Astros Make RedHawks' DeFrancesco New Manager

The Houston Astros fired manager Brad Mills on Saturday and named RedHawks manager Tony DeFrancesco interim manager.

DeFrancesco led the RedHawks to a 67-60 record despite managing a roster that contained only one player from Baseball America's Top 100 prospect list, pitcher Jared Cosart.

He will take over an Astros club that not only has the worst record in Major League Baseball, but actually has 10 more losses than anyone else in the league.

Not only is Houston bad, but the average age of an Astros' player is actually one year older than the average age of a RedHawks' player, which is a bad sign for an organization.

With all that said, there's no doubt DeFrancesco will have his work cut out for him, but he says he's ready to put the losing culture in Houston to an end.

"There's going to be a commitment to excellence," DeFrancesco said. "Believe me, I want to be the guy that changes the environment around here. I grew up a winner, I had success in the minor leagues, and it's time for it to translate to the major league level. I'm sure I'm going to make mistakes, but that's part of baseball."

Tom Lawless was named interim manager of Oklahoma City. The RedHawks have won three in a row and continue play Monday night in Round Rock.

The Astros begin a three-game series in St. Louis Tuesday night.