Houston Astros: The decision to fire Brandon Taubman was a sound one

ByBrian K. Patterson|Oct 27, 2019, 12:51 PM EDT

Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and owner Jim Crane (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Houston Astros have severed ties with assistant GM Brandon Taubman who has been under fire as of late. The decision to do so was a sound one. Why?

The HoustonAstrosare busy trying to climb their way back into an ultra-competitive World Series matchup with the Washington Nationals. It seems as if our team was caught by surprise with the immense amount of firepower that their opponent has that caused them to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the World Series.

The home-field advantage was usurped by what many fans refer to as the “Walgreens,” with the “W” on their logo looking eerily similar to the nation’s second-largest pharmaceutical retailer. It was a funny adage to help keep our fans loose but when said team stole two games at Minute Maid Park like thieves into the night, the laughter dampened a bit.

But no need to fear, the HoustonAstrosheld a players-only meeting shortly after Game 2 and they got things together to take Game 3 — the first of the series of three that will be in Washington, D.C. — with a 4-1 decision to boot.

George Springer,Jose Altuve,Michael BrantleyandRobinson Chirinoseach chipped in at least two hits along with a solid performance fromZack Greinke. He had six punch-outs, three walks and one earned run in 4.2 innings of work.

It looks like the HoustonAstrosare back on track and you know why?

A storm cloud of controversy that had been hovering over the team has now been cleared and they can get back to focusing on baseball.

Unless you’ve been under a rock in the baseball world as of late, you’ve probably heard about former assistant general manager Brandon Taubman’s peculiar rant allegedly aimed at a female reporter in the clubhouse after the dramatic close-out of the ALCS in Game 6.

Taubman, who likely was having feelings of excitement or under the influence of alcohol, repeatedly yelled toward the media member “I’m so glad we have Osuna!”

But the rant was odd in the context and let’s talk more about the why.

Sports Illustrated’s Stephanie Apstein dropped the bombshell,in a terrific piece that she wrote, indicating that the reporter he was directing his rant at was wearing domestic violence bracelet.

The Houston Chronicle also had two reporters— Chandler Rome and Hunter Atkins — also confirm that this incident actually happened within the HoustonAstrosclubhouse about an hour after the conclusion of Game 6.

As you know,Roberto Osunawas facing domestic violence charges in Canada by his then-girlfriend when he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays but the charges were eventually dropped. Osuna served a 75-game suspension last season in light of the serious legal matter but the HoustonAstrosdecided to take a chance on a talented arm by trading for him at the deadline despite the troubles he was facing.

Osuna has done mostly well for the HoustonAstrosin his tenure but his outing in Game 6 wasn’t necessarily one to write about. He allowed a single fromGio Urshelato get on base and allowed aDJ LeMahieuhomer that batted in Urshela which tied the game at 4-4.

You can obviously tell that Osuna was devastated by what just happened as the HoustonAstroswere on their way to securing Game 6 based on his ability to get three outs. He did recover and was able to get a strikeout onAaron Judgeand a flyout byGleyber Torres.

But the damage had been done.

It was looking like a game of extra innings until Altuve was able to slam his way into history books of clutch hitting ending the series with a walk-off two-run homer.

Altuve essentially saved the HoustonAstros‘ season and Osuna probably thank him tremendously for doing so.

So in regard to Taubman’s rant, that’s why it’s quite odd considering that Osuna blew a save opportunity.

I fully support the reporter’s allegations about this because it’s their job to seek the truth and to report it as fully as possible. It’s truly one of the most important guiding principles of a journalist and if you been to j-school like me, you know it’s an important tenet of getting what they’ve been paid to do done with the utmost integrity.

Taubman’s comments are unacceptable and highly insensitiveto such a delicate issue. The HoustonAstroshad backed him at first, saying that he was supporting him through a “difficult time.” But there was no apology that came from the office. Multiple press releases from owner Jim Crane and general manager Jeff Luhnow were telling the exact same message.

But this past Thursday, Taubman was fired by the HoustonAstrosto which should’ve been done from the start.

If I were Jeff Luhnow and was within earshot, I wouldn’t have even given him the opportunity to keep celebrating but would’ve told him that he’d have five minutes to go upstairs and clean out his desk.

Just because you’re a powerful executive doesn’t give you the right to say whatever the hell you

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want. Plus, you’re representative for an organization that serves all races, creeds and cultures and it’s not acceptable in the manner in which he did so.

Now he must pay the price for a six-word rant that was heard around the world.

I hope Taubman, even though he’s not employed with the HoustonAstros, that he becomes a champion for domestic violence and get out front and center in supporting these particular issues as a spokesman. I’m positive he wants to work in baseball again and that would go a long way in restoring his credibility.

Now that Taubman’s gone, that said cloud that had been hovering over this organization is out of sight and out of mind.

That’s exactly what has happened — as the Houston Astros have climbed back into the series, tying it at two games apiece with statement-making 8-1 rout of the Nats last night.

The Houston Astros are now TWO wins away from winning a championship and we’ll know who will emerge when the dust settles within the next few days.

Hopefully, it’s our team — go Houston Astros!

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