Houston can now turn their attention to Spring Training

Astros fill vacant GM position with James Click

Jim Crane
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan

Jim Crane has now filled both positions resulting from his firings this offseason

After already filling A.J. Hinch's manager position by hiring Dusty Baker, Jim Crane and the Astros completed their search for a new GM to replace Jeff Luhnow on Monday by hiring James Click, former VP of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays.

After interviewing several candidates, the Astros ultimately landed on Click, who was with the Rays since 2006, starting as a coordinator of baseball operations before working his way up to Vice President of the team's baseball operations in November 2016. With such a strong background, including being a Yale graduate and coming from a respected front office, Click was a strong and natural choice for Crane, who had a quick turnaround to fill the position.

However, Click will undoubtedly face the challenge of living up to his predecessor, Luhnow, who did much to advance the Astros in recent years despite the now tainted history. With the manager and GM positions filled, the Astros can now turn the page to Spring Training, which kicks off with pitchers and catchers reporting on February 11th.

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Is Kyle Tucker at least another month away from returning? Composite Getty Image.

The latest update from Astros GM Dana Brown on the club's flagship station did not ease anyone's concerns this week. Brown said he was optimistic that Kyle Tucker would be back before September. September?

Which made us wonder what type of injury Tucker is really dealing with? A bone bruise doesn't typically take this long to heal.

Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's Joel Blank and Barry Laminack share their thoughts on Tucker's health, the Astros' secrecy when it comes to injuries, and much more!

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