Last night against the Padres, Roy Oswalt managed to show glimpses of his old self by pitching a complete game of 106 pitches and retiring the last batter (Adrian Gonzalez mind you) with a Roy-O strike out.
It would appear that the Houston Astros are turning the corner again as it has happened, season after season. With the All-Star break approaching the 'Stros are winning more than they are losing and showing promise.
Being only 4 games out of first place and 2 games from .500, anything is possible. In the MLB, teams must have the stamina and mind power to last through a 162 game season. It seems that Astros have about 90 games of that down and that's alright.
Houston sports hopes don't have to be lost with the news that Houston Rockets Yao Ming may be out for the entire next season and beyond. That shouldn't come as a surprise really. He has proven time and time again to be one, tall and brittle piece of poo. A 7'6" crusher of hopes that has led to the Rockets having to rebuild yet again. This will leave the Rockets on the launch pad with a failed launch.
So...take the center stage Astros. We are still over 2 months away from NFL opening day, so there is plenty of time for you to get some attention, sell some tickets and whip some ass!
Pull it together gentlemen and the fans will follow
6.30.2009
6.25.2009
Michael Jackson Cardiac Arrest and Vince Carter To The Magic....
I know it isn't sports and there are much bigger issues in Houston Sports with the NBA draft quickly approaching, but Michael Jackson was rushed to the Hospital after having a Cardiac arrest. When he was found, he wasn't breathing and there are unconfirmed reports at this point that he is dead.
Although it is sad to see a human depart this Earth. One who put together some really awesome tracks and revolutionized the music and music video industries. But...
Allow me to be candid and completely insensitive:
FINALLY CHILDREN EVERYWHERE CAN RUN FREE!!! RUN KIDS!!! YOU CAN PLAY IN THE STREETS WITHOUT FEAR OF THAT SPARKLY GLOVE CREEPILY COMING TO PLACES THAT IT SHOULDNT BE! YOU'RE FREE!!!!
Where is Jim Rome's adult alarm now?
....Sheesh...in Houston Sports...the NBA draft starts in about two hours and the Rockets still have not made a move to acquire a draft pick. Last nights announcement that Yao's foot wasn't healed yet was bad enough and now no pick??? Oy!
To counter the Cleveland Cavaliers' acquisition of Shaq, the Orlando Magic have dealt Rafer Alston for Vince Carter. That's a hell of a deal and Orlando will just get BETTER. Where the heck was this deal when we traded Rafer? Vince Carter would have fit really nice on the Rockets!
Here's to the Ousting Yao campaign in 2010...
Although it is sad to see a human depart this Earth. One who put together some really awesome tracks and revolutionized the music and music video industries. But...
Allow me to be candid and completely insensitive:
FINALLY CHILDREN EVERYWHERE CAN RUN FREE!!! RUN KIDS!!! YOU CAN PLAY IN THE STREETS WITHOUT FEAR OF THAT SPARKLY GLOVE CREEPILY COMING TO PLACES THAT IT SHOULDNT BE! YOU'RE FREE!!!!
Where is Jim Rome's adult alarm now?
....Sheesh...in Houston Sports...the NBA draft starts in about two hours and the Rockets still have not made a move to acquire a draft pick. Last nights announcement that Yao's foot wasn't healed yet was bad enough and now no pick??? Oy!
To counter the Cleveland Cavaliers' acquisition of Shaq, the Orlando Magic have dealt Rafer Alston for Vince Carter. That's a hell of a deal and Orlando will just get BETTER. Where the heck was this deal when we traded Rafer? Vince Carter would have fit really nice on the Rockets!
Here's to the Ousting Yao campaign in 2010...
6.18.2009
VIDEO: Brett Favre Working With High School Kids
Brett Favre working out with High School kids is hilarious! They are so much smaller than him and even when he is barely throwing with an injured arm, the passes hurt the kids. BUT...when he is running...he sure does look like a slow old man.
If you come back, Brett...don't embarrass us...please.
6.16.2009
Brett Favre Confirms Return To Minnesota Vikings Possibility
Much to the chagrin of ex-Houston Texans and newly planted Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sage Rosenfels, last night on “Joe Buck Live” Brett Favre confirmed what the media has been buzzing about and what we’ve all known for the past two months.
He’s “interested” in coming back to play football.
