Astros Hire Former Rays Executive James Click as New GM
By Michael Luciano
The Houston Astros spent the last month without a general manager after Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch were fired due to their involvement in the team's notorious sign stealing scandal. Well, they finally found a replacement for Luhnow who is in tune with the team's forward thinking way to construct a roster.
James Click, a 42-year-old executive who was with the Tampa Bay Rays last season, has been named as Luhnow's successor in Houston.
The #Astros have announced James Click will be their new GM. Previously VP of baseball operations for #Rays. Graduate of Yale.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 4, 2020
Click was named the VP of baseball operations for the Rays after Chaim Bloom left their organization to take the GM job with the Boston Red Sox. Oddly, both former Rays exec's share similar backgrounds, having both attended Yale.
Click obviously comes from an organization that uses a very modernized, sabermetrics-based approach to the game, which blends perfectly with how the Astros do business. If he has Luhnow's sharp eye for scouting and drafting, the Astros should remain one of the best teams in the league.
James Click will be the new general manager of the Houston Astros, per the team. The 42-year-old Click comes from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he had been elevated this offseason after Chaim Bloom left to run the Boston Red Sox.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 4, 2020
Click is part of that Rays organization that has managed to wiggle into the playoffs despite having massive disadvantages in terms of franchise history and payroll. With more money and resources at his disposal, Click should make for a fine replacement for Luhnow as he tries to keep the Astros competitive and help the team move on from the recent scandal.