Jeff Luhnow is the new Astros’ GM

Jeff Luhnow has been named the Astros’ GM tonight. Luhnow is the VP of Scouting & Player Development for the Cardinals. This comes as a small surprise as Bill Geivett was thought to be the favorite for the position. Andrew Friedman was the club’s choice to be the new GM but declined the opportunity to be considered. Luhnow joined the Cardinals in 2003 and is very much in the analytical mold that Jim Crane and George Postolos sought after during their search.

From George Postolos…

"“We are very pleased to have Jeff as the new General Manager of the Houston Astros,” Postolos said in a prepared statement. “Jeff is the perfect fit for the Astros because of his track record in scouting and player development during his eight-plus seasons with the Cardinals.“The Astros strive to develop one of the best systems in baseball and create a consistent winner at the Major League level. Jeff has the knowledge, skills and experience to lead the baseball operations efforts at all levels and help the Astros achieve this vision. Jeff has a demonstrated the ability to inspire and motivate staff in the front office and out in the field. He was born and raised in Mexico and his bicultural background will be an asset in recruiting players from Latin America and developing the Hispanic market for Los Astros.”"

An official press conference will be held tomorrow from Minute Maid Park.