Not only was it a confirmation that he was interested in returning to the NFL, but Favre also confirmed the fact that he has been in “talks” with the Minnesota Vikings and that is the only team he has been in “talks” with.
Gee thanks for coming clean, Brett. What a shocker?!??!?!
To Brett’s credit he is making a good move in not completely confirming his return nor attending mini-camp as Coach Brad Childress requested until he gets results of his surgery. I respect this move.
"If it ever gets to the point where it feels like it did before it started hurting, then the biggest question mark is out of the way," Favre said, “I figured there would be a media frenzy if I was there. And there would be a media frenzy if I couldn't play, if we had to say three weeks later, 'You know, his arm's just not up to par. He can't play. So why not have just one media frenzy, and that be later on?”
So now it’s just a waiting game for Favre and Sage.
Don’t fret Mr. Rosenfels. Favre is pushing 40 and if he comes back will be coming back from shoulder surgery in his throwing arm. Yikes! You’ll be starting in no time.
Now if they could just get you some decent targets to throw to other than Shiancoe and you’ll be good to go…bro…on with the show….I wont right no mo.
He’s “interested” in coming back to play football.
Not only was it a confirmation that he was interested in returning to the NFL, but Favre also confirmed the fact that he has been in “talks” with the Minnesota Vikings and that is the only team he has been in “talks” with.
Gee thanks for coming clean, Brett. What a shocker?!??!?!
To Brett’s credit he is making a good move in not completely confirming his return nor attending mini-camp as Coach Brad Childress requested until he gets results of his surgery. I respect this move.
"If it ever gets to the point where it feels like it did before it started hurting, then the biggest question mark is out of the way," Favre said, “I figured there would be a media frenzy if I was there. And there would be a media frenzy if I couldn't play, if we had to say three weeks later, 'You know, his arm's just not up to par. He can't play. So why not have just one media frenzy, and that be later on?”
So now it’s just a waiting game for Favre and Sage.
Don’t fret Mr. Rosenfels. Favre is pushing 40 and if he comes back will be coming back from shoulder surgery in his throwing arm. Yikes! You’ll be starting in no time.
Now if they could just get you some decent targets to throw to other than Shiancoe and you’ll be good to go…bro…on with the show….I wont right no mo.
6.15.2009
Owen Daniels Signed on For At Least One More Year With The Houston Texans
Thank everything sacred and holy that the Houston Texans brass and Pro-Bowl Tight End Owen Daniels came to their senses and made the necessary moves to keep Daniels around for at least one more year. Daniels, who had started every game over the past 2 seasons, has become a strong asset to the Texans offense and one of Quarterback Matt Schaub's favorite targets.
The one year contract will earn the Wisconsin Quarterback and Tight end $2.79 million dollars for the 2009-2010 campaign. As a restricted Free Agent, Daniels had until today to either sign the Texans tender offer or to sign with another team. Had he signed with another team, the Texans would have received an upcoming 1st and 3rd draft pick.
None of that matters now as the contract has been signed and Schaub-Orlossman will have definitely have Daniels to throw to this year. Now let's lock him down for multiple seasons! That...and...let's get this mess with Dunta Robinson straightened out....
The one year contract will earn the Wisconsin Quarterback and Tight end $2.79 million dollars for the 2009-2010 campaign. As a restricted Free Agent, Daniels had until today to either sign the Texans tender offer or to sign with another team. Had he signed with another team, the Texans would have received an upcoming 1st and 3rd draft pick.
None of that matters now as the contract has been signed and Schaub-Orlossman will have definitely have Daniels to throw to this year. Now let's lock him down for multiple seasons! That...and...let's get this mess with Dunta Robinson straightened out....
6.12.2009
Houston Astros are Swinging the Bats
Dear Wandy & Roy-
"Git yo minds right!!!"
The Houston Astros are starting to look better and even thought this season has been dreadful as can be, they are still only 5 games out of first place in the National League Central. Because the Astros' division is a very tight race of bad records, they actually have a bit of a chance.
Tejada is hitting like he is 4 years younger and has made the decision to show the steroid nay-sayers that even though he doesn't have power...he can hit the ball. He leads the league in hits and is second behind Ichiro in batting average by only .005 percent. Pence is swinging the bat well and although Berkman and Lee's production has slowed at the beginning of the season, both are showing sparks of promise now.
Blum and Bourn are even contributing, although Bourn still strikes out quite a bit.
