Berman says Reid Ryan to Astros a done deal

[MusicMan]

Mark Berman ‏@MarkBermanFox26 6m
MLB sources confirm Reid Ryan, son of Rangers CEO & Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, will b named  Friday as the new president of the Astros

[Mr. Happy]

If we have to have a Ryan, why not get the younger one?

[juliogotay]

Just thinking out loud; does that mean the old man's days in Arlington truly are numbered? Would it be some sort of conflict for each to be in the same division competing against each other? I would think so. At least some tense moments during family gatherings. There was rumors here in NoTx when all the Nolan drama was swirling that he was looking for a job within the Rangers for one if not both of the boys as part of his exit strategy.

[Bench]

Molemolemolemolemolemolemole

[JimR]

Just thinking out loud; does that mean the old man's days in Arlington truly are numbered? Would it be some sort of conflict for each to be in the same division competing against each other? I would think so. At least some tense moments during family gatherings. There was rumors here in NoTx when all the Nolan drama was swirling that he was looking for a job within the Rangers for one if not both of the boys as part of his exit strategy.

untrue.

[David in Jackson]

So long as he's a Ryan and a Texan I'm sure he's the best person for the job.

[juliogotay]

untrue.

which part, Jim? All of the above?

[MusicMan]

So long as he's a Ryan and a Texan I'm sure he's the best person for the job.

Meg?

[Reuben]

Houston Rangers, Jr.

[JimR]

Houston Rangers, Jr.

not true.

[BudGirl]

http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/2013/05/16/source-reid-ryan-to-be-named-president/

I don't think Reid is a slouch when it comes to running a baseball team.

[Bench]

which part, Jim? All of the above?

There certainly wouldn't be any conflict in the ethical sense.  And I don't think what Reid does necessarily has any bearing on Ryan's future with the Rangers. 

[Uncle Charlie]

which part, Jim? All of the above?

Was there a conflict in this year's superbowl?

Come on.  Brothers, and on occasion sons and fathers, have been playing against each other for years in various leagues.

[JimR]

which part, Jim? All of the above?

last sentence

[Noe]

Reid Ryan is an excellent baseball business man. Seriously. He is an untapped talent that should have had a major league job by now and what forces kept him from that will soon learn it was a mistake to do so. This guy pays attention to detail not only in terms of baseball ops, but on all fronts. Most especially in the fan experience. He understands where gimmicks end and pure family fun at the ballpark begins... which includes good baseball.

If Reid is allowed to build his staff like he did here in Round Rock, people are going to sing the praises of the day Jim Crane did the right thing to hire this talent instead of a re-thread from somewhere in the baseball/mlb ranks.

[juliogotay]

last sentence

Ok. Good.

[Bench]

Reid Ryan is an excellence baseball business man. Seriously. He is an untapped talent that should have had a major league job by now and what forces kept him from that will soon learn it was a mistake to do so. This guy pays attention to detail not only in terms of baseball ops, but on all fronts. Most especially in the fan experience. He understands where gimmicks end and pure family fun at the ballpark begins... which includes good baseball.

If Reid is allowed to build his staff like he did here in Round Rock, people are going to sing the praises of the day Jim Crane did the right thing to hire this talent instead of a re-thread from somewhere in the baseball/mlb ranks.

What forces have been keeping Reid down?

[Noe]

What forces have been keeping Reid down?

Whoever had chances to hire him and did not. Alls I can say.

[Jacksonian]

What forces have been keeping Reid down?

The Man.

[Reuben]

not true.

Glad to hear it, along with Noe's ringing endorsement. Seems like great news then.

[MusicMan]

The Man.

I'm talkin about the same Man that plays chess - a game where White always goes first.

[NeilT]

The Man.

You gotta fight the power.

[Noe]

Glad to hear it, along with Noe's ringing endorsement. Seems like great news then.

Reid is very personable and media friendly. He isn't a hide behind my desk type... he's out there, talks to fans in the concourse just like he would a baseball player or a media member. He is genuine and involved all the way. Oh and that includes extracurricular events that will help the community too. If the organization he works for wants to get involved, Reid does not shy away from being a front man to help the cause.

All this and baseball acumen too.

[MusicMan]

Footer's a fan:

Alyson Footer ‏@alysonfooter 4m
Reid Ryan has the name but he's much more than Nolan's son in his professional life. Smart. Personable. The perfect hire IMO. Huge.

All you have to do is ask the people who work for Reid. They love him. Not a lot of turnover at the higher levels at Express and Hooks.

