A name change just alienates the fan base further

Fact: Jim Crane is the owner of the Astros and has the right (within league rules) to do as he pleases with the team.

Fact: The move to the AL has been; for the most part, a very unpopular idea for the fans and it is understood that Jim Crane did not ask to move he is being forced by Bud Selig to do so.

Fact: There are times when change is good when you are not changing for the sake of change.

As we approach the first season under the new owner of the Astros; it is clear that change is a key word for this franchise. Ticket prices are changing, food and drink prices are changing, front office is almost completely changed and we will see a change in a few positions on the field. But; these are the potential positive changes for this franchise.

A change in logo or a change in uniform is not a big deal for most fans. But to change the name and identity of a franchise that has been so named for 50 years is a bad idea. While the forced move to the AL will alienate some fans; a change in team name will only do further damage to the fan base.

Mr. Crane needs to change personnel on the field until he has the players that will bring the Astros back into prominence. He has already made positive change in the front office that will help in the previously addressed area. But changing the identity of this team is simply a bad idea.

You wouldn't see this as even a topic of conversation in Chicago, Boston, New York or LA...so why here?