HOUSTON -- The Astros announced promotions of seven members of their baseball operations staff Monday, including Quinton McCracken as director of player personnel, Brandon Taubman as director of baseball operations and Allen Rowin as director of Minor League operations.
Also receiving promotions are Mike Fast (director of research and development), Pete Putila (assistant director of Minor League operations), Tom Koch-Weser (manager of advance scouting) and Bill Firkus (director of sports medicine and performance).
In his new role, McCracken will assist in player personnel decisions across all areas, including free-agent acquisitions, trades and amateur signings. He will evaluate players across all categories including amateur and professional, both inside and outside the organization.