Astros fire manager Bo Porter, bench coach Dave Trembley

The Houston Astros have announced that they have relieved both manager Bo Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley of their duties Monday. Tom Lawless, former player and minor league manager, has been named the interim manager for the rest of the 2014 season. 

Porter's move does not come at a surprise, as he and general manager Jeff Luhnow have not had the best of relationships. While the Astros have posted a 110-190 record under Porter, Luhnow said in a statement that the record had nothing to do with the second-year manager's firing. 

"I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse," Luhnow said in his statement. "I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible." 

"What we will seek going forward is a consistent and united message throughout the entire organization.  It is essential that as an organization we create an atmosphere at the Major League level where our young players can come up and continue to develop and succeed.  Ultimately, I am responsible for creating that culture and I will do everything in my power to do so — even when it means making difficult moves like the one we made today."

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported last week that Luhnow and Porter did not see eye-to-eye on many issues. Porter felt that Luhnow questioned his in-game strategy and that he did not have a say within the front office. He also was upset when he was not informed about Mark Appel being brought to Minute Maid Park for a throwing session in July, something that upset many players. 

It would appear that Porter would get another managing job somewhere else, perhaps during the offseason. The Astros looked like they were playing the game the correct way. His leadership never seemed to be in question. As for their bench coach, the Astros have hired Adam Everett to take over the position. They will begin looking for a long-term solution "immediately."

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