Pounding's Price

Updated: Matt Schaub undergoes an MRI Monday: Houston Texans' season suddenlyhanging by an image

UPDATE: Texans head coach Gary Kubiak says that Matt Schaub is suffering from chest, hip and shoulder troubles. "He's very banged up right now like a lot of guys," Kubiak said of his quarterback's trifecta of maladies at his Monday press conference.

Schaub is still expected to start in the crucial game against the Titans Sunday. He'll likely skip a few days of practice this week however as he tries to put himself back together from the pounding.

"We need to give him a break," Kubiak said.

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After Sunday's game against the Ravens, CultureMap detailed the beating Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub took. It turns out that pounding may bring a bigger price than even we anticipated though.

Schaub went to get an MRI Monday morning. The results of the test — done the morning after Baltimore sacked Schaub four times and left him visibly wincing throughout the afternoon — will go a long way towards determining the Texans' fate this season.

This is the second straight Monday the Texans have had one of their most indispensable players undergo an MRI. While no one expects Schaub's injuries to be anywhere close to as serious as linebacker Mario Williams' season-ending tear (Schaub's test is considered more precautionary), it's still an alarming development. Schaub went into the Ravens game with what the team termed a "bruised shoulder" and ended up passing for only 220 yards.

If Schaub was forced to even miss one game, Houston's playoff chances would take a severe hit. Especially considering that the team plays at surprise AFC South Division leader Tennessee (3-2) this Sunday. To make the playoffs, the Texans (3-3) must finish ahead of the Titans.

Schaub missed his contracted Monday morning radio appearance on 610 AM to get the MRI. Come back to CultureMap for more details later today.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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