Wicked Wiffle Ball Pitcher

Check this out. Came across this nice video over on Lance Zierlein's blog. This guy has some incredibly nasty pitches that are worth a look.

Sun is setting on Summer

Astros: Well, if I could trade a winning season for a 3,000 hitter every once in awhile, then I would probably do it. It really gives me a sense of baseball tradition to actually have a player reach a milestone like this. We have always seemed so new compared to the majority of teams in the league, but now we have one of these guys too. And for anyone thinking Biggio is not a lock then you need to lay off the sauce. I heard some numbers the other night and it went something like this: Of the 18 2nd baseman in the hall of fame, he ranks 1st in runs, 2nd or 3rd in homeruns, 2nd or 3rd in doubles, 4th in this, 5th in that, etc. He did not rank any lower than 8th in any offensive category that matters. Not to mention, he played the game all-out all the time and was a class act off the field.

Rockets: Daryl Morey sure has been busy. (Much busier than Purpura who has his hands planted firmly on his behind.) Are these winning moves? Who knows? I know we have picked up three guys whose charcter has come into question before. Do they suck up their pride and play like this is their last chance to be on a good team? Or do they tear apart a team with a closing window of opportunity? It should be interesting to say the least. I just hope Francis has learned what to do with the ball when he gets up in the air. I was one of his biggest fans, and adopted the Stevie Franchise moniker earlier than most of my friends because of his sheer athletic ability. The problem was he didn't seem to let the game ever slow down from a maturity level which is where he got into trouble. Here's hoping it works out. I sure would like another 4 just in case cola scola isn't all that and a bag of chips.

Texans: Whooo hooo, training camp opened for the team that knows how to lose better than anybody in the business. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and bunch of pretenders trying to look like #2 receivers and frontline running backs. Until they prove me wrong thats all this offense is right now. I am looking forward to a pass rush for the first time since the team began. I mean a real pass rush. Okoye should help Ryans and Williams equally which means bad things for the rest of the league. Hopefully our secondary won't have to cover guys for like 7 and 10 seconds. Deion freakin Sanders couldn't hold guys as long as the Texan secondary has been asked to. Koobs: This is make it or break it for you. Let me see some offensive genius. If you blow it with your second hand picked guy, then we will be calling for your job. We are tired of losing, and we don't need any more smoke blowed up our butt.

So long to one of the class acts of Houston

Marvin Zindler passed away this weekend leaving a real void in Houston. He is being remembered on this sports blog because he meant so much to Houston. Picture this foursome which surely could have played a round of golf in the late 70's, early 80's: Zindler, Wiesenthal, Campbell and Bum. Marvin was the closest thing to a living angel. Helping the underpriveleged and handicapped at every turn he took, locally and internationally. His list of accomplishments are too numerous to list here. I will never forget the signature sign-off, "Marvin Zindler Eyewitness News" nor his Friday send off, "good golf, good fishing or whatever makes you happy." This Houston icon will truly be missed.

Houston, We Have A Problem

How's your summer starting? Great? Could be better that's for sure. Nothing going on in H-Town sports. Here is what I am getting subjected to on a daily basis:

-The game show called 'Can You Guess Phil Garner's Lineup?' I like the $250,000 jackpot, but they might as well make it a billion since they'll never pay out.

-Hey D, do you think we can find space on the roster for Kobe to go along KG, Rashard and McGrady? Ha, Ha Ha you guys are soooooo funny

-Oh and the Chronicle (err, I mean 'Texans Unofficial Publicist') trying hard to make us believe that a 7th rounder out of the 2003 draft is just the guy we need at the No. 2 receiver spot

-My new Rockets coach talking about changing our offense to up tempo with a bunch of guys who can't finish their layups

- Congress allocating $500 trillion in pork to conduct an investigation into the missing offense with the Houston professional sports teams

ZZZZZZ zzzzzzz Pence ZZZZZzzzzzzzz Pence ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz (keep one eye on the kid)

Women Who Hate The Cowboys

Anna does not like the Cowboys because their fans are "obnoxious". Growing up in Brazil she was subjected to Cowboys this and that. Evidently, international NFL fans get a steady diet of the Cowboys. All throughout the 90's she was subjected to people running around saying, "los vaqueros son el números uno." She believes,like most knowledgeable fans, that Barry Sanders could have done more with that offensive line. She also believes the rumors about Troy.

