Hunsicker’s faith in Astros begins to pay dividends with torrid September

DALLAS — Houston Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker could win the National League executive of year award because of his refusal to make deals.

The Astros, buried in August, have forced their way into the National League wild-card race. Despite Saturday’s loss at Pittsburgh, the Astros are 16-4 since Aug. 23.

The Astros are in prime position because of what Hunsicker did not do.

He resisted the urge to surrender. He fought off calls to trade veterans such as free-agent-to-be center fielder Carlos Beltran and get started on 2005.

Hunsicker refused to give up on this team.

Fortified by the additions of free-agent pitchers Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, the Astros liked their team at the start. Hunsicker was determined to see this thing through.

“It’s difficult to look in the mirror and throw in the towel,” Hunsicker said. “We continued to shake our heads in disbelief with the way we were playing, and there were times I started to doubt whether we could salvage anything.

“But we believed our team had talent. If you have a ray of hope but at the trade deadline start looking ahead to next year, I maintain you’re in the wrong business. We’re here to win.”

Hunsicker has not been a stand-pat general manager. There have been changes.

With the Astros at 44-44, Hunsicker fired manager Jimy Williams during the All-Star break and brought Phil Garner back from civilian life.

Garner, who has not managed a winning team since Milwaukee in 1992, turned on the running game. The Astros had 47 steals in Garner’s first 53 games as manager. They had 25 steals in 88 games with Williams.