Houston Blogs: Houston Sports Blog

Roger Clemens plans to go down with the ship.....

Weather you believe him or not give Roger Clemens some credit, he believes himself.  Clemens indicted for allegedly lying to Congress about using steroids.   Clemens says he can't wait to have his day in court.  I wonder how he's going to prove he wasn't lying because that is what it comes down to now.   The evidence against him seems pretty bad, but Clemens isn't going to admit anything now.    Arguably the greatest pitcher in the game will never clear his name and he'll probably never get into the Hall of Fame. What do you think?  Is Clemens lying, does he have any chance to clear his name?

Bob Slovak

Texans as Hot as the Desert Air...

So the Texans blew a 16 point lead to lose their first Preseason game 19 - 16 to the Cardinals. Better said the third and fourth string lost it, so it goes early in the Preseason.    But man you have to love the way the first team offense and defense came out.   Matt Schaub as sharp as ever.  Arian Foster picking up where he left off.  We've heard all training camp how the Running Game was going to be different and the Offensive Line came out against the Cardinals with a purpose.    Steve Slaton's fumble hurt, but you could tell Gary Kubiak was going to pound the ball with Slaton to see if Steve could hang on.  We'll see how Slaton responds.   Losing second round pick Ben Tate will hurt. Just a tough break for a young kid.

As for the Defense Texans Owner Bob McNair told us Mario Williams could be devastating if he'd take it to the next level.  We got a glimpse of that in the first quarter, Mario told me after the game we'll see more of that this season, let's hope so.   The rest of the "D" look good all the way thru the second team.

Overall it was a loss but its the Preseason so all give the Texans First team an "A", the second team defense a "B", the second team offense a "C".   I know a lot of you want to question Kubiak's decisions in the fourth quarter, but who really wants to see a Preseason game go into overtime.  Not when I'm flying back with the team, we got back to Reliant Stadium at 3:30 am Sunday morning.  I was OK going for the win on the last play.

Bob Slovak

Texans pushing thru, but man is it hot...

Texans practice this morning felt like it was on the surface of the sun.  A scorcher that had everyone wilting from the trainers to the media. The Texans are a little nicked up and tired but they've made it thru the first five days of two-a-days. The excitement of camp starting is over, now is where the real work gets down. Standouts so far, Andre Johnson, he's not letting his contract dispute change the way he works.  Matt Schaub as accurate as I've ever seen him.    I like the way rookie Cornerback Karem Jackson is working against Andre everyday.   He'll be ready for the opener against the Colts.   Rookie defensive tackle Earl Mitchell is a load on the D-line.  Its fun to watch him work in one on one drills, he's going to be a player.   I'm still no sold on Dan Orlovsky as the back-up Quarterback, we'll see what he has in the pre-season games.

Bob Slovak

MVP TEXAN?

Bob McNair loves him some Brian Cushing and doesn't believe his linebacker did anything wrong despite his 4 game suspension. He loves Cushing's intensity and desire to get better with every down. All true...all understandable. But what about Bernard Pollard? The Texans 2009 season began to turn when Pollard was signed in week 3 and solidified a part of the defense that had historically been a sieve. Pollard knew his assignments and had the talent to execute them. Most importantly, he had a determination to make the Texans defense mean and accountable. In practice he never lets up with his effort or his comments. He loves the game, loves his team and I think has been at least the team co-MVP.

Tim Melton

PHILOSOPHY CHANGE

Lance Berkman said it best...at least Astros management is doing SOMETHING! Whether or not they got all they could for Roy and Lance and whether or not what they got is any good, we must wait and see. But the Astros were going nowhere with Roy or Lance. And the Astros admitted today they were not going to pickup Lance's option for next season, so move on...which they've done. Like what they did or not, we have screamed for Drayton to admit his goose is cooked and try another recipe. He has allowed Ed Wade and his staff to start the makeover, so now we wait. Bottom line in all this for every team in ther majors, is talent evaluation. Get it right you keep your job. Miss to many and you take your lack of talent elsewhere.

Tim Melton

Texans training camp opens with a flurry.

Day One in the books, some of the highlights...  

Andre Johnson shows up and the Texans say they will rework his contract.   He's got five years left on his deal but he says he wants to be the top paid receiver in the league and who can blame him.   The Texans will make him happy.

All the draft picks are in camp.  Top pick Cornerback Karem Jackson signed this morning and was at practice in the afternoon.