Why Not Dream Big? Les Does.

No offense to Yao. Really good player, great guy, but opportunities like this are few and far between. KG for Yao and Juwan gets us started. KG has 4 of his prime years left to go along with maybe 4 more good years for McGrady. Now once you have him in place, everyone in Houston starts to hard sell Rashard on taking the mid-class exception hometown discount to win rings. He has to be tired of losing, and his dream must include winning championships for H-Town. This is Houston's version of up-tempo to take on the Phoenix, Dallas and Golden States of the NBA, and this team could play some good defense.

Before all of you guys say that big deals like this rarely happen. Consider this, Les Alexander has probably brought in more quote unquote superstars to the Rockets than any other owner during his tenure. Clyde, Charles, Scottie, Steve Francis (made the trade to get him), T-Mac. He loves the big splash. The only problems with this proposal are 1.) Les wants the Chinese market and 2.) Rashard wants Max dollars.

Inquiring Minds, Here's Your Answer

'Nuff said.

The Jazz sensitive side exposed

I heard the resident commie on the Jazz showed his sensitive side after taking a defeat at the hands of the Rockets Saturday. Kirelinko evidently was bawling after losing game 1. The Kremlin would not be happy with his outward display of his inner feelings. Andre, Oprah on line 2. Sloan may want to book an appointment with Dr. Phil for the communist because he may be downright suicidal after this series.

Still O-fer against the Warriors

My disdain for all things Dallas has me quite pleased with the task at hand for the Mavs. The Warriors athleticism matches up well with the Dallas 'playmakers'. Baron Davis must be consistent with the monster games in the playoffs to truly make it to the next level of superstar status as well as advancing the Warriors into the next round. Dirk is the one that should be taking advantage of the Warriors every which way. He showed again tonight (14 pts, 12 reb.) why he is not quite the superstar everyone makes him out to be. Superstars take their game up a notch in the playoffs. They do not lay an egg every 4 or 5 games like Dirk.

The look on Cuban's face when Davis dropped one more 3 in for good measure with about a minute to go = Priceless

1-0 Good Guys

You could see the look in T-Mac's eyes after hitting a couple of shots in the 3rd quarter. He assumed control when Utah failed to take advantage of his slow start. Yao was steady money and Chucky made the hustle plays. Hayes will need to continue to exert his will over the Utah frontcourt in order for the Rockets to be victorious.

The flopping by the likes of Okur and company should be no surprise. Referees should be embarrased to participate in such a charade. To let a guy appear to have a concussion one moment in drawing the foul, then seconds later he's high-fiving a teammate for drawing the foul. Probably the lowest form of sportsmanship, but it's the Utah way. We have beat it before, and we will beat it again.

Grand Salami!

Biggio's 2,945th hit is a Grand Slam in the ninth of a tie ball game. Yea, this guy can still play a little. I don't know how many times recently I have heard people say Loretta or "lets get this 3,000 thing over with and sit him more." I don't care what you say, but Biggio in the first half of the year is as good as any 2nd baseman in baseball for the most part. Especially Loretta. Just let him do his thing until the All-Star game with a few more days off peppered into the schedule like Gar is doing. Re-evaluate if their is significant tail off after the break. Maybe, just maybe he catches a groove somewhere early, and can parlay it into one last mid-summer classic appearance.

