Astro General Manager: Rosen Out, Wagner In

Al Rosen was fired as general manager of the Houston Astros and replaced by Dick Wagner, former Cincinnati general manager. Rosen reportedly is in line to become the San Francisco Giants’ general manager.

Rosen, 61, was named Houston general manager in 1980. The Astros won the second half of the 1981 strike-shortened season but haven’t approached playoff contention since.

Wagner spent 17 years with Cincinnati but was fired in 1983 in the wake of criticism of his severing contract negotiations with Pete Rose and firing Sparky Anderson.

Wagner said he would evaluate the status of Astro Manager Bob Lillis after the season. Rosen, meanwhile, was expected to name San Francisco General Manager Tom Haller as field manager, replacing Jim Davenport.