Trading Roy???

Roy Oswalt has requested a trade. I hate the idea of him not being here. He is the best pitcher the Astros have developed in their history, with the possible exception of Larry Dierker. It has been a real joy to watch him perform.

But the Astros are at least a couple of seasons away from real contention for the playoffs, so perhaps trading Oswalt could expedite the return to respectability. That being true, I do not want to see Roy in another National League uniform. I do not want the 'Stros to have to face him on a regular basis.

So when I heard that Nolan Ryan had called to express interest to Drayton McLane about trading for Oswalt, I began to daydream about what Houston might get from the Rangers in the trade. How would it be if one of the components of the trade were Elvis Andrus or Nelson Cruz? I do not know if the Rangers would part with such players, but it would be the starting place of any conversation, if I were GM.

Remembering Robin Roberts

May 31 1957 was a magical night for a young baseball fan from South Texas. My family was visiting my mother's family in Bordentown, New Jersey for a couple of weeks. My dad and my uncle took me to Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia to see my first Major League game in person.

The Phillies' pitcher that night was the awesome right-hander Robin Roberts. He was in the midst of 6 consecutive seasons of 20 wins. And he was facing the Brooklyn Dodger with their awesome line-up, Gilliam, Cimoli, Snider, Furillo, Hodges, Campanella, Neal, Zimmer, and the Don Drysdale as the opposing pitcher.

The game lived up to my imagination. There was excellent pitching and defense. There was a majestic by the great Dodger catcher, Roy Campanella, off the top of the stadium. But Roberts only gave up three hits, pitched a complete game and got the win. For years after that magical night I would want to be a second baseman like Junior Gilliam. And, in my mind, I would pitch, copying Robin Roberts and throwing the perfect pitch in the pressure situation.

Robin Roberts passed away yesterday. But the memory of his mastery will live as long as I do!

Miggy In Court!

Miguel Tejada is to appear before Congress today to plead guilty to the charge that he lied to them about some of his associates' steroid activity. He has apparently worked out a plea bargain that allows him to avoid prison time.

I wonder how he will be received by the fans in Houston in his first at bat in April!