The Astros image has taken a hit lately but you have to give Jim Crane credit for moving quickly to fix what's broken. Baseball people...

...are needed on both sides - business and baseball. This hire is a huge first step. Now get Dierker back in fold...

[juliogotay]

Footer's a fan:

Sounds good to me. When is the Express deal with Rangers up?

[Fredia]

mo berg tweeted bout getting the express back

[HudsonHawk]

Sounds good to me. When is the Express deal with Rangers up?

2019.  Do you think the Express would automatically come back into the Astros fold?

[Jose Cruz III]

Reid Ryan is an excellence baseball business man. Seriously. He is an untapped talent that should have had a major league job by now and what forces kept him from that will soon learn it was a mistake to do so. This guy pays attention to detail not only in terms of baseball ops, but on all fronts. Most especially in the fan experience. He understands where gimmicks end and pure family fun at the ballpark begins... which includes good baseball.

If Reid is allowed to build his staff like he did here in Round Rock, people are going to sing the praises of the day Jim Crane did the right thing to hire this talent instead of a re-thread from somewhere in the baseball/mlb ranks.

Excellent. Let's hope he is allowed to.

[Jose Cruz III]

Footer's a fan:

This hire is a huge first step. Now get Dierker back in fold...

And a decent TV deal.

[jbm]

Footer's a fan:

Baseball people are needed on both sides.  Business and baseball.  She should elaborate.

[Curly]

Reid Ryan is an excellence baseball business man. Seriously. He is an untapped talent that should have had a major league job by now and what forces kept him from that will soon learn it was a mistake to do so. This guy pays attention to detail not only in terms of baseball ops, but on all fronts. Most especially in the fan experience. He understands where gimmicks end and pure family fun at the ballpark begins... which includes good baseball.

If Reid is allowed to build his staff like he did here in Round Rock, people are going to sing the praises of the day Jim Crane did the right thing to hire this talent instead of a re-thread from somewhere in the baseball/mlb ranks.

I couldn't agree more Noe.

[Tralfaz]

I had forgotten what good news felt like.

[juliogotay]

2019.  Do you think the Express would automatically come back into the Astros fold?

No. But I think the chances would be better than they were last week.

[remy]

Would it be some sort of conflict for each to be in the same division competing against each other?

Define competing.

[HudsonHawk]

No. But I think the chances would be better than they were last week.

I would assume that Ryan the Younger will have to give up his interest in the Express, no?.  Being president of one major league club and being an owner of a minor league team affiliated with another Major League club is definitely a conflict.

[subnuclear]

Come on.  Brothers, and on occasion sons and fathers, have been playing against each other for years in various leagues.

Tal and Randy Smith made some interesting trades.

[ValpoCory]

This also can't hurt Austin's chances of getting to watch Astros games again.

[juliogotay]

I would assume that Ryan the Younger will have to give up his interest in the Express, no?.  Being president of one major league club and being an owner of a minor league team affiliated with another Major League club is definitely a conflict.

I didn't think of that.

[ValpoCory]

I would assume that Ryan the Younger will have to give up his interest in the Express, no?.  Being president of one major league club and being an owner of a minor league team affiliated with another Major League club is definitely a conflict.

No such conflict of interest would exist.  In 6 years or so, if people complain, he can turn the Express over to his wife.  Problem solved.

Sincerely,
FYB

[OregonStrosFan]

I would assume that Ryan the Younger will have to give up his interest in the Express, no?.  Being president of one major league club and being an owner of a minor league team affiliated with another Major League club is definitely a conflict.

Doesn't Nolan still have an interest in the team, or did he get rid of it when he  got involved with the Rangers purchase?

[VirtualBob]

No. But I think the chances would be better than they were last week.

And how great that would be!

[roadrunner]

AAA will be in The Woodlands by then, assuming Ryan is on the same page.

[Bench]

No such conflict of interest would exist.  In 6 years or so, if people complain, he can turn the Express over to his wife.  Problem solved.

Sincerely,
FYB

Good one.

[MusicMan]

Footer follows up:

Alyson Footer ‏@alysonfooter 12m
There is elation over at the offices at Minute Maid Park with the Reid Ryan hiring

[HudsonHawk]

Doesn't Nolan still have an interest in the team, or did he get rid of it when he  got involved with the Rangers purchase?

I don't if the Old Man still owns a piece or not and don't care. But if Reid is hired by th Astros, he better fucking give up his other job of pimping the fucking Rangers organization.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

This is great news. FWIW, the ballpark experience in OKC's downtown "Brickyard" area, kicks ass. Overall it was a far better experience for me than Round Rock's stadium way out in the 'burbs.

