Days of ‘Lastros’ are distant memory

Just four years ago, the Houston Astros weren’t just bad, they were embarrassing — so embarrassing that many dubbed them the “Lastros.”

Now Houston is heading to its second World Series in franchise history after beating the Yankees in the American League Championship Series in seven games, and its time as the league’s laughingstock seems like a distant memory.

“You always picture yourself in the World Series, but to be here after my debut in 2012 with the team that we had, with the players that we had, I never thought we would be here,” left-hander Dallas Keuchel said.

Keuchel is one of just four Astros who remain from a 2013 team that hit rock bottom by losing a franchise-record 111 games in its first year in the AL.

Houston became the first team since Kansas City from 2004-06 to lose 100 games in three straight seasons.

Indians coach named Mets manager

The New York Mets agreed to a three-year contract with Cleveland Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway to be their new manager, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

Red Sox name Astros coach manager

The Boston Red Sox hired Astros bench coach Alex Cora their new manager, turning to a player from their 2007 World Series championship roster.