The Houston Astros have hired Dusty Baker to be their new manager, it was announced today. He is on a one year contract with a team option.
Baker, 70, is managing his fifth team, but this is his first stint with an American League club, after previously helming the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals.
As we discussed yesterday, when the rumors of Baker being hired first came out, I think Baker is a great pick for a team that is looking to repair a damaged image and address concerns about a fractured franchise culture.