The Houston Astros Success Could Die at the Hands of Jim Crane

Since purchasing the Houston Astros in 2011, Jim Crane has led the franchise through the best period in its history. Houston has gone from a perennial cellar dweller to a two-time World Series champion. However, in recent years Crane has heavily involved himself in the baseball operation. This past offseason, Crane was essentially the general manager and made moves before eventually hiring Dana Brown from the Braves. Despite all the success Houston has had, the success might just end by the heavy hand of Jim Crane.

Firing James Click despite Winning the World Series

After the Astros won the World Series the right way in 2022, Jim Crane celebrated by firing GM James Click. This was despite him guiding the team through the aftermath of the sign-stealing scandal and a pandemic. He also helped Houston overcome various departures to keep the good times rolling in H-Town. Since essentially being forced to fire former GM Jeff Luhnow in 2020, Crane has involved himself more in baseball decisions.

More Involvement in Baseball Decisions and the Rise of Jeff Bagwell

After Click was let go a week after winning the World Series, Crane was in no rush to hire a new GM. This was despite having many top candidates available. Heck, his team might’ve been the most attractive since it was just coming off a World Series win. Instead, Crane along with former Astros star Jeff Bagwell were making all the decisions in free agency. Houston ended up signing Rafael Montero and Jose Abreu to long-term deals during free agency. So far, both those signings are not looking very good. Montero put up an ERA of 5.08 in 68 games and Abreu had an OPS+ of just 87. Although Abreu did have a good season leaving some hope that he isn’t finished as a contributor. After free agency concluded, Crane would hire Dana Brown as the new GM. Brown never had the opportunity to make an impression during that offseason.

Jim Crane can’t seem to leave the front office. It is shocking that he would want to change the baseball operations direction despite it delivering results. These days Crane is relying on former big leaguers like Jeff Bagwell when it comes to making decisions. This led him to go against the analytical approach that was used by James Click and before him Jeff Luhnow. Houston was once on the cutting edge of incorporating technology with their baseball operation. However, with Jeff Bagwell having a direct line to ownership, it seems as though they no longer value what technology can do for them.

Dana Brown Could Be the GM in Title Only

Recently manager Dusty Baker announced that he will be retiring after four seasons. Houston is now in the market for a new field manager. Reportedly Crane and Bagwell will oversee the search while Dana Brown will only have some input. Brown is essentially a GM in title only while Bagwell ultimately has the power. It has been proven whenever ownership becomes more involved in the on-field side of the operation, success is very limited.

Jim Crane Is the Astros’ Worst Enemy

Jim Crane’s own ego and over-involvement in the front office could end the Astros’ successful run. So far, the decisions he has made are questionable at best. Houston would be one of the many sports teams whose successful runs have ended due to the ego of the team owner. While no team can stay on top forever, they can however self-sabotage themselves into failure. Jim Crane’s ego is more of a rival to the team than the Yankees or Rangers.

For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter. Featured Image: Getty Images