The Houston Astros fired manager Bo Porter on Monday, saying the dismissal had less to do with the team's 59-79 record than the need for ''new direction'' and a ''united message throughout the entire organization.'' Porter was in his second season with the Astros and was succeeded by interim manager Tom Lawless, who worked in Houston's minor league system. Lawless' first game in charge is Tuesday night at home against the first-place Los Angeles Angels. Bench coach Dave Trembley also was let go. Porter joined the Astros after working as a third-base coach for the Washington Nationals. More...