Dusty Baker vs. Bruce Bochy: ALCS managers face off with chance to add another title on the line

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Astros manager Dusty Baker is looking forward to the American League Championship Series and the matchup against Bruce Bochy and the Rangers.

"It should be a heck of a series," Baker said.

Fresh off the Astros' AL Division Series win over Minnesota, the reigning World Series champions will face a Rangers team that's unbeaten so far in the 2023 postseason.

Bochy's respect for Baker is obvious.

SEE ALSO: Where do Houston's World Series odds stand ahead of ALCS vs. Texas?

"He's done a tremendous job. I have so much respect for him," Bochy said.

Both Baker and Bochy rank among the most accomplished managers of all time with more than 2,000 career wins.

Bochy led his teams to three World Series titles - all with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

Baker won his first championship as a manager with the Astros last season.

The 68-year-old Bochy is clearly enjoying the ride with Texas. Like Baker, he came out of retirement to take over a Rangers team that hadn't tasted postseason success since 2011.

"It's kind of come full circle again here with this series. I look forward to it. It's gonna be a great series. Exciting," Bochy said earlier this week.

The 74-year-old Astros manager also relishes the matchup. Baker's Cincinnati Reds lost to Bochy's Giants in the 2012 playoffs.

"Now me and Bochy need to battle. I know him and he knows me," Baker said.

He added that he likes how his team is set up for the highly anticipated series that starts Sunday with Game 1, pointing out that both teams are rested in our "(bullpens) and in our starting rotations, so it should be a heck of a series."

Bochy added that he and Baker both like wine and enjoy hunting and fishing. But the edge from their playing careers is clear cut.

"The biggest difference is (Baker) was a good hitter," Bochy admitted.

2023 ALCS schedule, Astros vs. Rangers, best of seven games

• Game 1: Rangers at Astros, Sunday, Oct. 15, 7:15 p.m.
• Game 2: Rangers at Astros, Monday, Oct. 16, 3:37 p.m.
• Game 3: Astros at Rangers, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7:03 p.m.
• Game 4: Astros at Rangers, Thursday, Oct. 19, 7:03 p.m.
• Game 5: Astros at Rangers, Friday, Oct. 20, 4:07 p.m.*
• Game 6: Rangers at Astros, Sunday, Oct. 22, 7:03 p.m.*
• Game 7: Rangers at Astros, Monday, Oct. 23, 7:03 p.m.*

* - if necessary

For more on this story, follow Greg Bailey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More Astros stories during the 2023 postseason run

MLB says it blocked Mattress Mack from throwing 1st pitch at ALDS Game 1, not Mattress Firm

The Gallery Furniture owner and Houston icon accused Mattress Firm, a major MLB sponsor, of "sniping at competitors." Now, MLB is explaining why the decision was made.

Astros not just facing Twins in Game 3: 'Shadows are a factor'

The Houston Astros are already calling Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Minnesota their biggest game of the season.

Correa back in Houston as opponent, says he's ready for his 'moment'

Former Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa sets foot back in Minute Maid Park as he faces his former team for a chance at a World Series.

The roof, the roof, the roof, is it open? Fate of outdoor ALDS decided

The Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins will be playing under a closed Minute Maid Park roof for the first two ALDS games, the ballpark announced.

Calling all Party Animals! Savannah Bananas coming to Houston

They're not for everybody, but if you like entertainment with your baseball, the Savannah Bananas are your team. They're heading to Sugar Land, and they're a hot ticket!

Astros start playoff run with hopes of ending 23-year MLB drought

The Houston Astros are 11 wins away from continuing a dynasty from last year. They're also that many victories from snapping a two-decade-long drought in baseball.

Houston Astros given slightly better odds to pull out ALDS win over Twins ahead of Game 1

The Houston Astros will send Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez to the mound during the first two games of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins.

Dessert, not drama: Baker making weekly visits to soul food outpost

Beef over banana pudding? That was one thing an Astros beat reporter put out to the world at one point of the season. It turns out, that dessert had Dusty Baker coming back for more.

Astros playoffs: JV wins award, inside odds of Houston winning AL West

The Houston Astros get a well-earned five-day break before their AL Division Series against one of two teams.

Too much partying? New chapter written in Astros-Rangers feud