Owner Bob McNair says some players just need to take it to the next level.  He thinks Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye are great players but they need to take it up.   Mario told me no one has to tell him he could dominate if he steps it up.  Duh!   Really, so let's do it.  Okoye knows he just needs to show more emotion and to get more sacks. 

Not a bad first day and oh yea, all the players I talked to were all mentioning the Super Bowl.  I like the fact the the players know the stakes are raised and its time to produce.

Bob Slovak

Dez Bryant needs to pick his battles...

So the Rookie Bryant doesn't want to carry the pads of the veterans.  Ok, so what it doesn't sound that bad, but it is.   Roy Williams is the player who asked so maybe Bryant didn't want to carry the pads of the player is working to beat out.   Would he have refused if Tony Romo would have asked him to carry his pads, I don't think so.   Rookie hazing has been part of the NFL for years, its not going away.  Dez is probably going to find himself taped to a goalpost in the next few days.  He would help himself by taking Williams some gatorade today, but he probably won't.   This will blow over, but I don't think we've heard the last of the Bryant/Williams rivalry.

Bob Slovak

WHAT'S NEXT FOR ROY?

Talk to Roy about the trade deadline and you get NOTHING! Let me correct that...he did say the 16 million in his option year will not be a problem if he and the Astros like the trade. He says he can work out that financial stuff. But I don't see Drayton trading him within the division to St. Louis. I also don't see anyone offering what the Astros want. Drayton would prefer not to deal the faces of his franchise so he is pushing for alot in return...almost like, overwhelm me or I'll just keep my big name...just give me a reason not to make a trade. Somehow this thing just doesn't feel like it's going to happen.

Tim Melton

Ten years ago it was a magical summer....

It's hard to believe that its been ten years since the Bellaire Little Leaguers took us on that wild and exciting run to and thru the Little League World Series.   I was along for the ride reporting on their games in Williamsport.  The team of 12 year old's just having fun and playing a game the way it should be played.   The Bellaire Boys got on a roll that summer and rode it all the way to the U.S. Championship.   They came up just short to Venezuela in the World Championship, but it didn't matter they had already won our hearts.

I caught up with some of the players this week, they're now 22 year old grown men.   Most stayed with baseball Catcher Terrance McConn coaches over at St. Vincent de Paul.  Drew Zizinia still pitches at Tulane, Hunter Johnson just finished playing at Tulane.  The team's big home run hitter Michael Johnson was drafted by the Mets last year.    They all say the experience changed their lives, Nick Wills told me it showed them that anything is possible.   Young kids just having fun.  A decade has past but the memories are still vivid.   I've covered just about every sporting event there is, August of 2000 in Williamsport is still near the top of my list.

Bob Slovak  

Oswalt hurt, Astros had to be sweating...

Roy Oswalt hit in the left ankle Sunday in Pittsburgh.  He says he'll be OK, but the Astros have to be thanking their lucky stars.   If they do intend to trade Roy "O" they don't need him on the DL.   That's why you would think they would be burning up the phones to get the best deal they could before something crazy happens.   A random line drive could nix any deal.   I know Drayton McLane wants Roy to break the team's all time wins list, but they're lucky it hasn't come back to bite them yet. 

Brett Myers appears to be a pitcher teams will want.   With Oswalt's salary it wouldn't surprise me if Myers gets traded before Roy.   The bottom line is still what kind of prospect can the Astros get.  From the way the last place Pirates dominated this weekend, any prospect will be welcomed. 

Bob Slovak

Berry out Bagwell in... Mills better watch out...

So it's all Sean Berry's fault.  Berkman, Lee, Pence all struggle and someone has to go.  A victim of circumstances is how GM Ed Wade described Berry's departure.   You know the old saying you can't fire the players so someone has to go.   

Now Drayton McLane he knows how to generate some interest in a team going no where, bring back one of the most popular players in team history.  Jeff Bagwell takes over as Astros Hitting Coach.  On paper I like it it, we know Bagwell can hit, but can he get the underachieving hitters to hit, we'll see.  A new perspective can only help.  Bagwell says he'll take the job on an interim basis and see how it goes when the season is over.

Warning to Brad Mills, if Bagwell likes the coaching side of it.   We know Drayton won't hesitate to give him the manager label should things continue to go south.   Sometimes change is good, sometimes its just a way to shake things up.  We know the Astros need plenty.

Bob Slovak

AND LEBRON SAYS....

