Harris County commissioners agree to spend $105 million to begin renovations for the Astrodome
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Harris County commissioners agree to spend $105 million to begin renovations for the Astrodome

2018 – Harris County commissioners agree to spend $105 million to begin renovations for the long-dormant Astrodome. Than plan is to elevate the floor to ground level which will be used for parking spaces then convert the remaining structure to be used for festivals and celebrations. 

Reds trade one of their most iconic players 2B Brandon Phillips

2017 – The Reds continue their rebuilding as they trade one of their most iconic players, 2B Brandon Phillips, to Atlanta for Ps Andrew McKirahan and Carlos Portuondo. The Reds have two top middle infield prospects ready to take over for Phillips in Jose Peraza and Dilson Herrera.

South Africa eliminates New Zealand from the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers 

2016 – South Africa eliminates New Zealand from the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers with a 9-2 win to earn a rematch with host Australia; a spot in the 2017 World Baseball Classic will be at stake tomorrow. Jared Elario, Lloyd Stevens and Robert Lewis-Walker provide strong pitching while Keegan Swanepoel gets 4 hits, Anthony Phillips 4 walks and 3 runs and Kyle Botha 3 RBI for South Africa. Control is somewhat of an issue as pitchers combine for 17 walks.

Oakland signs OF Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year contract worth $36 million

Oakland signs OF Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year contract worth $36 million

2012 – The A’s sign OF Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year contract worth $36 million, a record for a Cuban defector, outbidding at least five other teams. The signing belies some of the A’s other off-season moves in which they traded established young players in return for prospects, but they see Cespedes as a future franchise player, and his outstanding rookie season will be a key contribution in the A’s unexpected AL West division title.

Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee testify

Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee testify

In a much anticipated congressional hearing, Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, testify for four and a half hours concerning the allegations of the Rocket’s use of performance-enhancing drugs. Although no definitive conclusions are reached, Republicans appear to believe the seven-time Cy Young Award winner while Democrats seem to favor his chief accuser’s account of events.

After 19 years at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Barry Larkin announces his retirement

After 19 years at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Barry Larkin announces his retirement

After 19 years at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Barry Larkin announces his retirement as an active player, to become special assistant to Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden. A 12-time All-Star, National League MVP, and three-time Gold Glove winner, Larkin spent his entire career in Cincinnati, his hometown.

Avoiding arbitration, starting pitcher Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers agree to a one-year contract

Avoiding arbitration, starting pitcher Ben Sheets (12-14, 2.70) and the Milwaukee Brewers agree to a one-year contract valued at $5.5 million. Sheets, who made $2.5 million last season while posting a 12-14 record with a 2.70 ERA, established a team record last May by striking out 18 batters in a game.