Houston, Texas (KTRK) — The American League Division Series enters a pivotal stage as the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins gear up for a decisive two-game showdown at Target Field in Minneapolis.
Following an off-day on Monday, the Astros are regrouping after a tough Game 2 against the Twins’ formidable pitching, resulting in a 1-1 tie in the ALDS.
In the midst of playoff intensity, the Astros are also navigating changes in their front office, with reports emerging of the departure of one of baseball’s pioneering female executives.
ABC13 Sports provides updates on the Astros’ playoff journey, including their standing in the World Series hierarchy after splitting games.
Front Office Shake-Up: Two Key Departures
The Astros are reportedly parting ways with two key figures from their baseball operations, including Sara Goodrum, whose trailblazing ascent to Director of Player Development was highlighted by Eyewitness News.
Chandler Rome of The Athletic first reported the shake-up, which also involves Bill Firkus, the assistant general manager who has been with the club for a decade, according to the Houston Chronicle.
ABC13 Sports has independently confirmed these departures, citing a reliable source within the organization. The source also indicated that the Astros plan to announce further front-office changes after the conclusion of the season.
Goodrum, appointed in 2021, oversaw a vast network of coaches and players across the Astros’ minor league affiliates in Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and the Dominican Republic. Her journey from a walk-on at the Oregon Ducks softball team underscores her dedication and perseverance in the industry.
In an interview with ABC13’s Gina Gaston in May 2022, Goodrum spoke about the challenges she faced and the ongoing need to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
Firkus, who rose to prominence under owner Jim Crane’s tenure, assumed the role of assistant GM ahead of the 2023 season, contributing significantly to the Astros’ strategic operations.
Astros’ Playoff Prospects and World Series Odds
The Astros’ victory in Game 1 elevated their World Series prospects, briefly positioning them as favorites among the remaining postseason teams. However, a setback in Game 2 tempered those expectations, with Caesars Sportsbook now rating them as second favorites behind the Texas Rangers at 4.25-to-1 odds.
While Houston initially held a commanding 73.9% chance of advancing past the Twins after Game 1, their chances narrowed to 55.8% following Game 2, according to FanGraphs. The upcoming Game 3 will likely sway these probabilities further.
Sonny Gray vs. Astros
Sonny Gray, a key figure in the Twins’ pitching arsenal, presents a formidable challenge for the Astros in Game 3. Known for his dominant performance against Houston earlier in the season, Gray’s playoff experience adds another layer of complexity to the matchup.
In their previous encounters, Gray showcased his prowess with 14 strikeouts at Target Field, underlining his ability to influence pivotal postseason games.
As the ALDS unfolds, the Astros face a critical juncture against a resilient Twins team, determined to leverage home-field advantage in pursuit of advancing to the next playoff stage.