So really, it's up to the pitching. Roy Oswalt looks like shades of himself and although Wandy Rodriguez started the season as one of the hottest pitchers in the league, he is now showing signs of being awfully human.
For once I agree with the critics who say that the Astros have a good reliever staff. They have been saying that every year, but in every game I watched in the past it was a reliever giving up a lead and losing the game.
I'm not saying that the Astros are going to the World Series or anything this year, but stranger things have happened. Let's go boys. It's a long time before Texans season, so entertain us.
"Git yo minds right!!!"
The Houston Astros are starting to look better and even thought this season has been dreadful as can be, they are still only 5 games out of first place in the National League Central. Because the Astros' division is a very tight race of bad records, they actually have a bit of a chance.
Tejada is hitting like he is 4 years younger and has made the decision to show the steroid nay-sayers that even though he doesn't have power...he can hit the ball. He leads the league in hits and is second behind Ichiro in batting average by only .005 percent. Pence is swinging the bat well and although Berkman and Lee's production has slowed at the beginning of the season, both are showing sparks of promise now.
Blum and Bourn are even contributing, although Bourn still strikes out quite a bit.
So really, it's up to the pitching. Roy Oswalt looks like shades of himself and although Wandy Rodriguez started the season as one of the hottest pitchers in the league, he is now showing signs of being awfully human.
For once I agree with the critics who say that the Astros have a good reliever staff. They have been saying that every year, but in every game I watched in the past it was a reliever giving up a lead and losing the game.
I'm not saying that the Astros are going to the World Series or anything this year, but stranger things have happened. Let's go boys. It's a long time before Texans season, so entertain us.
6.11.2009
Rex Grossman to Sign With The Houston Texans
A source familiar with their negotiations confirmed that Rex Grossman and the Houston Texans have come to an agreement and he should be signing on with the team, pending his passing of the physical.
Grossman isn't a terrible pick-up, but this moves puts to death my hopes and dreams of the Texans bringing in Vince Young in a back-up/wild cat role. He will certainly be a better 3rd option behind Orlovsky. He may even give Dan-O a run for his money at the back-up spot behind Schaub.
Although shaky throughout his career, Grossman has been on winning teams and brings some experience to the table. Season is coming soon!
Porn Mixed with Texans Football is Not Classy In the Least
This is my personal plea to Bob McNair to not allow Zero Tolerance Entertainment, an adult video marketing company, be a sponsor of the Houston Texans uniforms. This would be a classless business move and knowing how Mr. McNair has run this organization thus far, I highly doubt he'd get involved...but I still feel it necessary to put out my plea.
The recent approval by the NFL for teams to sell "ad space" on their jersey's is already bad enough in taking a shot at a teams class. But to do it with a porn company...tsk, tsk.
Think of the kids! Look at international soccer jersey's that are riddled with beer advertisements. As if that isn't already bad enough. Zero Tolerance announced their offer via press release, but there have not been any statements as to if the Texans are even considering their offer.
Let's keep it that way.
If the Texans must sell out...do it for Gatorade, Nike, Reliant or Doritos...Be like golf. Stay away from porn!
The recent approval by the NFL for teams to sell "ad space" on their jersey's is already bad enough in taking a shot at a teams class. But to do it with a porn company...tsk, tsk.
Think of the kids! Look at international soccer jersey's that are riddled with beer advertisements. As if that isn't already bad enough. Zero Tolerance announced their offer via press release, but there have not been any statements as to if the Texans are even considering their offer.
Let's keep it that way.
If the Texans must sell out...do it for Gatorade, Nike, Reliant or Doritos...Be like golf. Stay away from porn!
Football 101: Why Steve Slaton is a Huge Boost For The Texans Passing Game
Last season, Steve Slaton was an incredible surprise for the Houston Texans. Not only did he bring some excitement to the Offensive backfield, but what he brings to the table gives a huge boost to the Texan's passing game. Without Slaton, the passing game may not have been near as successful as it was and should be on to the future.
Some may wonder how a running back can have such an impact on the passing game? The answer lies in him being a distraction of sorts.
Because he has proven game after game that he can pound out over 4 yards a career with the ability to blow past the first layer of defense and into the linebackers and secondary, Defenses have to start accounting for Slaton's abilities and plan their defensive scheme accordingly.
Enter the Play-Action Pass.