Rockets Red Glare

The Rockets come roaring into the playoffs playing on a level with some of their best, if not their best basketball of the season. The two clydesdales are at a level together that we haven't seen all season, that's for sure. You keep hearing about "Haven't advanced past the 1st Round since '97", but more importantly, we haven't had a contender since 1997. Seems like yesterday. And the more things change, the more things stay the same way. It's the playoffs, and we are facing the Jazz and the dirtiest coach in the business, Jerry Sloan. 20+ years in the league, most respected, blah, blah, blah. John Stockton, Karl Malone and Jerry Sloan started the disease we call flopping amongst other things. They were practised at the art of deception. Pretty boy John Stockton was probably one of the dirtiest players of all-time. I'll put him in the Maurice Lucas class. Anyway, looking forward to this years playoffs I think they need to go out and find someone who can guard T-Mac because by the look of their roster, they have nobody who can handle that assignment. Okur, stay out at the three point line while Yao dominates the inside. Thanks.

Who's Your Daddy? El Caballo

.340, 5 HR, 16 RBI is the reason we are back to .500. Los Caballitos fan club? Sure, sign me up. As long as Berkman comes around and the pitching stabilizes itself, we should be fine. Let's see what Albers does.

And yes that is the one and only JR Richard throwing out the first ball for Tuesday night's game.

Women Who Hate The Cowboys

I think she was going to burn Texas Stadium down if I didn't get this posted. Her hatred dates back to the Danny White days. The ultimate back up quarterback forces incumbent quarterback into retirement. Ahh, the good ole days.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Things looked bleak back at the beginning of April 1995 too, but the worm turned then.

Astros, come on people. We are three whole games in. Psst. Pence and Nieve are ready and waiting down in Round Rock.

Biggio FYI

Craig Biggio begins the 2007 season with 2930 career hits. Biggio stands to become the FIRST member of the 3000 hit club ever to have played a game (427) at Catcher. The present leader in hits holding that distinction is Hall of Famer Adrian Constantine "Cap" Anson, whose career spanned 1876-1897. Anson appeared in 83 games at Catcher, and he finished with 2995 career hits...

***This is a Paulsen post.***

Earth to Houston

This just in from the Round Rock Express and Houston Astro game Thursday night in Round Rock. Hunter Pence hits a 2-run shot off Brad Lidge. Watch it Lane, it's a short leash.

Word on the streets in Atlanta from Blodge (aka Dan Marino)

I talked to Blodge in Atlanta to get his take on Schaub. He was taken by surprise when first hearing the news. He offers us his insight. Check it out.

Welcome Matt Schaub; Farewell To Carr

6'5" 237lbs; two professional starts at quarterback; hottest back-up prospect in the NFL; I don't know what any of that translates to but I bet I can safely say that we will be able to throw past the line of scrimmage. I like the physical attributes, but only time will tell if this turns out to be a good deal. Kubiak is really putting his neck out there on this one. Not only does he admit that he was wrong in passing on Vince in favor of Carr (don't tell me the new head coach had no input whatsoever in who his quarterback would be) but he also is trading two potential starters for this quarterback. For a team needing help in many areas this kind of mistake could set us back considerably. Quarterback guru Koobs obviously is not the most astute evaluator of quarterback talent (Gives Plummer and Carr the OK and passes on VY). Don't get me completely wrong. I am dancing a jig today. There is a reason now to be optimistic about the 2007 season, and how this effects the draft is considerable. The early word is to go after the fastest man in the draft, Ted Ginn Jr to pair with Dr. Dre and Schaubie. Stay tuned.

"Rain Man" -ager Must Have Lidge, Rodriguez

Why was it news that Brad Lidge threw Batting Practice the other day? Lidge spent most of 2006 throwing Batting Practice (when he wasn't perfecting his "walk" pitch. the dirt-seeking slider.) The Astros' paid paragon of mental inflexibility, Phil Garner, insists that Lidge isn't available for trade. Why not? Trade him now while he still has significant value and get something in return. Lidge was unhittable in 2004, but he's never recovered from the 2005 Post Season. Keep Lidge and risk testing Brad Ausmus' reflexes and the fans' patience.

Wandy Rodriguez has a 5.19 ERA this spring, so he's already in mid-season form. What is Phil's fascination with this "Big Inning waiting to happen" AAA lifer?

**This post submitted by Paulsen**

Spring is here!

