It feels like this has been going on for over a year, doesn't it? But, according to a new report on the Biz of Baseball, new Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is set to be approved in a few weeks and should take control of the organization by the end of August.
↵This whole process has been pretty confusing, since Jim Crane has been involved with deals but Drayton's been the one pulling the trigger. Sounds like Drayton is basically signing off on whatever Crane wants, but there's still a little weirdness there. That will all change in a few weeks (we hope).
↵One thing that's already clear is that Houston's move towards a full-blown rebuilding mode has been because of Crane and not due to Drayton. Cutting payroll may be the excuse Crane is using, but he could also be doing that to force this team to regrow with younger players.
↵That's the one thing fans have gotten mad at Drayton for the most in recent years, with his comments on being a champion getting roundly mocked in recent years. What will be interesting is how fans take it when Houston doesn't make free agent signings in the next couple of years to rely on the prospects coming up from the minors. Drayton didn't always spend money, but he did make deals. We still don't know what Crane will do...
↵Oh, besides getting rid of Ed Wade...