Bo Porter to become Astros' manager

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HOUSTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Bo Porter, the third-base coach of the Washington Nationals, will be the manager of the Houston Astros next season, the team said Thursday.

Porter, 40, has managerial experience in the Class-A level and was the third-base coach for the Florida Marlins before joining the Nationals in November 2010. He reportedly was a finalist for managerial positions with the Marlins and Pittsburgh after the 2010 season.

"Bo's experience and management style will help lead our young players in creating a sense of urgency to restart the Astros' winning tradition," said Astros' owner Jim Crane.

Houston is 51-105 -- by far the worst record in the majors -- this season, a year after setting a franchise record with 106 losses.

Brad Mills was fired as manager in August and Tony DeFrancesco was named interim manager. DeFrancesco is to complete the season leading the Astros.

This is Houston's last season in the National League. The Astros move to the American League West next season, a move that balances the leagues at 15 teams each.