On Astros, Again

I can’t say I am surprised by this. See this from the Chron:

Mayra Guillén, the older sister of U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillén who was killed at Fort Cavazos near Killeen in 2020, plans to make her political debut by launching a challenge against longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green of Houston.

Guillén, who has never held public office, has become an outspoken advocate for reforming the military’s handling of sexual harassment and assault cases since her sister’s death. In 2021, she founded an advocacy group called the I am Vanessa Guillén Foundation.

The family’s push resulted in a number of new laws passed by Congress in 2021 and 2022 that are meant to make the military’s process of investigating harassment and assault more fair.

Guillén, who has previously been supportive of President Donald Trump on social media, didn’t say whether she will run as a Republican or a Democrat. But she’ll likely face an uphill battle. Green, a Democrat, has represented Houston’s south side in Congress since 2005 and  ran unopposed last election in the heavily blue district. 

Guillén announced her run after Green’s interrupted President Donald Trump’s address last week. Green was later censured by the majority Republican chamber.

“After watching @RepAlGreen disrespect not only @POTUS  last night, but our district, state and country, I believe it’s time for me to get into the fight like I did for my sister Vanessa Guillen!” she posted on X.

Here is the entire article from the Chron: Mayra Guillén to challenge Houston Rep. Al Green.

I will say it again. I didn’t see the point in Cong. Green’s antics last week.

I will say I was glad to see U.S. House Democrats hang tight together in yesterday’s budget vote. I hope U.S. Senate Democrats are united when the vote comes up in the next day or so.

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Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones has a powerful Op-Ed in the editorial column of today’s Chron opinion page. It is on getting the measles vaccine. Here is how it ends:

The truth is that the measles vaccine isn’t new. It’s not experimental. It has been around for more than 60 years, and it has saved millions of lives. The science is not in question. The only question is whether we will act in time to stop further spread.

My daughters, husband and I are all vaccinated and will feel safe enjoying the Houston Rodeo and spring break festivities. If you or your child hasn’t had the MMR vaccine, now is the time. Harris County Public Health and your primary care provider can help. If you’re unsure whether you were vaccinated as a child, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting vaccinated. Visit ReadyHarris.org for more information and for nearby vaccination locations.

Stopping this outbreak isn’t just about rolling up our sleeves for a shot. It’s about rolling up our sleeves to take on the fight against misinformation, to have the hard conversations with family, with friends, and with coworkers. That means leading with compassion and understanding, because when we turn discussions about public health into political debates, we all lose.

When we face the truth as a community, and when we support each other and trust the science, we can protect our children and defeat measles once again — not just for now, but for good.

Here is the entire take by Commissioner Briones: Harris Co. commissioner: Houston measles risk is ‘growing by the day’.

I am guessing most folks that read the Chron opinion page are vaccinated.

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The Astros traded away Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman became a free agent and signed with the Red Sox. Both were All Star players and the key to our past success. Now see this from the Chron:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros top prospect Cam Smith will play right field in a Grapefruit League game soon, manager Joe Espada said Tuesday, an indication the club could seriously consider carrying the 22-year-old on its major-league roster.

Smith, acquired by Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade, has played primarily third base since his freshman year at Florida State. His outfield experience in that span consists of three games in left field in the Cape Cod League in 2023, per Baseball Reference.

“Honestly, it’s fun,” Smith said Tuesday. “Learning something new is always fun, and I think this is a whole other opportunity opening a whole new door for me.”

Early in camp, Espada said Smith could get practice reps in right field this spring but would likely not play in a game there, with the Astros focusing on his development at third base. Smith’s torrid spring and Houston’s unsettled outfield have altered those plans.

“I think competition creates opportunities and he’s taken advantage of the opportunities and things have changed,” Espada said Tuesday.

That Smith, the 14th overall pick in last year’s draft, might bid for a roster spot seemed far-fetched a month ago. Smith is in his first professional spring training. He has played 32 minor-league games and taken 134 plate appearances, just 20 of those above High-A.

But Smith has evidently met, or exceeded, the Astros’ expectations for him this spring. He is 9-for-17 in eight Grapefruit League games with five walks and three strikeouts. Reviews of his attitude and approach in major-league camp have been widely positive.

Here is the entire read: Houston Astros: Cam Smith to play right field in bid for roster spot.

If Smith is ready, put him in the starting lineup. Don’t keep him simmering in a Triple A uniform if he is able to contribute. If he is an exciting player, bring him to Daikin Park. We will need all the excitement we can get. Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick may be good defensive players, but they have not been steady hitters. Opening Day is two weeks from tomorrow. The Astros have until then to decide where to play Cam Smith.

Again, the featured photo needs no explanation.