Astros hire Brown as GM

*Photo from the Houston Chronicle*

   After what was termed as a vigorous process, they found their man. The Houston Astros have hired Dana Brown as their next GM, the team announced.

   The previous 4 years for Brown were spent as the vice president of scouting for the Atlanta Braves, helping them assemble their stable of young talent. Brown has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals.

   Brown said in his introductory press conference that "I know there’s some special things going on here already and I really want to continue that and extend that long-term. I've been in the game for 33 years. Baseball is all I know. It’s my entire life, and so I want to empty myself into this city, the Astros fans and let Jim Crane know he made a special pick."

   The hiring of Brown makes him the second black general manager in baseball history, and he joins manager Dusty Baker to become the second general manager-manager black duo in baseball, joining Ken Williams and Jerry Manuel with the Chicago White Sox.

   He succeeds James Click, who was let go by the Astros after winning the World Series when the two couldn't agree on a new contract. He originally joined the Astros as GM after the team fired Jeff Luhnow following the fallout from the sign stealing scandal surrounding the team. AJ Hinch was also fired as manager that day, which brought in Baker to lead the team.

   Astros hall of famer Craig Biggio said of Brown that "Over the years, we always stay in touch, and we always talk. I think the thing I’m most proud about for him is he’s jumped through all the hoops to get to where he is today. He’s learned from a lot of people. He’ll do a lot of good for the organization, and I’m excited to have his expertise working for us now."

   Brown will take over the Astros less than a month before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida. They've won two World Series in 6 years and are going for their 7th consecutive ALCS appearance, and 3rd straight World Series appearance.

   So far this offseason, the Astros have re-signed relief pitcher Rafael Montero to a multi year extension and signed first baseman Jose Abreu to a 3 year contract as they look to defend their title.