The Houston Astros thought it best to keep Joe Espada as their manager heading into next season, but two other AL West clubs decided to make a change at the top. Earlier this month, the Texas Rangers chose Skip Schumaker to take over for Bruce Bochy in Arlington, and on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels selected Kurt Suzuki to replace Ron Washington in the Anaheim dugout.
Suzuki's name was tossed about for the past couple of weeks, but more marquee names with deep ties to the Angels organization were available. Many thought that three-time league MVP Albert Pujols was a slam dunk to become the Halos' next skipper.