HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros begin the Jim Crane era on Friday against the Colorado Rockies with a team filled with young players looking to bounce back from last year’s franchise-worst season.
The sale of the team from Drayton McLane to Crane was completed in November. He immediately began looking for ways to improve the Astros in their last year in the National League and what is the 50th anniversary of the franchise. A condition of the sale requires a move to the American League West in 2013.
Jeremy Guthrie, in his first year with the Rockies, will make his fourth career opening day start against Houston left-hander Wandy Rodriguez. Last year’s opening day starter, Brett Myers, is the Houston closer.
