The Houston Astros have made a major move in the front office, introducing Dana Brown as the team’s new General Manager. It’s a move that has been lauded by many, including Astros Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio. And it’s a move that has brought a sense of diversity to the sport of baseball.
Jim Crane, the Astros’ owner, said Brown was the perfect fit for the team. Brown had interviewed for GM jobs previously with the Mets and Mariners, and has 33 years of experience in the sport. He has been a special assistant to the GM for the Blue Jays and was the director of scouting for the Expos/Nationals from 2002-09, where he drafted more than 40 Major League players, including seven All-Stars. He also spent four seasons as the vice president of scouting in Atlanta, overseeing the drafting of 2022 National League Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II and Harris’ runner-up, pitcher Spencer Strider, along with infielder Vaughn Grissom.
Brown is the second Black GM in Astros history, and joins Dusty Baker in becoming only the second Black general manager-manager duo in baseball history, following GM Ken Williams and manager Jerry Manuel with the White Sox. He inherits an Astros team that is poised to make a run at its third World Series title since 2017 and attempting to reach the American League Championship Series for the seventh year in a row. Brown will have to be a quick learner, considering pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 15.
The Astros have most of their key roster pieces under contract for at least the next two seasons, with left fielder Michael Brantley and catcher Martín Maldonado among the exceptions. The Astros have signed such young core players as Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve to extensions in the past; 2022 All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez are extension candidates. Brown has the opportunity to continue the Astros’ success and create a long-term plan for the team.
Dana Brown brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to diversity to the Houston Astros. It’s a move that will help the team continue its success and build a strong foundation for the future.
Source: www.mlb.com