New manager Brad Mills eyes roles for younger players as Astros open spring training

Astros work out for first time under Mills

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The most-watched rookie on the first day of spring training for the Houston Astros was the manager.

First-time skipper Brad Mills ran his first workout Saturday, when Houston’s pitchers and catchers reported to the club’s spring training complex near Orlando.

The 53-year-old Mills is a major league manager for the first time after spending the last six seasons as Terry Francona’s bench coach in Boston. Mills inherits a team with veteran talent in Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee, but also wants to incorporate young players into prominent roles this season.

Mills was hired in October to replace Cecil Cooper, who was fired with 13 games left in the season.