Coming Soon To A Theater Near You

In the too odd to be true news (but it actually is) check out the story on the NBA D-League's newest team.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/fortwayne/

Be sure to check out the poster to the right of the article.

Sean Wiliams

I recently found a great article on one of the most intrigueing stories in recent NBA Draft history courtesy of Draft Express.

Sean Williams is playing hard ball with teams who would like to consider drafting him, tell us two NBA executives with picks in the second half of the first round. Williams, who only played in five ACC-conference games this season after being kicked off Boston College in mid-January due to allegedly failing repeated drug tests, is yet to conduct even a single private workout at an NBA team’s facility.

Instead, he has taken the very rare strategy (even for a top five pick, let alone a troubled potential second rounder) of isolating himself in his hometown of Houston and conducting public workouts with interested NBA teams, only alongside a 7-3 Romanian player. So far, Williams has held two such workouts, on the 11th and 18th of June, with another one planned in Los Angeles. Teams that are interested in conducting an interview to dig deeper into the repeated off the court issues that Williams has had throughout his career can only do so by flying into Houston.

Only 5-6 team scouts were present at the workout conducted this past week in Houston, with the one real decision maker being the local Daryl Morey, General Manager of the Rockets. The Knicks, for example, sent a scout in Jeff Nix who they had already fired almost two weeks prior. The protocol here is usually for the scout attending to report back to the General Manger, and if the team likes what they hear, to recommend bringing him in for a workout. In a case like this, where Williams hasn’t been seen by almost any GM in person (very few if any scout the non-conference portion of a weak schedule like Boston College), it seems like teams are almost being begged not to select him in the first round.

From what we’re told, Williams is now scheduled to secretly fly to two select NBA cities to meet the coaching staff and work out in front of their front office—New York and Charlotte. The Knicks (picking 23rd) will be joined by the New Jersey Nets (picking 17th) as has become custom this year, followed by the Bobcats (picking 22nd) later this week. At least one team drafting in the mid-first round believes that the Knicks have zeroed in on selecting either Williams or Daequan Cook at this point.

Numerous NBA personnel we’ve spoken to believe that Williams’ draft range is somewhere from 17-25. Making things even more difficult, though, is the fact that some teams in that range do not even have a simple physical-- including a drug test-- to allow their doctors to clear him to be picked. Teams regularly share physicals when it comes to players who did not participate in the NBA pre-draft camp, and Williams was scheduled to be examined by the doctors of the Houston Rockets, which hasn’t happened, and is now supposedly getting his physical taken in New York/New Jersey.

Also missing from the picture are the psychological analyses/personality assessments that most teams conduct that could play a substantial role in the decision making process in this case in particular.

Some in the league are wondering about the message that is being sent, when a player who has barely been seen by top-decision makers and has such a troubling track record is given a free pass on being scrutinized and drafted in the first round regardless, solely off his athletic ability. “It’s an absolute joke,” one executive lamented to us privately this week. “For the sake of our profession, and the NBA in general, Sean Williams should not go in the first round,” the executive said. “What kind of message does that send? He has done absolutely nothing to show that he’s a pro, starting with the decisions he’s made, picking marijuana over the obligations he had to his team, and now not being bothered to travel to NBA cities and explain himself. It’s not even a matter of weed…it’s a responsibility issue. Life doesn’t get easier once you reach the NBA.”

Williams’ agent Charles Grantham did not return messages seeking comment about his client.

Round Rock Worse Than Houston?

As if you needed further proof that the Astros AAA team Round Rock had no talent, along comes Monday's results. Milwaukee Brewers farmhand (yes the rich get richer) Manny Parra pitched a perfect game vs Round Rock in only his 2nd AAA start. It validates many fans' concerns that our only minor league talent is AA or lower. The fact that it was on the heels of the Brewers win over the big league Astros just goes to show that Milwaukee does, in fact, own us.

Turn on the Radio, Naw, Fuck It, Turn It Off

Has anyone tuned into local sports talk radio recently? If you understood the title, then my guess is probably no. But in what was once a one horse town, there are now 3 all sports radio stations in Houston with a 4th to go live in a matter of weeks. So one would think that there would be all kinds of choices out there.

Yeah and Rosie O'Donnell looks great in a thong.

Ever since 610 changed hosts things have gone in the crapper. The once brilliant morning show (J-Fizzle excluded) is now gone. John Granato will host a show for the new station and Lance Zierlein is somewhere driving a Saturn or feeding his dogs Purina 1. But John McClain and Dick Justice do still stop by.

So who does 610 replace them with? They insert Marc Vandercarr in Granato's shoes and Andre Ware in Zierlein's. Now Marc isn't bad but he provides nothing. I think the only thing he really knows is rock n roll but even then it's only pre-1980. He's basically a smooth voice to control the show. And 610 had the bright idea to pair him with his NFL Sunday counterpart. I'll admit I was initially pulling for Andre. He's a Coog and all but the guy needs to stick to football games. He's way too boring and doesn't know enough about other sports. And his "schtick" about bringing some "urban flavor" to the airwaves? Well, Lance Z. is probably blacker than Andre.

