10. Randy Johnson – The Big Unit – What a site it would be for Randy Johnson to walk out to trade lineup cards and go over ground rules. The 6-10 lefty would make for great television to see him running out to argue a call with an umpire.

9. Scott Rolen – One can only imagine that Rolen’s problems with managers in the past (i.e. Tony LaRussa) could lead to seeing how confrontational he would be as a manager. Maybe we could make Rolen and Jeff Kent co-managers? Hmm…

8. Richie Sexson – Big Sexy – Obviously, he would have some of what Randy has going for him with the height status, but the reason I’m picking Richie is for the fact that he can start a brawl for absolutely no reason. Some poor rookie pitcher tosses one too close to his lead off hitter and here comes Big Sexy running out of the dugout throwing his sharpie or whatever is close to get the brawl started.

7. Gabe Kapler – He’s already tried it before. Plus, if the team ever needs a pinch hitter he can activate himself and swat a home run. We’ll call it the “Roger Dorn” rule.

6. Brendan Ryan – Because there’s always one manager in the league that no fan seems to know anything about.

5. Brandon Backe – One announcer during the 2005 World Series said that Backe had the best “Thatta Boy” cheer he’s ever heard. Backe is always talking on the bench when he’s not pitching. As a manager, he’d make a good cheerleader and keep his team loose and pumped up.

4. Kevin Millar – Cowboy Up – Known for his clubhouse antics, Millar would really keep the guys on his squad on their toes.

3. Billy Wagner – When he gets older, this guy is going to be just like Jim Leyland. That old school attitude that says exactly what he is thinking and doesn’t care who is listening.

2. Manny Ramirez – Manny Being Manny – That’s all that really needs to be said. Think about what a team would be like with Manny in charge. Everyone would have dreads that almost completely covered their numbers on their backs, and it would be required to high-five a fan after making a play in the field.

1. Carlos Zambrano – Talking to himself on the mound, getting into fights with teammates. Are we sure this guy isn’t related to Lou Piniella? Zambrano has a really fiery-nature about him and can become really animated, really quick. Think Ozzie Guillen (for quotes) plus Hal McCrae (for locker room outbursts). Now we’re talking! Zambrano wins!

Let me know in the comments section who you think would be interesting to have as a manager.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

The Thursday 10

It features Hunter Pence, Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman and …

Well, that’s what the Astros are trying to decide and they need the fans to help out. Go to Astros.com and submit your vote for the 4th bobblehead. Your choices are Brad Ausmus, Brandon Backe, Michael Bourn, Kazuo Matsui, Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee and Jose Valverde.

Here is the bobblehead schedule:

Friday, April 12 – Hunter Pence – 1st 10,000 Fans
Saturday, May 24 – Roy Oswalt – 1st 10,000 Fans
Friday, August 1 – Lance Berkman – 1st 10,000 Fans
Friday, August 29 – ? – 1st 10,000 Fans

Post from: EveryJoe

Vote for the Astros Bobblehead

In the contest versus the Braves, Brandon Backe pitched two scoreless innings for Houston. New second baseman Kaz Matsui went 1-2 with a steal, a run and an RBI.

In the other game, starter Shawn Chacon gave up two earned runs in two innings of work. Lance Berkman got one hit in four at bats. That lone hit was a double that scored a run.

While our own Hunter Pence went 0-3 against the Braves, he did recently have a very nice story published about him on MLB.com.

Check it out: Pence draws inspiration from brother.

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Drop Two on Sunday

Mark McLemore, a lefthander, is scheduled to pitch in relief for Rodriguez. For the Indians, Jake Westbrook will get the starting nod. While neither team will play their regulars extensively, there will be some notable players on the field on Thursday.

On Friday, Houston’s ace Roy Oswalt is expected to get the start.

• Astros Spring Training Schedule

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Begin Games on Thursday

Berkman, the star outfielder for the Houston Astros, suffered a strained oblique muscle while batting during a workout. Although Berkman won’t be available for at least the first few spring training games, he isn’t worried.

“You don’t want to do anything to really hurt yourself,” Berkman told MLB.com. “Who cares about playing the first two weeks of spring training? It’s one of those deals, I want to try to be ready for the opener. I don’t care about being ready for the spring training opener.”

Backe suffered his injury after being hit by a liner off the bat of Carlos Lee. The pitcher was hit on the foot and has been diagnosed with a bone bruise. X-rays on the foot were negative.

“This is just a freak, innocent injury,” said Backe. “Thank gosh it’s not as bad as it feels. No fracture, no break. It just hurts.”

Although Backe was sporting crutches after being hurt, he doesn’t believe he will miss much time.

Said Backe: “I’m not going to miss much. It’s one of these things that happens.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Berkman, Backe Suffer Minor Injuries

In other new, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Astros and free-agent right-handed pitcher Runelvys Hernandez are close to coming to an agreement on a contract. The 29-year-old Hernandez has played all of his big league games for the Kansas City Royals, where he totaled 25 wins over the course of four seasons.

Both Backe and Hernandez would compete for a spot in Houston’s starting rotation.

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Add Pitching