Houston Astros eyeing Tampa Bay Rays' Andrew Friedman for GM position, get permission to interview
The Houston Astros caused quite a stir when they fired now former executives, team president Tal Smith and general manager, Ed Wade, in the past few days, but now are eyeing much bigger things as they look towards filling those positions with the best of
the best.
It was learned on Wednesday, November 29, 2011, that the Astros had their eyes set on the Tampa Bay Rays’ general manager, Andrew Friedman, who is widely popular among the Major League Baseball (MLB) for being extremely capable and viable for the position
of bringing up a team from its base, however it may be constructed.
In support of that move, the Houston Astros have also received permission to interview the Tampa Bay GM, which could possibly take place at any time in the upcoming days because of the amount of interest they have in Friedman.
All these changes took place after new owner, Jim Crane, received charge of the team after a successful purchase less than a week ago from Drayton McLance, according to him, they were part of the process which he promised would revolutionise the team for
better.
In order to create a backup plan if Friedman is not lured into the club, the Astros have also prepared a list of other potential candidates who they plan on interviewing if their top priority pick does not decide to change teams.
Since it is openly known that Friedman enjoys a healthy relationship with the Rays owner Stu Sternberg, president Matt Silverman and manager Joe Maddon, according to many analysts, the Tampa Bay GM may very well not agree to any offer levelled by the Astros,
making it compelling on them to offer him something he may not be able to refuse.
Another name rumoured to be on the list of potential backup options for Houston is that of Gerry Hunsicker, who is also a popular choice amongst the league due to his well known reputation of being the Astros GM in the past and having led the team to new
heights.
Currently, Hunsicker is also a part of the Rays, making this situation interesting and thrilling to see how it plays out for Houston.
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