Just back from Spring Break. Don't think there is some shortage of women who hate the cowboys. I just wasn't here to post. Spring brings us NFL draft talk, Baseball and Hoops. Good hoops. The NBA starts the stretch run to the playoffs, and the NCAA tourney is in full swing. Can Bonzi & Jeff kiss and make up, so he can get into condition and develop some chemistry during the last month of the season. We need all the weapons we can get. He may not have shown much thus far, but this is a guy who put up 20pts and 10 boards just last year in the first round of the playoffs. Too bad for Texas. Durant just couldn't get any help. Danny Ainge (putz) and he will be laughing about that $30,000 fine someday down the road. Go with Durant Danny because you won't have to wait as long for him to develop like Oden. You'll be fired before Oden is dominant. Not that he won't be, but Durant comes in averaging 20-25 a night. Team him with Jefferson and Pierce and it's a whole new look Celtics. They just need to find a point. How about Ohio State coming from 9 behind with 3 minutes to go? Fantastic finish. My boy Nieve appears to be gaining a foothold on one of the open spots in the rotation, and what is the magic batting average for Pence to force the Astros hand? .400+ I think it's .500+ and he is at .590 now. With only a week or so to go, he should end up over .500. Let's hope the Astros put our centerfielder of the future out there like they did Taveras after just AA. Here's my Tourney bracket for those that want a peek into the mind of a freakin' genius. (I filled it out in 7 minutes)

"Depenceless" Point To Ponder

The Jason Jennings deal has left the Astros with a projected outfield of Lee, Burke and Scott. One converted second baseman and two left fielders. This defensively suspect trio COMBINED for 9 outfield assists last season - the same number (9) single-handedly achieved by the departed Willy Taveras. In the event one might wonder... Apparently Round Rock bound Hunter Pence had 13 outfield assists at Corpus Christi in 2006. For anyone not paying attention, Pence is hitting *.636 this Spring.

*as of 3/13/07

**This post submitted by Paulsen.**

Carr Redux?

Okay, the latest on the rumor mill is that we will make a trade with Washington to move up to # 6 if Brady is still there. I don't know about you, but I am ready for a break from the so-called franchise quarterback. I mean do we give this guy 5 years to develop too? I want to see a winner before I start drawing social security checks. The guy could be the be all end all. He is fairly well credentialed, been coached by a former top NFL assistant, blah, blah, blah. Could we stop going with the first and only option? Ala, Ahman Green. Let's build a hellacious defense to go along with a scrappy veteran quarterback. David, do not bother applying. Guys who throw their O-line under the bus at every turn do not command nor deserve their teammates respect, and they especially would not be deemed "scrappy leaders". Back to Brady Quinn. I posted two photos for a reason. The one on the left represents all of the potential in a top prospect quarterback who played at a big time college. The one on the right is if Quinn turns out to be Carr.

Women Who Hate The Cowboys

Our new installment, 'Women Who Hate The Cowboys', will appear on Fridays. Believe me when I tell you, there are plenty of them out there. Jessica is our leadoff hitter, and she said her disgust with the Cowboys goes back to the Leon Lett "it go" days.

Texans Foolproof Mediocrity Plot

Unload a lot of "Green" on a 30 year old Running Back with a history of injury. Draft a quarterback in the second or third round. The "dream" backfield of Drew Stanton and Ahman Green has opposing coaches huddled in their respective film rooms (deciding whether to watch HBO, Showtime or Cinemax.) Remember, that "new team smell" becomes another aroma after five years...

**This post submitted by Paulsen**

The Logical Choice

It may end up being a bit of an understatement to simply call LaRon Landry the "logical" choice. He could end up being the "playmaker" Kubiak seeks. 4.35, hard hitting, looks like he was shot of a cannon difference maker is what he is. Is he another Roy Williams? Hard hitting reputation but can't cover. Roy has never been associated with anything like 4.35 speed. In our continuing effort to match up defensively with the head of the class Colts, a dominant presence at Strong Safety will be the much needed compliment to Demeco, Dunta & Williams.

