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Astros Dump Manager Garner, GM Purpura

Houston owner says it's 'time for a change' in last-place operation

By Joseph Fasano,  Newser User

Posted Aug 28, 2007 5:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Astros released manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura yesterday, temporarily replacing them with bench coach Cecil Cooper and the president of operations Tal Smith. The Astros, who have sunk to 58-73 under Garner and Purpura, are tied with Pittsburgh for last place in the National League Central, and owner Drayton McLane says it's "time for a change."

Though Purpura has declined to comment, ex-skipper Garner says he wasn't entirely shocked by the news. Garner, however, seems less willing to blame his helmsmanship for the team's fortunes than the vicissitudes of the sport. "Things happen in baseball, and sometimes you never know," he said.

Houston Astros manager Phil Garner, shown at a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007 in Houston, was fired Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 lessthan two years after leading the team to its first World Series. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Houston Astros manager Phil Garner, shown at a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007 in Houston, was fired Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 lessthan two years after leading the team to its first World Series. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Houston Astros general manager Tim Purpura speaks during a news conference in Houston, in this Nov. 1, 2004 file photo. Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday Aug. 27, 2007 by the Houston Astros, less than two years after leading the team to its first World...
Houston Astros general manager Tim Purpura speaks during a news conference in Houston, in this Nov. 1, 2004 file photo. Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday Aug. 27, 2007...   (Associated Press)
Houston Astros manager Phil Garner watches during a a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball action at Pittsburgh, in this April 26, 2007 file photo.  Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday Aug. 27, 2007 by the Houston Astros, less than two years after...
Houston Astros manager Phil Garner watches during a a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball action at Pittsburgh, in this April 26, 2007 file photo. Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim...   (Associated Press)
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