New Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown will do the majority of his adjustments to the 2023 roster during the regular season, when the reigning champs will likely make a roster upgrade or two in hopes of becoming the first back-to-back World Series winner since 2000. But there is one thing left on Brown's checklist in the immediate future. The Astros enter Thursday with one open spot on their 2023 Major League roster, and Brown has a number of directions in which he can fill that final hole. Houston could look to add to its outfield rotation, or perhaps address a perceived lack of catching depth. Perhaps Brown adds another arm, though considering the Astros' presently-stacked rotation , Brown may be content with his current options . As the Astros work to continue their dynasty, their new general manager is working from a place of strength. So who could Brown and Co. add to the roster before Opening Day? Let's evaluate some potential options below: Jurickson … [Read more...] about Five sensible options for the Houston Astros’ final roster spot
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Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans press conference: Live stream and updates
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 The Houston Texans brought one of the most recognizable figures in franchise history home this week when they hired DeMeco Ryans to be their next head coach. A press conference featuring Ryans and other members of the Texans organization was held on Thursday afternoon. View Chron 's coverage of the event, as well as the press conference in its entirety, below. Former teammates weigh in on DeMeco Ryans hiring A handful of former and current Houston Texans players were in attendance on Thursday, including two of Ryans' most recognizable ex-teammates—Hall of Fame nominee Andre Johnson and fellow Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing. Both players spoke with the media following the press conference, with each expressing optimism about the future of the franchise under Ryans' leadership. Texans great Andre Johnson says he has “no doubt” DeMeco Ryans will turn the Texans … [Read more...] about Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans press conference: Live stream and updates
Houston Zoo’s nocturnal dinner party lets you feast with the beasts
Following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Houston Zoo is bringing back one of visitor's favorite events: Feast with the Beasts. During the unique 21 and older annual party, which will run between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on April 14, guests can get a taste of food selections from 30 of the Bayou City's top restaurants and sip on beer and wine while also being treated to live music performances and animal experiences throughout the zoo as the sun goes down. In a press release, Houston Zoo spokesperson Jackie Wallace said this year's event will be more exclusive than ever before. "Fewer tickets will be sold to ensure a more intimate and high-quality culinary experience," Wallace wrote. "This event is expected to sell out quickly—food and animal lovers should purchase tickets early." Some of the restaurants participating are Black Walnut Café, Blood Bros. BBQ , East Side King , Texas de Brazil, Dessert Gallery, Thai Kun and Soy Pinoy . Meanwhile, zoo … [Read more...] about Houston Zoo’s nocturnal dinner party lets you feast with the beasts
Houston’s DeMeco Ryans explains how his mom made him a better coach
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 New Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans namechecked a number of coaching influences when meeting with the media at NRG Stadium on Thursday afternoon, including current Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and former Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly. But Ryans also made sure to highlight one important individual who made a major impact on his football journey. "My mother taught me what hard work, what sacrifice looks like," Ryans told the media at his introductory press conference Thursday afternoon. "My mother is, 'We’re gonna get it done.’ No matter how hard it seems, no matter how far fetched it may seem, ‘We’re going to get it done.'" Twitter — criswell_sports Twitter Ryans noted his mother's attitude extends to his work on the sidelines after a 10-year playing career in the NFL . Ryans has deployed his mother's teachings across the last six seasons as a … [Read more...] about Houston’s DeMeco Ryans explains how his mom made him a better coach
These hip Houston wine bars are worthy of a toast
