Astros name Tony DeFrancesco Interim Manager

At a 10:00 a.m. press conference the Astros introduced Tony DeFrancesco as their new manager. DeFrancesco had been managing the Astros AAA Oklahoma City RedHawks since the beginning of the 2011 season. Prior to that the 47 year-old skipper had spent 16 seasons managing in the Oakland Athletics organization. DeFrancesco will be working on an interim basis but will be considered for the full-time job going forward.

DeFrancesco amassed a managerial record of 1100-953 while in the A’s organization. He also won three PCL Championships in his last eight years there.

The Astros also announced Dan Radison as the new first base coach and Ty VanBurkleo as the new hitting instructor. Radison was brought into the organization by Jeff Luhnow back in January as a special assistant and was coaching position players in the minor leagues. Van Burkleo had been working as the Astros roving minor league hitting instructor.

DeFrancesco had this to say at this morning’s presser.

"I waited a long time to come to this level and be on a big league staff as a manager. I can’t wait until 1:00 this afternoon."