Report: Astros expected to replace manager Brad Mills at end of season

Major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com that the Houston Astros, with a new owner and a new front office, are likely to replace manager Brad Mills after the season.

Here's what Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told Rosenthal:

“We haven’t talked about next year at all. I’ve told everyone we’re going to wait. I’m not even thinking about it at this point. Brad has done a good job. We get along well. There is no reason to make a change. At the end of the year is when I’m going to spend time looking at all aspects of the operation. But I’m not spending time on it right now.”

Mills was hired by former G.M. Ed Wade for former owner Drayton McLane. His contract runs through the 2012 season, with a club option for 2013.

Sources said that Luhnow, who came from the St. Louis Cardinals organization, would likely consider three candidates who previously worked for the Cardinals: Astros bench coach Joe Pettini; Cincinnati Reds Double-A manager (and former big league manager) Jim Riggleman; and Cardinals’ first-base coach Chris Maloney.