Yesterday afternoon’s press conference by Astros’ owner Jim Crane was met with mixed reviews. There was excitement at the idea of reduced ticket pricing for certain seats and a 5% rebate for season tickets purchased before the end of the month. In addition there was positive fan reaction that Minute Maid Park will finally allow patrons to bring in bottled water and snacks.

So what’s the protest about? Well, in response to a question, Mr. Crane mentioned that all sorts of changes were being considered including logos, colors, Tal’s hill….and a name change?

Yep, a name change.

Even Astros employees seemed to be surprised at the mention of that as a consideration.

This was my initial reaction.

Fear not, my friends. I don’t really think this is a serious consideration. If I were a smart businessman, and Jim Crane is nothing if not that, I’d consider everything a possibility as well. But the outpouring of fan sentiment that the name should not be messed with or altered has been heard it seems.

Already, less than 24 hours after that little mention by the owner, fans are emailing and writing and calling the ballpark voicing their concerns and getting interesting feedback.

I sent my own email last night and was replied to early this morning. What’d they say?

“Thank you for your concern in the Houston Astros. If you listen to Mr. Crane’s  comments he made yesterday everything is on the table. We will listen and take the feedback from our fans and make the best possible decision.”

Other fans have called and been told that a change in the name of the team is a “low likelihood.”

So let’s all take a deep breath. Houston is still tied closely with Space Exploration and the Astros name is still a relevant one for a Houston based team. After all, there’s a little basketball organization here called The Rockets.

That being said, the changes in colors and mascot in recent years to tie the team to the history of its home Minute Maid Park and specifically Union Station have introduced another theme for our beloved baseball team, the railroad. So should they float these options? Sure. But rest assured. It seems that MMP and the Astros organization is hearing your cry to leave the name alone.

I, for one, will be shocked if there’s a change. And my outrage would probably rival that of my displeasure of our move to the AL in 2013.

If you would like to express your opinion on a possible name change you can send an email via this link or write a letter via 501 Crawford, Houston, TX 77002 or call (713) 259-8000.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.