Houston Blogs: Houston Sports Blog

Enough Already!

I don't know about you but I'm sick of the baseball steroids news. We know. Some guys juiced in the late 90's. 104 were on the list of those who tested positive. It was'nt illegal when they tested positive. Okay. We know that. We know some of the biggest names tested positive and records and careers are tainted. I get that. But it's old news now. When word leaked out on Sammy Sosa a couple of days ago the only ones breathlessly reporting it were the guys at ESPN and those who have to fill alot of time 24 hours a day. Personally, I'm not shocked and I don't care anymore. I'm over it. Let's move on, shall we? At this point I don't really care who else is on the list. Do you? Are the only ones keeping this whole thing alive a group of journalists who are justifying their checks and expense accounts? I think so. Let me know what you think. Sick of the whole thing, or do you condone the steady drip, drip, drip of names leaking? I say it's time to move on already. I get it. Players juiced. Next.

Fire Cecil?

Read Richard Justice's column in the ever thinning Chronicle today about it being time to fire Cecil Cooper as Astros manager and this time he makes some good points. However among all the reasons, and there are many, his biggest blunder was not just turning in the wrong lineup card, but then letting Michael Bourn hang out to dry while he cooled his heels in the dugout. That was symbolic. The symbol being he does'nt have his players backs. A new manager won't change much. The Astros are lousy and yes it starts with Drayton. But they do need someone who can create a little excitement and interest in the team. They're going to need that because it'll be at least two years before the farm system is strong enough to be of any help. Do you think Cooper needs to go, and if so who should replace him?

Changing Seasons

Just got back home from Texans OTA's this morning, less than 24 hours after landing from L.A. and game 7 between the Rockets and Lakers. That's the fun thing about what I do. Switch seasons in one day. Now I'm ready for some football. But first a few thoughts about the Rockets offseason which should be interesting to say the least. Daryl Morey has some big decisions to make with no draft choices. Re-sign Artest? If so for how much? He was inconsistent and you did'nt know which player would show up. Artest is going to want more years and money than Rockets will offer. And they need to find an athletic big man to back up Yao, and they need a veteran point guard. One name that's been mentioned in blogs has been Steve Nash. Don't hold your breath.

As for the Texans, you'll see a new attitude defensively, more nasty and aggressive. The offense should be better since all the starters are back and they've played together and played well. Talked to new backup QB Dan Orlovsky today. Kubiak really likes this kid. Seems like he has the right mindset for the job.

Back to the Rockets: If you're the GM what moves do you make to get this team into the finals? Keep McGrady or deal him? Let me know. 

Early Texans Prediction: 9-7

I know it's early but here's the early thinking on the Texans season. 9-7. With luck 10-6. It's time. Here's why. The offense played well last year, the line stayed together and performed, they finally have a dependable running back, and have more depth. Defensively they added Antonio Smith to help Mario, more depth at linebacker and defensive line. My concern is still the secondary. Don't think they did much to upgrade that area. The players are tired of being average. The coaches are tired of being average. And most importantly Bob McNair is tired is being average. They need to get to the playoffs this year. If not heads will roll.

Looking Forward to Big Weekend

Big weekend. Let's start with tonight. The Rockets are at home where they play well. They know they gave the game away in Portland. They've got to be more patient and think. Yao knows he was terrible in game two. He does'nt play poorly back to back. Rockets should go back to Portland up 3-1.

I think the Texans will trade down in the first round if the DB Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State is gone. New Orleans who picks 14 needs defensive backs. Rick Smith likes tall corners, and Jenkins is 6' or 6-1 depending on who you believe. If not Jenkins they could trade down and get one of the 3 USC LB's who should be there. Any one of them would be an upgrade. Don't forget our Texans draft special Sunday night at 10:35.

And at Minute Maid the Astros host a Brewers team off to a bad start. We'll see if the series win over the Dodgers was a sign of life or an aberration.

Rockets, Astros and Madden

The Rockets now need to sleep in the bed they made for themselves in Dallas. But I think it can possibly a better rest than most think. You'll see them come out in Portland on a mission knowing they should be better than the 5 seed. Altho in the ABC13.com discussion with Tim Melton I picked Portland, upon further review I'll go with the Rockets in 7. How's that for both sides of the fence?  Can't muster up the same enthusiasm for the Astros. At best they'll be average this season.

And congratulations to John Madden. He came in and went out his own way. He was something rare in broadcasting...original.  He was himself and too often in this business people feel they need to take on a different persona and put on an act. Not Madden. Boom!  Nice job. When it's my time I would love to ride out on my own terms.

Crowds not all Astros Fans

Drayton McLane needs to send a note of thanks to his friend Bud Selig for scheduling the Cubs for the opening series. I noticed how the Chronicle banged the drum for the record crowd opening night. Did you notice how many Cubs caps and jerseys were in the crowd? Hello? It's going to be interesting to see how they draw against mediocre teams. I predict not well. The offense left alot to be desired opening night, but it was Carlos Zambrano, and he's owned the Astros. Remember the no hitter last season?  I had a long talk with Cecil Cooper yesterday, and he thinks batting Pence and Bourn 7th and 8th will help both relax. We'll see how having all the speed at the bottom of the order works out.    As for the Rockets and the playoffs...a personal note.. I think they can beat Utah in a 7 game series where they have the home court...but selfishly I don't want to go to Utah for any length of time. Asthetically beautiful, but oh so boring. 

TRADE JACOBY

You may have seen me talking about the Texans positioning themselves for next season, and one of the things I mentioned on the shows last night was trading Jacoby Jones. It's time to do that. Jacoby has great speed but is immature and fumble prone. He's not a favorite of teammates. He won't be one of the top 4 starters so get something for him while he has value. A draft pick will give the team more draft flexibility. They can find another punt returner and worst case they have kickoff return man Andre Davis. They're unloading Anthony Weaver and trading Sage Rosenfels. Good moves. Sage will be in the last year of his contract and they want to get something for him.

  I'm going to Astros spring training next week and will be schlepping the computer along to blog my findings down there. Any particular questions you have for me to ask anyone down there, let me know and I will.

WHAT WOULD YOU SPEND ON?

Related to the previous post. In today's economy, if you could afford to buy tickets to just one game in one sport this year what would it be and why?  Let me know. We'll try to put some of your comments on the air tonight

AGENTS AND OTHER THOUGHTS

The Hendricks Brothers used to be one of the most important names when it came to baseball player agents. Randy with an assist from his brother Alan represented some pretty high powered names. Clemens was their biggest..Pettitte was another. Randy has a well deserved reputation for being arrogant and full of himself. Because of that he elected not to take the Yankees 10 million dollar offer. Yesterday with no other options they took the Yankees next offer. 5.5 million guaranteed. That's a nice 4.5 million dollar mistake..Alot of agents are disliked in the baseball community, but I hear horror stories much more often about them.

And I don't buy for one second UH's Aubrey Coleman saying he didnt mean to step on Arizona's Chase Budington. It was a gutless, cheap act that showed no class no matter how much remorse he shows after. I don't buy it.

And how many of you really care about this year's Super Bowl? Let me hear from you.