The Houston Astros are now ready to start moving past the sign-stealing controversy that marred much of the month of January with the signing of James Click as the new general manager.
“James has had an impressive career,” owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “He is a respected leader who has progressed in this game across all aspects of Baseball Operations and he has built great relationships with both front office and clubhouse personnel. I am thrilled to introduce him as our new General Manager – he is a great addition to the Astros.”
Click, 42, was previously the vice president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays, He joined the front office in 2006 after spending time writing for Baseball Prospectus.
“I am excited to join the Astros family,” Click added. “The Astros are a progressive and innovative organization with a deeply talented group in the front office. I am grateful to Jim Crane and the Astros for giving me this opportunity to help lead this team to more championships.”
Click replaces former general manager Jeff Luhnow, who was suspended and later fired as a result of the sign-stealing scandal. Luhnow had been part of the rebuild of the Astros franchise since he joined the franchise in 2011.