More power to him. I don't like what LeBron is doing simply because I think it's too much. But hey, he has the star power and you know we'll all watch and money is headed to charity, so it is. LeBron has to stay put in Cleveland. To go on national TV and snub your hometown team, and the fans who have treated you like a god, would be too much. He needs help to win in Cleveland and you have to believe something is up to help make that happen. If he goes to Miami he has to share the glory with Wade and Bosh. Tonight we find out and sorry to say, I will be watching.

Tim Melton

BOSH LONG SHOT

Daryl Morey is tryin'...tryin' real hard. But hard to believe his efforts at working a sign and trade to acquire Chris Bosh will work. Bosh and Yao Ming a good mix because Yao and Bosh can both move their game outside and Bosh gives the Rockets a big man...bigger than Scola...who can run the floor. But why does Bosh want to come here when he thinks about winning a Title? Yao and Chris gives you reason to believe, but to get Bosh the Rockets need to work a trade with Toronto first. And that's what might cause Bosh to stop and think. If the Raptors want Aaron Brooks and Scola...or if they want Scola and Jordan Hill or if they want Kelvin Martin...what does that leave you? Remember how Kobe struggled in game 7 of the Finals? He had lots of help to hold off the Celtics. It would be great, but it's hard to believe.

Tim Melton

Life on the Edge finally catches up with the US.

TEAM USA kept us on the edge of our seats for a wild two week ride.   They made a habit of falling behind only to come storming back.  It finally caught up to them against Ghana.   I kinda of got the feeling they were a team of destiny, but it was not to be.

One thing they proved is Futbol can be fun to watch.   If you're not into Soccer and a lot of us aren't, Team USA brought the excitement out.    Sports bars were packed, work days almost came to a stop when the US played.  Can the frenzy continue now that the US is out, we'll see.  Can the interest in Soccer continue, we'll see.   The sport continues to grow with the young and the not so young.

I know one thing for sure, a lot of Futbol fans can't wait for the next World Cup.

Bob Slovak

Astros finally make some moves that make sense....

Finally with the Astros 18 games under .500 they finally pull the trigger to bring up some of the young talent.   Sure they needed some seasoning, but why not let them learn on the job, they certainly can't do any worse than the current roster.

Catcher Jason Castro and 3rd Baseman Chris Johnson will see plenty of playing time which is a good thing.  Outfielder Jason Bourgeois will get his shot.  This season is toast, so let's see how many of the prospect actually have some big league potential.   Drayton McLane never likes to use the word rebuilding but that's exactly what the Astros are doing.  Finally they admit.

Bob Slovak

COOGS TO MOUNTAIN WEST?

Utah has received an invitation to join the Pac-10 and if they accept, the door may have been opened for the Houston Cougars to step-in. We have learned that a couple of MWC AD's told UofH the conference is interested in the Coogs. We have learned this came at a time when the MWC was interested in bringing in the Big 12 members that we thought would be left out if the Big 12 fell apart. The Coogs would be interested in the MWC if it becomes a BCS conference.

Tim Melton

MONEY TALKS

Why is the Big 12 blowin' up? There's more money elsewhere. The Big 10 schools get 20 million each...the SEC schools get 17 mil each and can work their own TV deal locally. the Big 12 doesn't generate that much but turn the PAC-10 into the PAC-16 and we're talking the biggest and perhaps best conference in the country. Los Angeles, San Fracisco, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio....TV markets that advertisers and TV networks will love. It's all about money.

Tim Melton

Strasburg lives up to the hype and more....

Now that's why I love baseball.  Stephen Strasburg's first Major League start living up to the billing.  The hard throwing right hander going 7 innings striking out 14, he had the Pirates swinging in the wind.  With a fastball clocked at 100 mph and a filthy curve, he's got what it takes to blow away the league.   Just 21 he still has a lot to learn but he has the tools to be one of the great.   His first outing one to remember.  The Nationals no longer laughingstocks, they may just be contenders.  Count me in as a Strasburg fan.

Bob Slovak

Astros, Big 12 and more

The Astros are better now than they were before, but so much ground to make up. They are starting to hit a little and the pitching, especially Brett Myers and Felipe Paulino, is better. But they are now beating the Nationals and the Cubs, not the best the game has to offer. Tomorrow's draft is again critical. Talent evaluation is the key to the future now...picking and signing the right draftees, and if they trade Roy or Lance, getting the right prospects in return. The Pirates have dealt away alot of talent for alot of prospects, but so far they haven't gotten the right prospects in return.

Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, OU, OSU headed to the Pac-10? It makes economic sense, but do the Texas teams lose their identity as Texas teams. Or do they just become names making big loot? It's all about money and that money pays off for the lesser sports, men and women, but remember the old SWC? Lost for good but then the Big 12 at least left the SWC teams close to home. If the PAC-16 becomes a reality, does it become little more than the big guys playing football and basketball and the regional identity disappearing?