Texan Draft Prospects

Well, everyone's clamoring for some draft information. I will start with my # 1 to click, but I need a little help from the Browns. Who said Reuben Droughns was not a franchise player? I think he is a damn fine player......Uh, Oh getting sidetracked with my fondest Brown memory. Let me take you back to a Sunday Night football game in 1991 when Bubba McDowell was patrolling the secondary for the Oilers. Anybody remember the hit when he laid out the Browns receiver. House of Pain baby!

Pitchers & Catchers Report

What will the 2007 season hold for our Astros? No doubt questions remain to be answered with the pitching rotation. The lineup should produce more runs with the addition of Lee and Ensberg returning back to form. Biggio may be forced to the 6th hole by Luke 'Skywalker'. There is not much we can do about the 7,8 spots unless Loretta can play Short. We should be able to fill the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation with one of the kids. If we can do that and have a respectable and contending record, then mark my words Clemens will return for another run. Before you start with the "Why don't we just move in another direction" banter, I will just say 2.30 ERA. You would have to be an absolute fool not to let the guy come play for your team. I would feel much better with Oswalt, Clemens, Jennings, Williams and fill in the blank (Nieve, Sampson, Albers). I really don't want to endure another Wandyful season. And by the way, all Cardinals are on notice. Don't enter my backyard after tomorrow. My BB Gun is loaded and I have all the permits. Play Ball!

VY NFL ROY

He may play in Tennessee, but he laid the foundation in Texas. Don't want to hear about the stats. Come talk to me about the stats in 2 more years when he has more experience. Quarterbacks are judged by really only one stat - W's. And in this particular category, he stands out as the best of the 2006 rookie class.

Disrespect Shown On This Blog? Earn it. The rant I have been holding back.

You may notice one Houston team's omission from this blog, but this blog is dedicated to noteworthy Houston sports accomplishments. #1 There is nothing in the Texans brief history that merits posting on the left as a classic moment in Houston sports. If you tell me the 1st game win over the Cowboys, albeit sweet, was historic and classic enough to put up alongside these other moments, then I'll tell you that your not from around these parts. #2 I will choose how I root for the Texans, and no other Houstonian or carpetbagger from the north can tell me what is and isn't appropriate. My team was stripped from me. You know the team this eight year old boy waited in the Astrodome for hours and hours to return from Pittsburgh after losing in the AFC Championship. You know the team this 9 year old boy waited in the Astrodome for hours and hours to return again from Pittsburgh after losing again in the AFC Championship. Nobody knows my sports pain, so nobody gets to talk to me as an authority on being a Houston football fan. I am a Texan fan, but it is more of a default status right now. They are my hometown team, but they have done nothing to win my heart with the exception of Andre and Demeco. We shall see what the future holds. One thing is for sure. The future has to be brighter without Casserly and Carr running this team into the ground any longer.

Durant Dominance

Well, let the jockeying for the #1 NBA draft pick begin between Kevin Durant and Greg Oden. Durant turned in a huge 37 points and 23 rebounds performance as Texas rolled Texas Tech Wednesday night. Inside, outside he can do it all.

Hometown Boy Addai

I really dislike the Colts, but I do wish Addai well this Sunday. I had the good fortune to take in a Klein Forest vs. Sharpstown game, 2001-2002 timeframe, where Addai, the quarterback, was in complete control. Although quarterbacking consisted of Addai runs to the left, right and up the middle. He was Mr. everything offensively for Sharpstown that night, but in the end it was a defensive play that won the game. Klein Forest had one last chance to win the game from around the fifty with less than a minute to go and trailing by less than seven. Addai was put in defensively to rush the passer for Sharpstown. He met the quarterback about ten yards deep from the line of scrimmage, and he slung him around like a rag doll for a huge game winning, morale deflating sack. I had no particular rooting interest that night, but I did walk away believing the hype about this kid.

Brad Lidge - Will he? or Won't he?

