The Astros are expected to make a decision on their next manager by the early portion of next week. Phil Garner, Manny Acta and Brad Mills are the finalists to replace Cecil Cooper, according to the Houston Chronicle. Astros general manager Drayton McLane told the Houston Chronicle that he, president of baseball operations Tal Smith and general manager Ed Wade have begun the final check of references on Acta and Mills. The club doesn't need references for Garner, who managed the team to the World Series in 2005.