[juliogotay]

I don't if the Old Man still owns a piece or not and don't care. But if Reid is hired by th Astros, he better fucking give up his other job of pimping the fucking Rangers organization.

Pimping the Rangers? So promoting your baseball team is pimping the parent club? That's salesmanship. And here's where your theory falls apart. http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t482&ymd=20100223&content_id=8118026&vkey=roster

[HudsonHawk]

Pimping the Rangers? So promoting your baseball team is pimping the parent club? That's salesmanship. And here's where your theory falls apart. http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t482&ymd=20100223&content_id=8118026&vkey=roster

Use whatever euphemism you like, but the success of the Express depends to some degree on the players provided by and the success of the parent club. If Reid Ryan has any interest in the Express, I don't want him employed by the Astros.

As for my theory falling apart, I have no idea what point you're trying to make. Again, the old man is irrelevant. This is about Jr running the Astros.

[jbm]

I agree that it looks bad, and he should end his ties with the Express.  Even if there is no actual conflict, why give a fanbase, some of which is outright hostile towards the club, anything else to burn?

Nolan probably should end his ties with the Hooks also, but since he is with the Rangers, it is not the Astros' concern.  Besides, he seems more like a figurehead than a decision maker.

[juliogotay]

Use whatever euphemism you like, but the success of the Express depends to some degree on the players provided by and the success of the parent club. If Reid Ryan has any interest in the Express, I don't want him employed by the Astros.

As for my theory falling apart, I have no idea what point you're trying to make. Again, the old man is irrelevant. This is about Jr running the Astros.

The link was from Hooks.com and described Nolan Ryan as principal owner of Ryan-Sanders baseball and the Corpus Christi Hooks which we know to be an affiliate of the Houston Astros.  In his bio, he is also described as, also, CEO/President of the Texas Rangers. Your point made earlier was that it would be a conflict to run a ML club while running a MiL club under a different organization. Apparantly, it is not viewed as such by the baseball powers to be. And, yes, the success of the Express, at least in the W-L column, is wholly dependent on the talent they are sent. I don't think anyone disputes that.

[HudsonHawk]

  Your point made earlier was that it would be a conflict to run a ML club while running a MiL club under a different organization.

My point was that I don't want Reid Ryan running the Astros if he's running a minor league team for another organization. I thought I was crystal clear that I don't give a damn about Nolan or any team other than the Astros. But I guess not.

[Mr. Happy]

My point was that I don't want Reid Ryan running the Astros if he's running a minor league team for another organization. I thought I was crystal clear that I don't give a damn about Nolan or any team other than the Astros. But I guess not.

I'd bet that Sanders and/or the Old Man buys his interest to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.

[juliogotay]

I'd bet that Sanders and/or the Old Man buys his interest to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.

Does Nolan not have financial interests in the Hooks? Appears he does.

[Bench]

I'd bet that Sanders and/or the Old Man buys his interest to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.

I don't think anyone remotely involved with MLB gives a shit about the appearance of impropriety. 

[HudsonHawk]

Does Nolan not have financial interests in the Hooks? Appears he does.

I'm not sure why you can't seem to focus on the Astros, but it's symptomatic of Astros fans who are now conditioned to getting buttfucked by the Rangers.  Personally, I'm tired of it and want it to stop, though I'm understanding I'm in the minority.

[Waldo]

Pimping the Rangers? So promoting your baseball team is pimping the parent club? That's salesmanship.

Have you been to the Dell Diamond in the last couple of years?  The Express have gone out of their way to jizz all over their fans about their affiliation with the Rangers.  The Astros never received anywhere close to such treatment, not when the Express were winning the Texas League and not when the Astros were going to the NLCS.

[Waldo]

Does Nolan not have financial interests in the Hooks? Appears he does.

Yeah, but the owner of a AA affiliate has little influence on the big club.  Reid is going to be the fucking president of the big club.

[Reuben]

I think what juliogotay is trying to say is that there is direct precedent for an MLB team president to also be the owner/operator of a rival MLB team's farm club. So, if we're trying to predict whether Reid Ryan will give up his interest in the Express, it's tough to say at this point.

[HudsonHawk]

I think what juliogotay is trying to say is that there is direct precedent for an MLB team president to also be the owner/operator of a rival MLB team's farm club. So, if we're trying to predict whether Reid Ryan will give up his interest in the Express, it's tough to say at this point.

