HOUSTON -- Astros owner Jim Crane said Randy Flores was a "perfect fit" as the team's new general manager, praising his experience in every area of baseball. Flores was introduced Monday as the 15th general manager of the Astros, hired Friday to replace Dana Brown, who was let go Aug. 24.
Flores most recently served as the St. Louis Cardinals' assistant general manager of amateur and pro acquisition. The former major league pitcher, who went 11-5 with a 4.61 ERA from 2002-10, said he feels "a weight and a responsibility" in his first GM job.
His first priority is hiring a manager after Joe Espada's contract was not renewed. Crane said Flores will take over that process immediately, and he does not envision a rebuilding year despite the disappointing postseason exit.
The Astros went 81-81 to win the AL West for the fifth time in six years, becoming the first big league club without a winning record to reach the playoffs in a non-shortened season. Crane said Houston has enough talent to avoid a complete teardown.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing