HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros gave general manager Tim
Purpura a one-year contract extension on Thursday, a deal that runs
through the 2008 season.
Purpura became the Astros' GM on Nov. 1, 2004, just after
Houston lost to St. Louis in the NL championship series. Houston
reached its first World Series in 2005, losing to the Chicago White
Sox in four games.
"We greatly appreciate Tim's leadership and the job that he has
done in his two seasons as the general manager of the Houston
Astros," owner Drayton McLane said in a statement. "I feel
strongly that our ballclub is charging forward as we continue
toward our goal of bringing a World Series championship to
Houston."
Purpura has worked for the Astros for 13 seasons. He became the
GM after seven seasons overseeing the club's player development
areas while also fulfilling his duties as assistant general
manager.
"I appreciate the confidence that Drayton and the organization
have shown in me by choosing to extend my contract," Purpura said
in a statement.