Astros Triple-A Manager Tony DeFrancesco Diagnosed With Cancer; Expected to Make Full Recovery

We had originally intended to talk about this during last night's podcast - Tony DeFrancesco has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. As a result, DeFrancesco will take a leave of absence and hopes to return in May.

DeFrancesco is expected to make a full recovery; until he does, he will be treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

DeFrancesco was heading into his fourth season with the RedHawks, and his 20th season overall as a minor league manager. Oklahoma City has had a winning record of 217-197 during DeFrancesco's time, including a 82-62 record last season that saw 16 RedHawks get the call up to the show. He also served as interim manager after Brad Mills was relieved of his duties in 2012.

Tom Lawless will serve as interim manager until DeFrancesco's return.

I speak for everyone here at TCB, we hope that Tony DeFrancesco makes a swift, full recovery. We wish him best of luck with his treatment.