In most defenses, Safeties provide impactful run support from the secondary. They key on the linemen and the running backs as soon as the ball snaps. They read what they do and if a play looks to be a run, in most cases, they blast toward the running back to help make a stop as early as possible. With less talented runners, the safeties can relax more and sit back reading the play a little longer before committing to run defense. Guys like Ahman Green and Ron Dayne just didn't have the quick burst of speed and pure "bowling ball" power to break past the line into the secondary. Slaton does, so the Safeties have to react quickly.
This is where the Play-Action pass makes Slaton so valuable. Because defenses are already compensating for Slaton's abilities as a runner, when Matt Schaub fakes the hand off and the Offensive Line runs a run-blocking scheme, Safeties often "Bite" or make a quick decision to come up to support the run. Suddenly they realize it's a pass play, but by the time they turn their head to get back into pass coverage, the ball is already headed for Andre Johnson down-field in single coverage or not covered at all.
The main key to success in this type of play is fooling the Safeties who on normal pass plays can drop back into coverage without worry of a Slaton 10 yard gain and help double team receivers who run deep routes.
Mix in a speedy Tight End with great hands into the equation and the play-action gets even more dangerous. If the Linebackers fall for the run too and the Tight End is dragging across the field, he's often left wide open as a second option behind an Andre Johnson deep-ball. If the safety doesn't bite and drops back to help out on Johnson, but the line-backers come up for run support....Owen Daniels could be gaining a quick 10-15 yards or more. It's the best play in the arsenal when you have a back like Slaton.
On top of both of those options, Slaton himself becomes an excellent receiving option if Schaub is feeling the pressure and needs to dump the ball off. Because of Slaton's speed and power, he can turn a 2 yard pass into 8-10 yards with ease.
Oh yeah...and then he can also get 1000+ yards on the ground throughout the season too. Steve Slaton has a bright future with Kubiak's offense. He brings a massive amount to the Play Action pass and adds a tremendous scoring force to our offense. I'm looking forward to the season to start!
Some may wonder how a running back can have such an impact on the passing game? The answer lies in him being a distraction of sorts.
Because he has proven game after game that he can pound out over 4 yards a career with the ability to blow past the first layer of defense and into the linebackers and secondary, Defenses have to start accounting for Slaton's abilities and plan their defensive scheme accordingly.
Enter the Play-Action Pass.
In most defenses, Safeties provide impactful run support from the secondary. They key on the linemen and the running backs as soon as the ball snaps. They read what they do and if a play looks to be a run, in most cases, they blast toward the running back to help make a stop as early as possible. With less talented runners, the safeties can relax more and sit back reading the play a little longer before committing to run defense. Guys like Ahman Green and Ron Dayne just didn't have the quick burst of speed and pure "bowling ball" power to break past the line into the secondary. Slaton does, so the Safeties have to react quickly.
This is where the Play-Action pass makes Slaton so valuable. Because defenses are already compensating for Slaton's abilities as a runner, when Matt Schaub fakes the hand off and the Offensive Line runs a run-blocking scheme, Safeties often "Bite" or make a quick decision to come up to support the run. Suddenly they realize it's a pass play, but by the time they turn their head to get back into pass coverage, the ball is already headed for Andre Johnson down-field in single coverage or not covered at all.
The main key to success in this type of play is fooling the Safeties who on normal pass plays can drop back into coverage without worry of a Slaton 10 yard gain and help double team receivers who run deep routes.
Mix in a speedy Tight End with great hands into the equation and the play-action gets even more dangerous. If the Linebackers fall for the run too and the Tight End is dragging across the field, he's often left wide open as a second option behind an Andre Johnson deep-ball. If the safety doesn't bite and drops back to help out on Johnson, but the line-backers come up for run support....Owen Daniels could be gaining a quick 10-15 yards or more. It's the best play in the arsenal when you have a back like Slaton.
On top of both of those options, Slaton himself becomes an excellent receiving option if Schaub is feeling the pressure and needs to dump the ball off. Because of Slaton's speed and power, he can turn a 2 yard pass into 8-10 yards with ease.
Oh yeah...and then he can also get 1000+ yards on the ground throughout the season too. Steve Slaton has a bright future with Kubiak's offense. He brings a massive amount to the Play Action pass and adds a tremendous scoring force to our offense. I'm looking forward to the season to start!
