ARLINGTON (AP)  The Texas Rangers have hired former Houston general manager Tim Purpura to overee all aspects of their minor league system.

The two-time defending AL champion Rangers said Friday that Purpura’s role will include player development and affiliate matters.

Purpura replaces director of player development Scott Servais, who left to be an assistant general manager with the Los Angeles Angels.

Purpura had been minor league baseball’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since January 2008.

He was the Astros general manager from 2005-07, a time that includied their only World Series apearance, after serving as the team’s assistant GM overseeing the farm system from 1997-04.

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