Former Rockets President George Postolos would serve as CEO of the Astros under prospective Owner Jim Crane, overseeing "day-to-day operations of the club," according to Richard Justice of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Postolos also would have an ownership stake in the Astros. He would "report to Crane, who heads a group of at least eight investors" and would carry the title of Managing Partner. Justice notes Crane and his group are "putting the finishing touches" on their $680M purchase of the Astros from Drayton McLane, and the deal "could be formally announced as early as next week." It is unclear what Crane's ownership would "mean for the Astros’ current management team at Minute Maid Park." Postolos has had a "long friendship with Astros president Pam Gardner and is said to have a high regard for her" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/13).
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM: In Houston, Zachary Levine reports as the '11 MLB season progresses, "attendance at Minute Maid Park is almost sure to wind up at a record low." Since peaking in '06, "attendance has fallen every year" for the Astros. The 28,783 fans the Astros averaged for home games last season was down 23% from '07, and "attendance is down again" this season, at 24,726 fans per game. This year's average is "down 4,057 from a year ago, though a fairer number is the 912 it’s down from the first 19 home dates of 2010" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/13).
