Fox Sports has brought in sports media vet DAVID KATZ to run its digital business, which includes FoxSports.com. Katz was named Exec VP/Digital and will report to Fox Sports National Networks President MARK SILVERMAN. Katz will also be responsible for overseeing digital content and distribution. Last year, Fox Sports Digital shifted its strategy away from printed articles and toward more video. It is not clear whether that strategy will shift (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
MOVING ON: Astros Dir of Research & Development MIKE FAST has "left the organization." He "declined to discuss his reasons for leaving the club." Fast was "formerly an author at Baseball Prospectus" before being hired by the Astros in '12 (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 9/22). Fast was a "core member" of Astros GM JEFF LUHNOW's front office throughout the club's "rise from last-place finishers" to World Series champions in '17. It is "not known what prompted Fast's decision to depart the only team he's ever worked for." Fast said that he "hopes to continue working in baseball." His contract with the Astros was "set to expire at the end of October." Fast "filled a pivotal role in the Astros' data-driven front office" (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/21).
EXECS: Learfield named PR firm FleishmanHillard Senior VP & Partner BILL PALEN Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, effective Oct. 2. Palen will report to Learfield Chief Administrative Officer TEMPLE WEISS (Learfield)....The USL named Rapids Senior Dir of Communications RYAN MADDEN VP/Communications & PR. Madden also previously worked for the USADA as Head of Communications (USL).
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