Boston Red Sox: How Sale of Astros Affects Boston's Managerial Search

The sale of the Houston Astros to Jim Crane has left him with plenty of decisions to make over his personnel. He has cut ties with team president Tal Smith and general manager Ed Wade. Rumors have spread of Andrew Friedman leaving the Rays to fill the GM position of his hometown Astros, but he has declined his interest in the job. 

These recent moves have other AL East implications, and most importantly, the future of current Houston manager Brad Mills.

Mills is currently under contract through 2012 with an option for 2013, but he could be axed in part of the new regime ready to enter Houston, as reported by MLB Trade Rumors. 

Before being named the manager of the Astros, Mills served as the bench coach under former Red Sox manager Terry Francona for six seasons. Mills, much like Toronto manager John Farrell, couldn't pass up the opportunity to manage in the big leagues.

Boston is still trying to figure out who is going to be their manager for the 2012 season and beyond, but it seems to be down to Bobby Valentine and Gene Lamont. If Mills is fired from Houston, don't be surprised if he enters the mix for the manager's job in Boston. 

Mills is well respected throughout the baseball world, and even though he was a part of the Francona regime, he could be an interesting candidate for the Red Sox. The only problem here is if Crane decides to let his new general manager make the decision on Mills, it could take some time, time that Boston doesn't have.

Boston GM Ben Cherington seems to be set to make his managerial choice sometime soon so he can start working on players' contracts. Hopefully, the decision on Brad Mills' future in Houston is made quickly.