How internal legal issues have put Houston Texans future in jeopardy
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
11 January 2024
Court documents revealed this week that Cal McNair’s brother Cary is asking a court to declare Janice McNair incapacitated, thereby giving him control of her estate, including the Texans.
We don’t know what intentions Cary would have for the Texans, but there is no doubt that the team is worth more now than it would have been even a year ago.
That has fans concerned about the possibility of the team being sold. How ironic is the difference in fan sentiment about the team changing ownership from just a year ago?
This feels like a lesson on why we should be careful what we wish for. To be fair, ownership deserved all the criticism they received during the O'Brien and Easterby era.
But at the same time, we have to give the McNair's credit for turning things around and holding Nick Caserio accountable. Remember the presser last year when Lovie Smith was fired? We had never seen Caserio so contrite.
Since then, they hired DeMeco Ryans, drafted CJ Stroud, and Will Anderson. The rest is history. They are the AFC South champs preparing to host a home playoff game. Incredible.
Which begs the question, have Cal and Hannah McNair done enough to where you wouldn't want to see a change in ownership?
We have to be impressed with the trajectory of the organization, but it was on Cal's watch when the team was the laughingstock of the NFL until this season.
We also have to realize nothing lasts forever. All good things come to an end eventually. When Caserio and/or DeMeco leave, do we trust Cal to hire quality replacements? Another huge concern involves Hannah McNair. Many believe her input is a big part of the Texans' turnaround.
If for some reason she becomes less involved in the franchise, could the organization revert to their old ways?
Not to mention, CJ Stroud is represented by David Mulugheta (Deshaun Watson's agent), he's not afraid of forcing his players out of a bad situation. Stroud seems happy with current ownership, so it might be for the best to keep it that way.
Be sure to check out the video above for the full in-depth discussion.
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How Astros' eye-opening moves set stage for most unpredictable Opening Day in recent memory
Mar 24, 2025, 5:06 pm
As the Houston Astros finalize their Opening Day roster, some notable names have been left off the team. Outfielder Ben Gamel and first baseman Jon Singleton were among the cuts, with both players struggling at the plate this spring. Singleton, despite coming into camp in excellent shape, hit just .171 with one extra-base hit in 41 at-bats. Gamel fared no better, batting .167 in 24 at-bats while dealing with injuries. Many expected the Astros to keep at least one of them for their left-handed bat, but the team opted for other options. Notably, Victor Caratini, a switch-hitter, provides valuable depth behind Christian Walker at first base and offers manager Joe Espada a quality pinch-hit option late in games.
Key storylines heading into the season
1. Jose Altuve’s transition to left field
One of the biggest storylines heading into the season is how long the Astros will stick with Jose Altuve in left field if he struggles defensively. The longtime second baseman is making the switch, but if he fails to adjust, Houston may have to explore alternative solutions.
2. Jeremy Peña’s next step
After a stellar spring, will this be the year Jeremy Peña takes his game to another level? While he's unlikely to develop into a high-walk hitter, a return to his rookie-year power numbers could be a major boost for the Astros. In 2023, he hit 22 homers and slugged .426, and Houston will need that production again.
3. Yordan Alvarez’s Health and MVP Potential
Alvarez remains the key piece of the Astros’ lineup, and if he can stay healthy, his 40-plus home run potential makes him a serious AL MVP candidate. He currently has the fourth-best MVP odds in the league.
4. Will Cam Smith and/or Zach Dezenzo make the final cut?
If manager Joe Esapa keeps his word, both Smith and Dezenzo are unlikely to make the team. Espada has been adamant that both players require every day at-bats. Which Houston can't accommodate with the current roster construction.
Bullpen outlook
Houston’s bullpen will be anchored by star closer Josh Hader and setup man Bryan Abreu. Other key arms include Tayler Scott, Bryan King, Rafael Montero, Luis Contreras, and Steven Okert.
Ryan Gusto (1.17 spring ERA) is a candidate to make the squad but could be a roster casualty when Forrest Whitley or Caleb Ort return from injury.
Whitley’s string of bad luck continues, as he’ll begin the season on the injured list despite an impressive spring. Montero, meanwhile, was a surprise roster inclusion given his struggles, especially since Logan VanWey outperformed him this spring. The Astros appear to be hoping for a bounce-back year from Montero, though he should be limited to mop-up duties early on.
Betting lines and projections via MyBookie
- Win total: Astros 87.5, Rangers 85.5, Mariners 84.5
- AL Pennant odds: Astros +760 (3rd-best), behind Yankees (+370) and Orioles (+590)
- AL West odds: Astros +163 (favorites), followed by Rangers, Mariners, Angels, and A’s
- World Series odds: Astros +1650 (7th-best), behind Dodgers, Braves, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Orioles
- Astros win total through April over/under: 16.5 wins in 30 games
- Houston started slowly last season, going just 10-19 through April.
As the season begins, Houston has a strong roster with playoff aspirations, but key questions remain. Can Altuve adjust to left field? Will Peña and Alvarez step up? And can the bullpen hold firm? The answers will shape the Astros' 2025 campaign.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The countdown to Opening Day is on. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday live right after the game. Click here to catch!
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