Astros' Baker Sharply Responds to Chas McCormick Criticism
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker responded to reports that he has issues with outfielder Chas McCormick before Friday's game.
The Athletic reported on Thursday that McCormick's playing time — or a lack thereof — has frustrated members of the Astros' organization, according to four sources that spoke for the piece.
Those sources indicated that there might be friction between Baker and McCormick and that Baker was frustrated with McCormick's playing weight of 220 pounds, which is 12 pounds heavier than his listed weight.
Baker was none too happy with the report and took the opportunity before the game to comment in a quote conveyed by The Athletic.
“As far as my not liking Chas, I don’t understand where that’s coming from at all," Baker said. "It’s caused kind of a (expletive deleted) out there which is unnecessary, totally unnecessary. It seems like if somebody has something against me, they ought to use it against me and not use my players against me. That is so wrong. As far as Chas not playing, you can ask Chas, I told him before he got hurt ‘Chas you can have this job if you want it. I'm not going to give it to you but if you want this job you can take it.’ Then he got hurt. He was out 20 days. Twenty days. Imagine how many more at-bats he'd have then. He played he's played 42 out of 50 games, that's one day off a week, every seven days. That's a lot of playing. I pride myself in putting guys in a situation where they will most likely succeed — offensively, defensively. As far as his weight is concerned, if I had something against his weight — and you can ask him — I wouldn't bring him banana pudding once a week. I stopped by This Is It and get him banana pudding … if I was concerned about a guy's weight I would not bring a guy banana pudding or maybe I helped contribute to that. I take care of my guys and I appreciate if people would stop trying to help me manage because I think I know what I'm doing. I take care of my players the same way they take care of me.”
McCormick is slashing .289/.371/.527/.898 with a career-high 20 home runs and 63 RBI entering this weekend's series with the San Diego Padres. When it comes to OPS (on-base plus slugging), you find that McCormick — despite having fewer plate appearances than six other Astros — as an OPS that is 50 points higher than one of the game's true superstars, Seattle outfielder Julio Rodríguez.
McCormick was asked directly on Wednesday if his weight was a concern and he said it wasn't.
"I feel I can do more being at 220 (lbs)," McCormick said. "Usually I’m at 216. When I’m 210, I’m too light. I was 214 last year, I think, and I felt too light again. I kind of like being where I’m at right now, at 220.”
From McCormick's point of view, Baker is the manager and he's the player. Baker sets the lineup and he does what he's asked.
“Right now, we’re OK. It’s really all about winning each game here on out (with) no distractions. We’re good," McCormick said.
