The Houston Astros introduced former MLB pitcher Randy Flores as their new general manager on Monday. Flores spent the past eight seasons as an assistant general manager with the St. Louis Cardinals. He replaces Dana Brown, who was fired in August.
The hire came as a surprise, according to the report, because owner Jim Crane had appeared to favor Milwaukee Brewers executive Matt Kleine. Crane had brought Kleine to the Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony last month. According to sources, Kleine sought a higher salary or a higher title than general manager.
Crane said the team interviewed eight or nine candidates and called Flores "the perfect fit." "He stood out and that's who we hired," Crane said. Flores asked that people call him "Flo." He said hiring a manager is an "immediate" need. Crane said the team had interviewed managerial candidates but had turned the search over to Flores.