6.10.2009
All Signs Point To A Favre Comeback
You don't really think that the Minnesota Vikings feel that Sage Rosenfels is the answer at QB, do you?
While the "Heli-Quarter-Copter" is fun to rally behind and at times has shown flashes of decency, let's keep in mind that he has gone through as a back-up for most of his career. All things considered, Rosenfels is only a shade more proven than Tavaris Jackson...if that...so let me ask again: Do you really think the Vikings are set on this "Battle of Mediocrity?"
Hell no.
Hmmmmm, but what could be up their sleeves? Let me wonder. OH! There's Brett Favre! The guy they tried to get last year who wears orthopedic cleats and a mouthpiece with dentures. Remember him? He's retired and comeback like 7 times. In all honesty, I'm a huge Favre fan and I don't mind how many times he retires and comes back. Who can blame him? He truly loves the game.
The Vikings really aren't fooling anyone with their non-sealant attitude toward Brett Favre's comeback. We all know they really have no other option. Sorry, Sage, you are one of the best number two's in the league, but I am not sure that you're going to put butts in seats in Minnesota.
Like an apocalypse, there have now been 7 Signs of a Brett Favre Comeback. Sign one was the fact that he has come out of retirement before. Sign two was his open ended retirement at the end of last years football season.
The third sign of the comeback started with the Viking's signing of back-up Quarterback to possibly be there new starter. Then, Favre decided to consult a Physician to see what the deal with his shoulder was. Fifth was the blatant announcement to the press that the Vikings were entertaining the option of signing Favre (but merely just "entertaining").
Sign six came just last week when Favre underwent orthoscopic shoulder surgery to help get his arm ready for action. As if this wasn't telling enough, sign seven was
the kicker. Favre's entire family and friends have reserved 20-30 rooms at a Hotel near Lambau Field the very weekend that the Vikings visit the Packers. Coincidence? I think not.
Perhaps we should start dubbing it a "Favre-ian Comeback" when someone in any industry retires and then comes back. I anticipate an announcement of a 6-7 million dollar 1 year contract for Brett Favre signing with the Vikings by Friday at midnight. I know everyone is on the edge of their seats...(Does the sarcasm convey in writing?)
Hey this might make the Texans/Vikings pre-season game actually an inkling of being interesting...
While the "Heli-Quarter-Copter" is fun to rally behind and at times has shown flashes of decency, let's keep in mind that he has gone through as a back-up for most of his career. All things considered, Rosenfels is only a shade more proven than Tavaris Jackson...if that...so let me ask again: Do you really think the Vikings are set on this "Battle of Mediocrity?"
Hell no.
Hmmmmm, but what could be up their sleeves? Let me wonder. OH! There's Brett Favre! The guy they tried to get last year who wears orthopedic cleats and a mouthpiece with dentures. Remember him? He's retired and comeback like 7 times. In all honesty, I'm a huge Favre fan and I don't mind how many times he retires and comes back. Who can blame him? He truly loves the game.
The Vikings really aren't fooling anyone with their non-sealant attitude toward Brett Favre's comeback. We all know they really have no other option. Sorry, Sage, you are one of the best number two's in the league, but I am not sure that you're going to put butts in seats in Minnesota.
Like an apocalypse, there have now been 7 Signs of a Brett Favre Comeback. Sign one was the fact that he has come out of retirement before. Sign two was his open ended retirement at the end of last years football season.
The third sign of the comeback started with the Viking's signing of back-up Quarterback to possibly be there new starter. Then, Favre decided to consult a Physician to see what the deal with his shoulder was. Fifth was the blatant announcement to the press that the Vikings were entertaining the option of signing Favre (but merely just "entertaining").
Sign six came just last week when Favre underwent orthoscopic shoulder surgery to help get his arm ready for action. As if this wasn't telling enough, sign seven was
the kicker. Favre's entire family and friends have reserved 20-30 rooms at a Hotel near Lambau Field the very weekend that the Vikings visit the Packers. Coincidence? I think not.
Perhaps we should start dubbing it a "Favre-ian Comeback" when someone in any industry retires and then comes back. I anticipate an announcement of a 6-7 million dollar 1 year contract for Brett Favre signing with the Vikings by Friday at midnight. I know everyone is on the edge of their seats...(Does the sarcasm convey in writing?)
Hey this might make the Texans/Vikings pre-season game actually an inkling of being interesting...
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