Yesterday the Houston Astros made significant changes to their front office, relieving general manager Ed Wade and president of baseball operations Tal Smith of their duties. The Astros indicated that the search for Houston’s next GM began “immediately”. With their search commencing, the Astros received word that they have permission to interview perhaps their top choice, current Rays general manager Andrew Friedman, a Houston native.
According to Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have asked to interview “a handful” of other GM’s. But Justice says that Friedman is “clearly” the Astros top choice to replace Wade.
Friedman, considered by many to be one of the top general managers in the game, took over the Rays following the 2005 season. Though the franchise had only reached 70 wins once in their existence, Friedman had the team in the World Series in only his third season. Since then, the Rays have become a force in the ultra-competitive American League East.
What makes Friedman’s work that much more impressive is the lack of funding he has to work with. Much of the Rays talent has been home grown, as the club has consistently maintained one of the top farm systems in the league to go with one of its lowest payrolls. Even so, under Friedman’s reign the Rays have made the playoffs three of the past four seasons.
During yesterday’s conference announcing their front office changes, the Astros made it clear that they hope to build a perennial contender by developing one of the best farm systems in baseball. What better person to put in charge than one who has shown an ability to do just that in Tampa.
Along with Friedman, Justice believes the Astros are also considering a pair of Rangers executives, Thad Levine and A.J. Preller. Houston’s new owner Jim Crane has said he admires what his in-state rivals have done with their franchise.
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