Tim Melton

Major League Umps sure have short fuses.....

Roy Oswalt tossed in the third inning for showing some emotion.   Roy's a competitor and if he says he was yelling at himself I believe it and Umpire Bill Hohn should have to.    You could read Roy's lips he clearly said in his Mississippi twang, I ain't talking to you, I ain't talking to you.  To late though Hohn had already made up his mind.   Maybe he had it made up before the inning unfolded, he tossed Roy out before though it was years ago.  But some Umps don't forget when they think they're being showed up.  Some of the umpires I've seen call games this year deserve to be showed up, they've been all over the place.  The league has a grading system for their umps, you would hope some of these guys get the bad grades they deserve.   I know its a tough job to be an ump, but this is the major leagues.  Most of the 34-thousand plus that showed up came to see Oswalt pitch, they didn't get refunds.   A bad day at the ballpark because an ump was having a bad day.

Bob Slovak

POLLARD JUST RIGHT

Final day of week two of Texans OTA's and safety Bernard Pollard went toe-to-toe with offensive linemen Duane Brown and Kasey Studdard...even threw a haymaker at Studdard. Kasey went right back at BP and then everyone joined in. Fights in camp are not what coaches prefer, but the attitudes that produce a few dustups are exactly what coaches love. And Pollard brings an attitude that has long been missing from the Texans. When he arrived a quarter of the way into last season, the defense improved...dramatically. The Texans have tough guys. You can't play at this level and not be tough. But not all guys bring an edge. Pollard has that edge that says, push and I'll push back, harder...heck I might even push first. It's how he carries himself and it's how the Texans need to carry themselves as a team.

Tim Melton

Can Lightening strike twice....

The U of H Baseball team just squeaked into the Conference USA Baseball Tournament.  The Cougars the host team hit their peak at the right time. The Coogs won four of six down the stretch to get in.  At 24 and 30 they know they'll have to run the table to get in the NCAA Regional round.  Kinda of like the Cougars Hoop team did in the NCAA Basketball Tourny.    It can be done, the Cougars did it in 2008.   This time they have the home field advantage.    Still they'll need their Pitchers to do what they've done over the past week, that's go deep into games, and come up with the clutch hits.   Rayner Noble told me he's seen some crazy things happen in his baseball career, the Cougars running the table winning four straight wouldn't be that crazy.   Who knows maybe lightening will strike twice with the Cougars this season.

Bob Slovak

Not the greatest day in Houston sports....

So Roy Oswalt wants to be traded and Chris Bosh doesn't want to be a Rocket.   Houston Sports fans you have a reason to gripe.   You can't blame Roy, he's still one of the top five pitchers in the league.  How many times can he bite his tongue and so he needs to pitch better.  I give him credit for not blowing a gasket.   The Astros need to rebuild and Roy will bring in some talent.  

 As for Bosh he wants to go somewhere he can win.  The Lakers, Heat, Bulls and Knicks his choices.   I can understand the Lakers and Heat.  But the Knicks and Bulls no, unless they get LeBron.

The one bit of good news for Houston Sports fans yesterday, Yao and his wife had a baby girl.   The Cougars, Owls and Aggies should all offer Baby Yao a basketball scholarship now.

Bob Slovak

GIVE ROY WHAT HE WANTS

So Roy Oswalt has asked to be traded. That's no surprise. Many an Astros fan has felt it's time to trade Roy and Lance because they have value and the team needs an infusion of youth. The problem has been Drayton McLane's reluctance to part with what he considers franchise players. He considers Roy and Lance the new Biggio and Bagwell...that they need to retire as Astros. But the Astros need to get what they can while they can and Roy asking to be dealt may be just what is needed to push Drayton to make an emotional but rational decision.

Tim Melton

Andre Johnson no shows, Texans not worried....

The Texans Organized Team Activities, OTA's usually a time to just shake off the rust and meet the rookies. They are voluntary.   The Texans Best Player stole the show today by not showing up.   Andre Johnson wants his contract re-negotiated.  I can't blame him, he's got five years left and an 8 year deal.   He'll make 5.8 million this season.   The problem besides the fact he signed to long a contract, he's going to make about half of what the Dolphins Brandon Marshall and the Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald will make this season.  The Texans need to re-work Johnson's deal and I think they eventually will.  Johnson has always been a team leader, a stand-up guy, someone who works as hard off the field as on, he should be rewarded.    AJ doesn't have to show up until the Texans June Mini-camp. Let's see if the Texans can make their best player happy.    Kind of important considering the expectations the team, the fans, the city has for this coming season.

