HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have exercised the 2012 option on the contract of manager Brad Mills and added a club option for 2013.
The Astros went 76-86 in Mills' first year as manager, including a terrible 17-34 start. But Houston went 59-52 after June 1 with a lineup that routinely included four rookies – and without Roy Oswalt (Phillies) or Lance Berkman (Yankees), who left in trades.
General manager Ed Wade said Friday that Mills has every quality needed to be a successful manager.
Mills says he is excited about his young team, including third baseman Chris Johnson, catcher Jason Castro, infielder Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence.