Coaching the Astros

After the franchise's most successful season in its history the Houston Astros have brought back all six members of their coaching staff for the 2006 campaign.

There are some interesting names on the staff. Gary Gaetti is the team's hitting coach and returns for what will be his third season with the club. Besides earning the nickname "The Rat" during his playing career, Gaetti is also known for being the last player in major league history to wear a no-flap helmet.

Jose Cruz provides continuity on the staff as the all-time Astro great will suit up for his tenth season on the staff as the first base coach.

The most compelling name is Cecil Cooper's. The soon to be 57 year-old will be serving as Houston's bench coach for a second season in 'o6 and it's a good bet that Cooper will probably be managing a major league club in the very near future. He's held numerous positions in baseball and has also worked as a players agent during his post-playing career. He has two years of managing experience with Houston's Triple A club and is regarded within baseball circles as an intelligent, even-tempered leader who possesses a sound strategic mind.

It was as recently as 2002 when Tony Pena (formerly manager of Houston's Triple A club) left the Astros in his capacity of bench coach to manage the Kansas City Royals mid-season. History may soon repeat itself in Houston.