castillo to the Mets. Lohse to the Phillies. Betemit to the Yankees. Who's next?  Whatever happens, we won't get fooled again...

Here is your thread to discuss the trades of the day.

Friend of Da Box Jamey Newberg reports:

"According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.com, Texas and Atlanta have agreed in principal on a trade that will send Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay to the Braves for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, and two pitching prospects, pending a review of the players’ medical records."

Confirmation will be posted when we have it in hand. [Here it is: Atlanta || D/FW]

Your thoughts?

Craig Biggio will retire at the end of this season.  It has been a long and interesting ride for Biggio, which will now almost certainly end with a trip to Cooperstown. His career is an example of what can be done with a player with adaptability and a broad range of skills.  Paul Molitor, Pete Rose and Biggio come to mind quickly as examples.  The list of the greatest leadoff hitters ever is fascinating: Henderson, Raines, Biggio, Billy Hamilton, Boggs, Rose, Molitor, and Ichiro. Not all of them were likeable, but all had some qualities that one could admire.  Biggio certainly fits in.

It's not often a major league manager calls it quits when his team has won seven games in a row. Mike Hargrove is doing just that.

And meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have dismissed Jerry Narron, exactly as Bauxites foretold when asked which manager was going to be the next sent packing.

Frank Thomas hit #500 today, a 3 run shot off of Carlos Silva in the first inning.

Frank Thomas hit his 499th home run of his career in the 4th inning.

Time for a contest! Home run number 500 will come against:

1.  What pitcher
2.  What Day
3.  What Inning