After watching the Houston Astros lose a franchise-record 111 games this season, Jim Crane is ready to spend to improve the roster for 2014.
"We will spend some money, not only here [at the fundraiser Crane spoke at] but on the team next year," he said. "And you will see us on TV."
The owner realizes the bullpen must be upgraded next season.
"I think nobody's happy with the way we ended up," Crane said. "We lost a lot of close games with the back end of the bullpen not being able to shut anybody down."
The Astros had the lowest payroll in the majors last season, starting with about $21 million for the 25-man roster on Opening Day and dipping to around $14 million after the trade deadline.
“Now we have a nucleus to draw from," Crane said. "And so we got that established. I think in the offseason you'll see Jeff (Luhnow), and he's already said it, we're going to fill some of those holes. As the kids come up through the system we can get competitive very quick. We lost a lot of one-run games. It's pretty obvious where our needs are, and we'll work on those in the offseason and start loosening the purse book."