And what I'm trying to say is that none of that matters.  I want the guy running the Astros to be employed by the Astros and no affiliation with another Major League team, especially if his name is "Ryan" and the other team is the Rangers.  I'm tired of the Astros sucking Ryan and the Rangers collective dick.

[BudGirl]

I think he is going to be a good hire.  I don't think he's into incest (sucking Ryan and the Rangers collective dick).  I, from knowing nothing other than what I've read online, think he is as competitive as his dad and that bodes well for the Astros.

I also think it makes sense that you are skeptical of the hire because of the Astros past behavior (sucking Ryan and the Rangers collective dick).

[Reuben]

And what I'm trying to say is that none of that matters.  I want the guy running the Astros to be employed by the Astros and no affiliation with another Major League team, especially if his name is "Ryan" and the other team is the Rangers.  I'm tired of the Astros sucking Ryan and the Rangers collective dick.

well, maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it does matter to those of us who have a mild curiosity about what's going to happen with RR.

However, I do share your general sentiments about Ranger-fellating.

[HudsonHawk]

well, maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it does matter to those of us who have a mild curiosity about what's going to happen with RR.

However, I do share your general sentiments about Ranger-fellating.

If you're focus is the AAA team, rather than the Astros, then OK.  I think that's whacked and backwards, but OK.  It's not mine.  The only thing I care about the minor league affiliates is how it affects the big club, and the president of the Astros, no matter who it is, should have but one baseball-related job...the Astros.

[jbm]

and the president of the Astros, no matter who it is, should have but one baseball-related job...the Astros.

What exactly is the purview of the Astros President?  Anyone have a clear idea? 

[HudsonHawk]

What exactly is the purview of the Astros President?  Anyone have a clear idea? 

Apparently working out a TV distribution deal is not part of it.

[BudGirl]

Apparently working out a TV distribution deal is not part of it.

not the former President's at least.

[MusicMan]

What exactly is the purview of the Astros President?  Anyone have a clear idea? 

All those powers not expressly granted to the Astros Congress or Astros courts.

[HudsonHawk]

All those powers not expressly granted to the Astros Congress or Astros courts.

Those aren't reserved for the several fans? 

[Bench]

Those aren't reserved for the several fans? 

Not unless they write a check for $10 million.

[juliogotay]

Not unless they write a check for $10 million.

Well played, sir.

[MusicMan]

Not unless they write a check for $10 million.

/hums "America the Beautiful", recites Citizens United, applauds.

[Mr. Happy]

Not unless they write a check for $10 million.

Counselor, I salute you!

[OregonStrosFan]

/hums "America the Beautiful", recites Citizens United, applauds.

Note to File: Tab for Enhanced Tax-exempt Status Scrutiny. -Steven Miller

[OregonStrosFan]

Via presser: Astros will be signing a letter of intent to purchase the Hooks (no mention of the Express).

[Bench]

Via presser: Astros will be signing a letter of intent to purchase the Hooks (no mention of the Express).

That's cool. 

[Bench]

And they're meeting with Dierker on Monday to try to mend that fence.  Too late to get JD back?

[OregonStrosFan]

Reid Ryan ('rough' notes):

-Everyone has a hometown team, and the Astros are mine.

[per Footer: Alyson Footer ‏@alysonfooter 8m
Reid: two goals- Put fans first. "If we take care of their best interests they'll take care of us." Second: take care of players.]

-Hope (or aspiration, or something along those lines): caretaker of the game (leave it in a better place than he found it)

Misc. note: as 'stiff' as Crane has come across in pressers (though he was a tad better in this one) is as relaxed and personable as Reid was.  Really liked what I saw.

[per Alyson Footer ‏@alysonfooter 4m
Crane on what this does for Astros image: "He'll be holding most of the press conferences, not me, and I'm very happy about that."

[astrosfan76]

Via presser: Astros will be signing a letter of intent to purchase the Hooks (no mention of the Express).

I remember Crane mentioning a while back that the club wants to own all of their affiliates.  This is a big step toward that goal.  I imagine moving the AAA team to the Woodlands would be be another step.

[BudGirl]

You can watch the presser on KHOU.com if you are interested.  I like him.  I think he's an Astros fan and is going to be great for the team.

[Mr. Happy]

You can watch the presser on KHOU.com if you are interested.  I like him.  I think he's an Astros fan and is going to be great for the team.

+1 For once I agree with Dick Justice. May lightening not strike me down.