In the afternoon, 610 chooses to waste Matt Jackson's talent with Rich Lord. If there were ever a case study on lazy sports talk host it's Lord. Supposedly he's the "color" guy. The one that gives opinions and such. You think he might would have some inside knowledge, maybe talk to the players/management, but no, Lord likes to just catch the daily Sportscenter and/or read the Chronicle and go from there. I can have a conversation with my kid brother if I want that.

As for Adam Wexler, well if a tree falls in a forest.........eh, I think you get the point.

But what about the other stations. Well, here you go. 97.5 is still trying to find it's voice. The ESPN progamming is what it is. Jerome Solomon tries too hard on the afternoon show with Jorge Vargas. Give them a few months and it could be listenable but I doubt it.

790 just plain sucks. The morning show is a joke-Davies and Dukes? More like Davies and Dookie. And the midday show is just as bad. John Lopez does have some insight from time to time because he actually is inside the locker room and I'm guessing he's talked to a couple GM's before. But his voice drives me wild (not that way either). His soft latin L's are like jackhammers to the skull. And how shitty is a show when they have to have a "Question of the Day"? Let's cut the "schtick" and get to the talk. Charlie Pallillo in the drivetime is not bad. Full of himself but better than anyone else on 790.

Let's hope that this new station is a little better. I like the addition of Ken Hoffman to the mix as a non-sports guy. Until then it's time to buy more cds and turn off the radio. Maybe give Rage Against the Machine a spin.

Your 2008 Astros Part III

With the Position Players and Starting Rotation set, lets take a look at next year's Bullpen.

This year has a big bearing on the end of the Astros pen. Personally, I think Brad Lidge will never get over his mental problems closing. The Astros should have left him as a setup type guy since he performs like the Lidge of old in that role. Then they could trade him and get at least something in return.

But that wasn't the case. The Astros are putting him back in the closer's role and I think he'll be there next year as well. Ex-closer Dan Wheeler struggled just as much as Lidge did in the 9th inning. He'll likely return to his setup role next year. Both Lidge and Wheeler are arbitration eligible, meaning the Astros will likely have them back as long as both sides agree to terms.

With the 8th and 9th inning roles set, lets take a look at the middle innings. The 7th inning spot looks to be Chad Qualls again. He's arbitration eligible in the offseason as well. In fact, he's not a Free Agent until 2011. It appears the 7, 8, 9 rotation looks to be the same as it has been the last few years.

With the 7th, 8th and 9th inning roles set, lets take a look at the middle innings. Trevor Miller did excellent last year for the Astros but has fallen on hard times in 07 with a 7+ ERA this year. He'll be 35 in 2008 so look for the team to cut ties with him. Ditto for 35 year old Brian Moehler and 39 year old Rick White.

On the other hand, Mark McLemore and Dave Borkowski have shown enough to have the upper hand going in to next year. That leaves 3 spots up for grabs. Since MLB MGR's love going by the mythical "rules" of managing, the Astros will have to employ a lefty reliever. AAA farmhand Stephen Randolph has earned that shot. He's had a taste of the majors and at 33 desperately wants to get back. Unfortunately, he's black. So, on second thought, he'll be traded by then. But we'll keep him in line for 08 as of now.

With 6 spots taken, there are 2 left. Look for 24 year old Paul Estrada, the closer at AAA, to compete with Fernando Nieve, Jose Rodriguez and any non roster Free Agents the Astros sign this winter.

Your 2008 Astros Part II

So the lineup is set for next year Stros. Let's take a look at the starting pitching staff.

Roy Oswalt returns as the ace of the staff. A lot of people are down on the Jason Jennings trade but I think now that he's off the DL, those same people will realize how good the guy is. Look for the Astros to resign him this offseason. Both sides like each other and Houston surely wants to hold on to something from the controversial trade. Letting him go would be a PR nightmare.

Unfortunately, one of their other big offseason moves looks to be a big mistake. Woody Williams has sucked it up thus far and has given me no reason to believe it will change anytime soon. The shitty thing is he was signed through next year. Since baseball contracts are guaranteed, he'll be here in 08 too.

Chris Sampson has done very well in 07. He's the league leader in wins amongst rookies with 6 and sports a 3.36 ERA. He'll definitely come back in the #4 role. Wandy Rodriguez looks to be the front runner again for the #5 spot. But with another 4.50+ ERA by no means is the job his.

Down on the farm in AAA it looks like no one wants the callup. There aren't any starters with a sub 3.50 ERA. However, Troy Patton in AA has a sub 3.00 ERA and looks to challenge for a starting spot next year. Personally, I think he's ready for the challenge, much like Hunter Pence was this year.

Tomorrow we'll look at the bullpen.

