"The Astros have received permission to interview Tampa Bay Rays general manager Andrew Friedman, according to officials with knowledge of the organization's thinking.

Although the club has asked to interview "a handful" of others, Friedman clearly is the No. 1 choice to replace Ed Wade.

Among others believed to be under consideration were two Texas Rangers executives, Thad Levine and A.J. Preller. However, former Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker apparently will not be interviewed for the job."