New Astros owner Jim Crane is still fighting a bit of a perception problem. He had a bad time trying to get approve by Major League Baseball for some legitimate demons in his past. Now, after being confirmed, he's taking the team into the American League after they've spent their entire 50 year history in the NL.
↵So, when Crane suggested they might consider changing the Astros name, it raised a huge outcry from fans.
↵Seems Crane heard that, as a week later, he's moved back away from that, saying the Houston Astros are here to stay. In addition to that, it appears he's given new GM Jeff Luhnow the authority to go after Roy Oswalt. It doesn't appear that Oswalt is willing to pitch in Houston, preferring either the Cardinals or the Rangers, but the simple fact he's willing to talk about adding payroll for a player who'd be a terrific bargain at this point is great.
↵It's the sort of flexibility you want to see in the new owner. He can stick to a budget, but also recognizes the need to stretch it here or there if there is a good reason. Luhnow therefore can go after Oswalt, add a big marketing effort for the Astros in 2012 and still develop some young pitching. It's a win-win, especially if the Astros can spin Oswalt to another contender at the trade deadline.
↵I don't think the Oswalt stuff will actually happen, but combined with the naming news, it shows Jim Crane is headed in the right direction to win fans over to his cause.
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