It isn't a stretch to say the Astros season depends on whether or not Brad Lidge re-establishes himself as the dominant closer he once was. If he can come through with a consistently good season, then the Astros have one of the best bullpens in baseball, which will be necessary with the questions that remain at the back end of the rotation. If not, then Dan Wheeler is the only one you can take to the bank, and that does not bode well for a team with high aspirations. He says he is ready, that he learned allot from last year, and he even has added a 2 seamer fastball to go along with the slider and 4 seamer fastball. Tell you the truth, I don't care about the new pitch. I just want to see the slider go for strikes again. If it does, then all the rest will take care of itself.

Romo In Despair

Tony Romo is having a hard time getting over the very unfortunate missed snap in the playoffs. Somebody do something.

Big Puma Spreading The Word

Check out the link below to see the good Berkman is doing with the youth of today.

http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4501187.html

McGrady & Rockets Rise Up Over Duncan & Spurs In Epic Battle

T-Mac and Duncan went back and forth down the stretch like two big heavyweights as the Rockets held off the Spurs for a big Western Conference win. T-Mac and Duncan each scored 37 points. Deke had a big defensive stop on Duncan in the closing minute that helped seal the win, and Rafer contributed mightily in the 4th qtr. Who would have thought this team would have jelled to this level in Yao's absence (10-5)?

One of the great men in sports

Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, seated next to first lady Laura Bush and proudly flashing his familiar broad smile, was honored by President George Bush Tuesday at the State of the Union Address in Washington.

Mutombo, working almost daily, raised $29 million (donating $15 million himself) for the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mutombo plans to open the hospital — Kinshasa's first new one in 40 years — this summer. It is named for his mother, who died nine years ago when civil unrest and a curfew prevented her from getting to a hospital.

Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice."

"When America serves others," Bush said, "we show the strength and generosity of our country.

"The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if you know where to look — and tonight we need only look above to the gallery.

"Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine, but coach John Thompson took a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth — or the duty to share his blessings with others. He built a brand-new hospital in his old hometown.

"A friend has said of this good-hearted man: 'Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.' And we're proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America."

Said Mutombo in a phone interview afterward: "My heart was full of joy. I didn't know the president was going to say such great remarks. He raised me so high. I'm so happy. I'm so proud to be a citzen of the United States of America and to be recognized for my work. God is good to have put this work in my heart."

Penguins Are Not Coming. Let's Be Real.

First of all. I did not know they were still playing hockey. It hasn't been heard from in some time. Second of all, it appears we are being used as leverage against the city of Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Les Alexander probably won't lease out Toyota Center. He wants to buy a NHL team, and Mario probably doesn't want to sell. If they do move, then KC will get the deal. They have a brand new arena opening in the fall, and it could be all theirs. I am getting sick and tired of the yankees using us to get better deals. If it wasn't bad enough for us to have a team stolen, now we have to keep getting used like we're some third rate city. We are the 4th largest city in America. Heck, even Dallas and Nashville have Hockey teams.

Stoops Staying Put

Bob Stoops has quickly defused rumors about the Cowboy coachign job in the midst of recruiting. I am not real sure about this one. I think I would rather him stay at OK then go succeed in Dallas. I would rather have the Longhorns contend with him than have his ego in Dallas. I would much rather the Cowboys pick up Norv or someonelse equally unqualified.

Billy taking on Mt. Van Gundy

Billy Spaghetti spouted off this week about playing time using terms like "prison" and "they are wasting my talents". Hey look, I am rooting for you to progress and all that as a player, but mix in a jump shot every now and again. Van Gundy responded in classic fashion, "The only one with interest in Billy is Billy." And when asked whether or not he has asked him to be less creative, Van Gundy said, "There is no creativity in turnovers." Billy, work on your shot or take the next flight back to Greece and don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Bye-Bye Billy Parcells

The quitter Bill Parcells left the Cowboys this week, and everyone in Houston is putting the final touches on Chan Gailey's resume in the hopes that the Cowboys will bring back one of the most beloved coaches in Cowboy history...to fans in Houston.