[JimR]

You can watch the presser on KHOU.com if you are interested.  I like him.  I think he's an Astros fan and is going to be great for the team.

if you are talking about Reid, it is impossible to not like him. he has incredible people skills.

[geezerdonk]

I sure hope he makes TV a top priority.

[BudGirl]

if you are talking about Reid, it is impossible to not like him. he has incredible people skills.

Totally agree.  That really is the impression I got.  He's seems incredibly genuine.  I think everyone that goes to a game or an Astros function will at one point or other meet him.  I just hope he can figure out what he wants to do first.  Seems like his head is ready to explode with ideas.

In the presser there is talk about the affiliates.  I got the impression that he agreed to selling the Hooks for fear that Corpus could lose the affiliation if they didn't and he didn't want that. 

[moriartp]

if you are talking about Reid, it is impossible to not like him. he has incredible people skills.

The anti-Postolos.

[jbm]

In that clip, no one asked about the TV deal.  Was there more that was not shown?

Also, watching old footage of him on the MLB network, he (I think it was him) is in a UT uniform, but he was drafted out of TCU.  Was he at UT, then transferred?

[Noe]

if you are talking about Reid, it is impossible to not like him. he has incredible people skills.

Eggszactly Coach... people are going to find out what we've known around these parts for years. The man really speaks well for any organization he works for... he does them a really good service to bridge any gaps between fans and organization.

[HudsonHawk]

Also, watching old footage of him on the MLB network, he (I think it was him) is in a UT uniform, but he was drafted out of TCU.  Was he at UT, then transferred?

He played his freshman year at UT, but did not play much.  Others can comment on why that was.  He was not happy about his playing time at UT and transferred to TCU.

[JimR]

He played his freshman year at UT, but did not play much.  Others can comment on why that was.  He was not happy about his playing time at UT and transferred to TCU.

it was because he was not very good and because Gustafson wanted to win every game.

[HudsonHawk]

it was because he was not very good and because Gustafson wanted to win every game.

I think I remember explanations that went something like:

Ryan: "I needed to pitch more to reach my potential."

Gustafson: "He pitched as much as someone with his ability should have pitched."

[juliogotay]

Ryan to make tv deal a priority. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130520&content_id=48092972&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou#disqus_thread

Thank you and good luck.

[Navin R Johnson]

Hadn't seen this posted, sorry for the possible Cabrera.

Crane quotes from the Chron this weekend:

------
Crane said the network does not face irreparable financial damage and will remain on the air, but the partners might have to make financial decisions if NBC is unable to increase revenue by closing carriage deals....

"Without coverage, the network is not making money and so without the other (carriers) signing up and paying, there are things that can happen as the entity draws down on its credit," Crane said. "As that goes on, we run out of money, and we are going to have to make some tough decisions.

"There are mechanisms for that in the plan. We're not going to go bust or anything, but basically it becomes more difficult for everybody to operate if we don't get coverage."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-owner-Crane-worries-about-CSNH-s-financial-4527113.php#ixzz2TwxPkUH5

[MusicMan]

Dear Mr. Crane: We don't give a damn.  You do not have a god-given right to get your games on the air.

Get your deal done.

[austro]

Dear Mr. Crane: We don't give a damn.  You do not have a god-given right to get your games on the air.

Get your deal done.

Well, technically, we don't have a god-given right to receive the games over the air, either. But it certainly seems like a bit of compromise might be in everybody's best interest.

[Mr. Happy]

Well, technically, we don't have a god-given right to receive the games over the air, either. But it certainly seems like a bit of compromise might be in everybody's best interest.

+1

[Randy Watson]

Hadn't seen this posted, sorry for the possible Cabrera.

Crane quotes from the Chron this weekend:

------
Crane said the network does not face irreparable financial damage and will remain on the air, but the partners might have to make financial decisions if NBC is unable to increase revenue by closing carriage deals....

"Without coverage, the network is not making money and so without the other (carriers) signing up and paying, there are things that can happen as the entity draws down on its credit," Crane said. "As that goes on, we run out of money, and we are going to have to make some tough decisions.

"There are mechanisms for that in the plan. We're not going to go bust or anything, but basically it becomes more difficult for everybody to operate if we don't get coverage."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-owner-Crane-worries-about-CSNH-s-financial-4527113.php#ixzz2TwxPkUH5

The plan should be a capital call on the partners.  John Eddie Williams and Jeff Hines can afford it.

[juliogotay]

I wish they had stayed with FOX. Thanks, Drayton.