Houston can now turn their attention to Spring Training
Astros fill vacant GM position with James Click
Feb 3, 2020, 7:31 pm
Houston can now turn their attention to Spring Training
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.
The #Astros have announced James Click will be their new GM. Previously VP of baseball operations for #Rays. Graduate of Yale.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 4, 2020
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.
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!