Latest playoff failure costs Dierker his job

HOUSTON -- It took him five years, but Larry Dierker finally realized managing was tougher than it seemed.

The former major league pitcher resigned Thursday after leading the Houston Astros to four division titles in five seasons but never getting past the first round of the playoffs. The Astros' 93-69 record this season tied for the best in the National League but Dierker decided he'd had enough.

"The players have a lot more power. I think to that extent, I didn't have the perfect personality for managing," Dierker said. "I had some good ideas and I was a pretty good at evaluating.

"I was not able to get the players to do some of the things I wanted them to do. Mostly, because they said I don't think that's the right thing to do and I'm not going to do it. They didn't say it to my face but that's the way they acted."

Dierker, wearing a Hawaiian shirt at Thursday's news conference, looked more relaxed than in some of the tense moments during the season and playoffs.

Dierker said he felt the strain of five years as manager.

"It's been tough, tougher than I anticipated," he said. "I understand looking at this from a player's standpoint. Sometimes, things can get stale. I think I reached that point with this team."

Houston went 2-12 in the postseason under the former Astros pitcher and broadcaster.

General manager Gerry Hunsicker said Dierker, who has one year left on his contract, will be offered a position in the team's front office. Hunsicker said he doesn't have a list of candidates to replace Dierker.

Dierker's 448-362 record puts him second in franchise history for victories. Bill Virdon managed the team to a 544-522 record in the late 1970s and early 80s.