Cruz accepts new role with Astros

October 20, 7:01 PMHouston Astros ExaminerStephen Goff

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Legendary Astros outfielder Jose Cruz was relieved of his first-base coaching duties last week after 13 seasons, but will remain with the organization in a role similar to Larry Dierker and Jimmy Wynn. (AP Photo)

Jose Cruz exemplifies a genuine love for the Houston Astros by wearing the uniform with pride.

Over the years, the legendary former Astros outfielder has always represented the franchise as an ideal ambassador, especially in the Hispanic community.

Despite his respect throughout the clubhouse, organization and city of Houston, Astros general manager Ed Wade and president of baseball operations Tal Smith informed Cruz last week of their decision to relieve him of his duties as first-base coach -- a move which completely stunned the Astros icon.

Rather than dismiss him completely, Wade and Smith wanted to reassign Cruz to a different position within the organization, which includes him suiting up in his retired No. 25 uniform during Spring Training and batting practice before home games, but not traveling on the road trips.

Also, the job duty calls for him to serve as a community outreach executive, similar to former manager Larry Dierker and Astros legend Jimmy Wynn's role.  

After discussing the job offer with his family, Cruz decided to accept the position Tuesday and informed his close friend, Smith, of his intent to remain with the organization.

"I told my family I would think about it," Cruz said. "I'm going to stay with the Astros and do community work."

Cruz, 62, was involved with all nine of the Astros' postseason appearances -- three as a player (1980-81, 1986) and six as a coach (1997-99, 2001, 2004-05).

Also, the two-time All-Star held the franchise record for games played (1,870) prior to being passed by future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio in 2001. Currently, he ranks third on Houston's games played list behind Biggio and Astros legend Jeff Bagwell. 

However, Cruz's 80 triples remains a franchise record.

Although Wade and Smith hold Cruz in the highest regard, they believe the move was justifiable before deciding on a full-time manager. When former manager Cecil Cooper was fired Sept. 21 with 13 games remaining in the regular season, Wade gave permission to the coaching staff to pursue other opportunities. 

Traditionally, managers or head coaches, in general, tend to hire their own assistant coaches upon accepting a new job.

Despite the ongoing interview process for a new manager, Cruz expected to return to the Astros in the same capacity for the 2010 season, especially since he's assumed the first-base coaching role under four different managers -- Dierker, Jimy Williams, Phil Garner and Cooper -- for 13 seasons.  

Ultimately, Wade and Smith made several coaching changes last week, and only retained Sean Berry as hitting coach, and announced that interim manager Dave Clark has the option of returning to the coaching staff for 2010 if he isn't named the team's new manager.

From a business perspective, the move to fire Cruz and several coaches came as no surprise, but it stunned several of the Astros players who rely on Cruz's positive influence and mannerism in the clubhouse.

Basically, Cruz is the assistant coach everyone likes.

He's the guy who always offers a kind word to a struggling player and acts as a fatherly figure to the younger ballplayers. Several critics call him an honorary coach, but professional and collegiant athletes need the "good cop" in the locker room, considering the enormous pressure which comes with their respective sport.

It may not be Cruz's ideal situation, but Astros fans will still see the legendary icon in 2010, but just in a different capacity.