Luhnow visits with LSU's Alleva

HOUSTON -- The chance to come to Minute Maid Park with several of his coaches, including football coach Les Miles, on Wednesday allowed LSU athletic director Joe Alleva the opportunity to spend some time with his son's boss -- Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow.

Alleva's son, JD Alleva, is a regional crosschecker in the Astros' scouting department and has been instrumental in the team's Drafts the last few years. The junior Alleva was on the road preparing for the First-Year Player Draft when his father was in town, but it did little to diminish the fun for Joe.

"During the season, he doesn't get to Houston very often until Draft time," he said. "He's busy this time of year."

JD played four years in the Royals' farm system before becoming a scout for the Astros in 2006. He was an area scout for several years and became a scouting crosschecker in 2011, based in Charlotte, N.C. 

"He's been involved with a lot of the Minor League guys that have been drafted," Alleva said. "It's great to see this team as it gets better and improves with these young kids. I'm very proud of him. He really loves professional baseball, and I think he has a bright career going forward. Because my son works for [the Astros], I definitely keep up with them."

Luhnow spent several minutes visiting with Joe Alleva, whom he had met before. In fact, Luhnow sat in the LSU AD's box at Alex Box Stadium in 2012 while scouting Kevin Gausman, who was later drafted by the Orioles in the first round.

"He's a great guy from a great sports family," Luhnow said. "And what a great sports organization LSU is."