Drayton McLane Jr. entered 2011 looking to sell the Houston Astros to the right buyer with the help of Steve Greenberg of Allen & Company. Credit: Stephen Goff/Examiner.com
- Drayton McLane Jr. entered 2011 looking to sell the Houston Astros to the right buyer with the help of Steve Greenberg of Allen & Company.
- Houston businessman Jim Crane and his investment group entered into a $680 million purchase agreement with Drayton McLane Jr. in May to buy the Astros.
- General manager Ed Wade executed his job throughout the 2011 campaign knowing that his status was likely in jeopardy.
- Astros assistant GM/director of scouting Bobby Heck continued his effort in trying to restore a struggling farm system.
- Jose Altuve created excitement in Houston by playing in the 2011 XM All-Star Futures Game and then becoming the first position player to get promoted to the majors from Double-A Corpus Christi.
- Two-time NL All-Star and fan favorite Hunter Pence was dealt to the Phillies on July 29 as part of Houston's rebuilding effort. Jeff Keppinger and Michael Bourn were also traded in July.
- J.D. Martinez, a 2011 Texas League All-Star, was promoted directly from Double-A on July 29. His 28 RBI in August were the most ever by an Astros rookie in any calender month, as well as the second-highest in August by a rookie in NL history.
- Jimmy Paredes became the third position player to get called up by the Astros from Double-A. The trio of Paredes, Jose Altuve and J.D. Martinez was one of the few bright spots for the Astros in 2011.
- Clear Creek High School product Jarred Cosart was acquired by Houston as part of the trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies. The 21-year-old Cosart currently rates as the Astros' top pitching prospect.
- Brett Oberholtzer was acquired by the Astros along with Jordan Schafer, Paul Clemens and Juan Abreu as part of the trade that sent Michael Bourn to the Braves.
- Hunter Pence returned for his first game at Minute Maid Park as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies on Sept. 12. He received a standing ovation from the crowd during his first at-bat.
- Bobby Heck ultimately signed 35 of the club's 50 selections from the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, including first-round pick (11th overall) George Springer.
- Jose Altuve was named the 2011 Astros Minor League Player of the Year.
- Right-hander Jake Buchanan, an eighth-round pick by Houston in 2010, was named the 2011 Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
- Astros manager Brad Mills did a solid job in holding the ballclub together, despite the team finishing with a franchise-worst 56-106 record.
- Clint Barmes was one of several Astros players in 2011 to play a strong role in the organization's effort to be a difference maker in the community.
- Jim Crane officially became the owner of the Astros in November after waiting nearly six months for MLB to approve the final sale. As part of the deal, the Astros will move to the American League in 2013.
- Drayton McLane Jr. departed the Astros as the most successful owner in franchise history.
- General manager Ed Wade was relieved of his duties in late November. He has since been hired by the Phillies as a special consultant to baseball operations.
- Astros president of baseball operations Tal Smith was also relieved of his duties in late November.
- The Astros hired Jeff Luhnow as the club's general manager during the Winter Meetings in Dallas on Dec. 7. He was officially introduced the following day during a news conference at Minute Maid Park.
- Right-hander Bud Norris will be expected to play a crucial role in the Astros' starting rotation in 2012, especially if the club trades Brett Myers or Wandy Rodriguez this offseason.
- Astros icon Bob Aspromonte looks forward to being part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the franchise throughout the 2012 season.
- Former Astros right-hander and manager Larry Dierker will also be part of the 50 year celebration in 2012.
- Astros icon Jimmy Wynn continues to be a strong ambassador for the organization in the community and will be active in 2012 as part of the 50-year anniversary.
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