Dick Wagner Says He’s Quitting as Astro Chief

Dick Wagner, president and general manager of the Houston Astros, said he will leave the team Oct. 23 but denied that his decision was related to problems with Manager Hal Lanier.

“I would like to say that it’s not Lanier vs. Wagner,” he said. “The fact is I have a really hard time reading (owner) John McMullen. I felt it was the best thing to do.”

Wagner, who has been with the team for two years, reached a settlement with McMullen last week on the remaining year of his contract.

Wagner and Lanier had numerous disagreements in the past season about the team and player trades. Several times, Lanier openly criticized Wagner for not making needed trades to strengthen the club. McMullen told the Houston Chronicle the rift could not be resolved, and he could not let Lanier go.