A Fond Farewell

Sports talk will never be the same again. Lance Zierlein has decided to leave 610 with no announcements for his immediate future. So long, "My pee-pee hurts" and "Communist Radio", we will definitely miss you.

David Wright Hits A Home Run

From Hardballtimes.com...........

While the name Glaceau may not be easily recognizable, its vitaminwater product probably is. Vitaminwater is sold from coast to coast and the upstart non-carbonated beverage maker caught the eye of Coke, who agreed to buy Glaceau for $4.1 billion. It also caught the eye of some of the athletes who endorsed the product, because instead of taking cash to help market vitaminwater, the athletes chose to take shares in the company.

One of those players, who allegedly holds the largest stake in the company of any endorsing athlete, is David Wright. Darren Rovell recently reported that Wright’s share in the company is 0.5%. Based on the $4.1 billion sales price, that puts the payday for Wright in the neighborhood of $20.5 million, which would make it one of the largest endorsement deals ever.

Those Wacky Minor Leaguers

Perhaps the best tirade to date.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGZUKHtW7vg

Notice how quick he runs to meet the umpire in the first few seconds. Willy T watch out.

The dirt on home plate? Classic Lou Piniella. Ditto for the bases clearing acts.

For the finale he pulls out his finishing move. The crawl around like a soldier and throw the grenade. His aim made my girl proud. In fact, reports are it was so good the army has contacted him about a tour of duty in Iraq. At the least, an instructional video for future soldiers. Semper Fi....Do or Die!

Your 2008 Astros

It's never to early to start planning for next year. The Astros have perhaps their most important off season in over a decade. With the end of the line near for many of their key players, Houston has some very big decisions to make.

Long time Catcher Brad Ausmus is a Free Agent at the end of the year. With his weak bat and advancing age (he'll be 39 next spring) Ausmus is outrageously overpaid. Look for the Astros to go with a Humberto Quintero/Eric Munson platoon next year in his place and save about $3.5 million on the payroll.

Lance Berkman is locked in for years to come at 1B. The only question is whether he could move back to RF if an attractive FA were to appear. I'm going to guess Berkman stays at 1B.

2008 is the year Chris Burke finally gets his chance. Sure his moxy seems to have expired of late but hopefully Burke can regain his form and return to the clutch, "whatever it takes" play he's shown in years past. He definitely deserves the chance. Mark Loretta is a 2B by trade but his contract is up after the 07 season. Look for the Astros to possibly trade him if they're out of the hunt or simply let him go after the year. Either way, he's too pricey (and too good for other teams to pass up again) as a backup.

Adam Everett hits just over the Mendoza Line every year but his defense more than makes up for it to me. He'll bat 7th next year for an upgraded Astros offense that should better hide his deficiencies there.

Many would think Morgan Ensberg won't be in Houston next year provided he keeps going at his current pace. I would concur. But the 08 free agent crop at his position is not good. A-Rod isn't coming here and Mike Lowell will likely fetch a higher price than we're willing to pay. Mike Lamb and Pedro Feliz are the other options (enough said). With Ensberg eligible for arbitration, look for the Astros to tender him a 1 year deal unless a trade materializes. In the minors are a 31 year old AAA would be rookie and a couple guys platooning at AA so no Pence redux at 3B.

The OF should return Carlos Lee in LF and Hunter Pence (the 07 ROY?) in CF. In RF look for the Astros to cut ties with Jason Lane and/or Luke Scott. They may possibly keep one in a backup role. Josh Anderson is one to keep an eye on at AAA. Last year at AA he hit .308 with 43 steals while playing CF. He's struggled a bit this year but he's surpisingly only 24. Most Astros prospects his age are stuck in A ball so that's saying a lot. Anyhow, look for the Astros to trade/sign a player for RF or possibly CF and move Pence to RF. The best fit I see is Trot Nixon at RF. His avg season is 21HR, 86RBI with a .277BA and a .366OBP. He's 33 and making $7.5M this year. With Jermaine Dye (34), Bobby Abreu (34), Ichiro Suzuki (34), Milton Bradley (30), Geoff Jenkins (33), Jose Guillen (32), Shawn Green (35), and Eric Hinske (30) all RF FA's, someone will fall b/c of the shear number of available players. Nixon would be great at around $10M per for 3-4 years.

Your everyday lineup would look something like this:

Burke 2B
Pence CF
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Nixon RF
Ensberg 3B
Everett SS
Quintero C

Mike Lamb would be resigned again. He wants a full time gig but he continues to be a butcher in the field. I doubt anyone would be that desperate so he'll accept his role here where he seems to be relatively comfortable. He'll spell Berkman/Ensberg and be the #1 option in pinch hitting roles. Eric Bruntlett will reclaim his utility role from Loretta. I pick Scott to the the #4 OF and the Astros to sign a veteran to replace Orlando Palmeiro as the #5 OF. These are the 13 position players the Astros break camp with next year.

Tomorrow will bring the Pitching Staff.