When it comes to wine bars in Houston, lovers of the grape can have a field day—and night. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a celebration or a leisurely rendezvous, Houston's best bars for wine lovers have you covered with selections from regions around the world. In addition to traditional pours, you'll also find glasses of rare wines, natural wines, biodynamic wines and fortified wines. Bookmark this sampling of the hottest wine bars in Houston the next time you're ready to indulge in a glass or two of vino. Montrose wine bars Boheme Feel worlds away on Boheme's chill, romantic patio , surrounded by a garden adorned with stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, or inside amid antique fixtures from England, France and Germany. Globe-trotting selections include a red rosso by Raina in Italy, a tempranillo by Pixide in Spain, and a malbec-cabernet blend by Ricominciare in Argentina. Cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails are available too. Tasting bites : Pair … [Read more...] about These hip Houston wine bars are worthy of a toast
Kick off Black History Month in Houston with this series of acclaimed indies
Autumn Johnson was an intern at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston when she stumbled, last summer, upon a largely unsung classic of Black independent cinema. Alma's Rainbow , written and directed by Ayoka Chenzira, originally opened in 1994, and had largely fallen out of the limelight until last year, when a new 4K DCP restoration began making the art-house and rep theater rounds. “I liked the film, but what really impressed me was the director’s background,” says the San Antonio-born Johnson, a recent University of Houston graduate. “I was like, 'I’ve never heard of her before. Like, how has she not been on my radar?'” Learning about Alma's Rainbow inspired Johnson to look for other indie films made by women of color. “I really did a lot of research one day in the office,” she says. “And I sent a little pitch email to Marian [Luntz, MFAH’s film curator] saying, ‘I don’t really see room for this film in the coming months, but I would love to see it featured for something … [Read more...] about Kick off Black History Month in Houston with this series of acclaimed indies
Take a tour of colorful Tlaquepaque Market in Houston’s East End
Love it or hate it, strip malls are the beating heart of Houston. In Chron's new series, we take you on a tour of the city's best, food-packed, culture-rich shopping centers. Most of Houston's strip malls, even the ones hiding the city's best restaurants , look like a drab ensemble of concrete and stucco you speed past on your way somewhere else. But slow down and look closer, and you'll notice a select few that are—dare we say?—quite attractive. This is the case of Tlaquepaque Market , perhaps the most colorful strip mall in Houston, which sits where Leeland Street becomes Telephone Road, in the heart of Houston's East End. It's named after the village of Tlaquepaque (tuh-laa-kay-paa-kee), an equally colorful destination in Jalisco, Mexico. In Houston, the shopping center's buildings are painted in vibrant blues, yellows, oranges, pinks and greens. Tlaquepaque Market stands out with its colorful buildings. (Photos by Emma Balter) Located in the Eastwood … [Read more...] about Take a tour of colorful Tlaquepaque Market in Houston’s East End
Execution of man convicted in killing of 3 in Texas delayed
HOUSTON (AP) — A judge has delayed next week’s scheduled execution of a man convicted of killing three teenagers while they slept in a Texas Panhandle home more than 25 years ago. John Balentine, 54, had been set to receive a lethal injection at the state prison in Huntsville on Feb. 8. He was condemned for the January 1998 shooting deaths of Edward Mark Caylor, 17, Kai Brooke Geyer, 15, and Steven Watson, also 15, at a home in Amarillo. Caylor was the brother of Balentine’s former girlfriend and prosecutors said the shootings were the result of a feud between Caylor and Balentine. Balentine was arrested in Houston six months after the slayings. Evidence at the trial showed all three victims were shot once in the head as they slept in a tiny house where Balentine also once lived. On Tuesday, state District Judge Steven Denny in Potter County withdrew Balentine’s execution date and warrant because the inmate’s attorneys had not been properly notified of the execution date and … [Read more...] about Execution of man convicted in killing of 3 in Texas delayed
Texas woman accused of killing friend, taking baby sentenced
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas woman accused of killing a close friend in 2019 who had just given birth and abducting the baby as part of an elaborate scheme to pass the infant off as her own pleaded guilty to murder charges Thursday, prosecutors said. Magen Fieramusca, 37, was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the death of Heidi Broussard, 33, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza announced in a statement. Fieramusca waved her right to appeal. The conviction follows a crime in Austin, Texas, that began with the disappearance of a 3-week-old baby girl and was followed with widening interest as the investigation unfolded and police zeroed in on Fieramusca. Police say the child was later found alive at a home in the Houston area along with Broussard's body in the trunk of Fieramusca's car. According to an arrest affidavit at the time, Fieramusca abducted Broussard on Dec. 12, 2019, and packed her into a black duffel. Broussard had last been seen dropping off an older child … [Read more...] about Texas woman accused of killing friend, taking baby sentenced