More changes Astros owner should make

While Jim Crane is considering enhancements to his franchise, here are a few more additions the new Astros owner should include: The Astros need a Hall of Fame. The team celebrates 50 years of existence this season yet the history of the club is not displayed or arranged in an exhibit which can be enjoyed by fans. Part of being the owner of a sports franchise is good stewardship, and good stewardship includes acknowledging the team's past. Too many owners believe the franchise's history begins with their purchase. Of course owners also are about revenue and a Hall of Fame would cost money to create and upkeep. In addition, it would not exactly be a great source of revenue. So construct a small building inside Minute Maid or just outside the park and sell the naming rights. How about "Halliburton Hall?" Charge folks a couple of bucks to tour the place and include a visit to the Hall with the daily tours of Minute Maid. Creating a Hall of Fame would not help the team sign any free agents or win any more games, but it would enhance an area which has been sorely lacking with this club: a documented legacy. Crane is interested in grasping the attention of the young generation. It would help if young Astros fans understood, saw and experienced the past. The history of this team did not begin with Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, although they should have their own wing for their contributions. Young fans should understand and old fans should be reminded what a marvelous talent Cesar Cedeno was and how dominating J.R. Richard was back in the day. In addition, a past member or two of the organization should be enshrined each year. Retire the late Joe Niekro's number 36. Prior to Roy Oswalt winning Game 6 of the 2005 NLCS, Niekro started and completed the biggest win in franchise history: The one-game playoff against the Dodgers in Los Angeles in 1980 which catapulted the team into its first ever playoff appearance. Niekro remains the club's winningest pitcher of all time with 144 wins. He is second only to Larry Dierker in starts, complete games and shutouts. He was an extremely popular Astro in the 70's and early 80's. As for Crane considering changing the name of the team, he should consider everything. Is it highly unusual to change the name without moving the team? Yes. But the team is going into a new league and maybe, just maybe, a new name can help bring in a new era. In the end, here's a guess Crane will stick with "Astros," but he should not be faulted for at least studying the issue. The Astros no longer play in the Astrodome. Corporations, even those which rely heavily on their moniker, change logos and change names. Exxon was once Esso. Bu then again, folks didn't go around buying up Esso caps and T-shirts. So, here's hoping "Astros" remains the name.