Bob Slovak

CUSHING STORY WEAK

I want to believe Brian Cushing. I want to believe he did not take HCG, the substance for which he tested positive and for which he will miss 4 games this season. I want to believe because he seems like a good kid and he has, otherwise, done nothing but do the Texans proud. But boy it's tough. He says he was told the only way for HCG to get in the male body is to be injected, which he denies, or from tumors, which he claims scared the heck out of him. Well he said nothing about checking out the tumor theory with a doctor to relieve his fears. And playing for an NFL team with doctors at your beck and call, why wouldn't you get checked out for something so potentially serious? Brian claims he had strong medical evidence on his side despite losing his appeal with the NFL, so why not bring a doctor with you today to help explain why you're innocent? Teammate and friend DeMeco Ryans says Cushing told him nothing of alledged tumors. The Texans said, "no comment" when asked if they had any knowledge of the tumor scare. It all just makes it tough to buy what Cushing was selling.

Tim Melton

The HSFL taking football talent to a new level...

I got a chance to check out the Houston Select Football League's Championship game on Saturday. The HSF Texans over the Galveston Country Heat 38 to 12.   It wasn't your ordinary 8th grade game, the hitting was fierce and the speed was off the charts..   It's a league where the players are focused in on Football year round, much like Select Baseball and Basketball.   The HSFL is in its 3rd year and growing.    The extra playing time helps get the middle school athletes ready for High School on a couple of levels.    Their football skills are honed and their life skills increased.   What I like about the league is they stress grades, discipline and working together, three things that will take these players a long way.   Check out our story on the Championship game at ABC13.COM.

Bob Slovak

CUSHING THE DEVIL?

Right now Texans fans want to hate Brian Cushing for failing a drug test. The team needs him and the 2010 schedule is murderous. Don't misunderstand, but I need to hear what it was he was nailed for. Was he trying to mask steroids? Or was it something in something he took that he missed? Everey players will tell you the list of banned substances is extensive and easy to violate. Cushing had rumors following him throughout his stay at USC but he was never caught...if in fact there was soemthing to catch. Fact is, whatever he is guilty of has really hammered his team. Look for rookie LB Darryl Sharpton to stepup in camp with the door wide open. But Cush was Defensive Rookie of the Year and his absence could kill em. Cushing has been working hard this off season, taking MMA training, and he's been going to school to finish his degree. Not the kind of approach that would do anything other than make you love the kid. It's what the Texans saw in him. It's what they didn't see that may kill 'em.

Tim Melton

Cushing's teammates have his back, but the fans....

I talked with a number of the Texans today, they all say they were shocked at Brian Cushing failing an NFL Drug test.  Cushing denies that he used steroids, but the failed drug test is there.   One Texans player told me Cushing just needs to do the time and come back ready to play and the fans will forget and forgive.    Cushing's teammates say the Linebacker just needs to be more careful in what he puts in his body.   The list of banned substances is long in the NFL and you can end up with a positive drug test for taken something you bought at the grocery store, bottom line you just have to be careful.

As for the fans,  the ones we talked with said they're still Brian Cushing fans but they are disappointed.  The expectations are sky high for this coming season and this puts a damper on it before it even gets started.   Cushing is out for the first four games, the Texans are confident someone will step up to fill Cushing's shoes, but as Chris Myers told me you don't replace a Cushing.

Bob Slovak

TRADE THE NAMES!

Lance Berkman said a couple of days ago he would strongly consider agreeing to a trade if the Astros continue to falter and the club approached him. He said he would do it for the good of the team. Nothing could be closer to the truth. I think Lance is great and would hate to see him go. But sentamentality is not going to turn the Astros fortunes around. A number of quality players will come closer to getting the job done. Lance and Roy are the only players of value in a trade right now. If Carlos Lee gets back to his normal self and some AL club is willing to spend for a DH, then he has value. But hanging onto guys so they can be life-long Astros, does nothing to revitalize a sick franchise. The Astros need an influx of talented youth. Hanging onto talented vets and being nothing more than an average to poor club gets you nothing, other than delaying whatever future the organization has. Thing is, Drayton will never do it. He didn't do it with Bagwell, he won't do it with Lance and Roy. Loyalty is great, but even the players you revere can read the writing on the wall.

Tim Melton