Lanier named Astrosmanager United Press International he's been associated with winners. I like the fact that be was associated HOUSTON New Houston Astros with iSL Louis Manager Whiteyt Manager Hal Lanier did oat waste Herzog. He's (Herzog one of the any tone saying what direction the outstanding people in our game." Astros would take nest season. Wagner also announced Tuesday "I think the fans of Houston wO! the Astros will seek permission from see a different brand of baseball," the New York Yankees to talk to for- Lanier said. Tin a very aggressive mer manager Yogi Berra about join- manager. I think rouTl see more ing the Astros as a coach. Berra re- running. I like to pot people in mo- mains under contract with the tion and have the defense make mis- Yankees through December. takes. I like this balldub, what Tve "With hard work and the deter- seen of it. It's very strong up the mination of the players, it's going to middle. I see at least Sre to six peo- be an exciting year," said Lanier, ple on this team who can steal 25 to the ninth manager in the history of Tttbases." tbeAstros. Lanier, who was third base coach Lillis was fired after guiding the for the National League champion Astros to an 83-7- 5 record and a tie SL Louis Cardinals and a former for third place in the National major-leagu- e infielder, Tuesday League West Division with the San was named manager of the Astros, Diego Padres. signing a two-ye- ar contract. lillis, now a coach with the San He replaced Bob Lillis, who was Francisco Giants, took over in 1982. fired at the end of the season. It is During Ms tenure, the Astros' best Lanier's first managerial Job in the finish was a tie for second place in major leagues. 1384- - Lanier, 42, beat oat Chicago White Lanier joined the Cardinals in 1351 Sox third base Coach Jim Lejiand after a successful stint as a minor and fanner managers Billy Gard- league manager. ner, Joe Torre and Dave Bristol for - thejob. In 1376, be mre maml manpge-j- - of "We interviewed some really out- the Cardinals' St Petersburg team T-oag- standing people," Astros General in the Florida State ?f, and Manager Dick Wagner said. '"The three years later was promoted to -- - irm - i i ii m- . reason we chose Hal is that he's the Cardinals' AAA affiliate in mu, ,i M,- . ii been in the National League and Springfield, m. Hal Lanier, left, and Astros General Manager Dick Wagner answer questions at a press conference. wwp- -.