Stearns hired as Astros' assistant GM

The Houston Astros have hired David Stearns as assistant general manager. The 27-year-old Stearns was Cleveland's director of baseball operations last season. Before joining the Indians, the Harvard graduate spent three seasons working in the commissioner's office. He was on the league's negotiating committee on the recently completed collective bargaining agreement, and worked with clubs on contract negotiations and salary arbitration. Before joining the commissioner's office, Sterns worked in baseball operations for the New York Mets, the Pirates and the Arizona Fall League. Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow says he was highly recommended and will be an asset to the team.