Musings on a Monday Afternoon

Thoughts from the past week in the world of sports:

1. The Lidge/Bourn trade - I for one am somewhat elated at this trade, although trading Lidge came two years too late. His value was pretty much at an all-time low since his meteoric rise in 2004 and the Astros probably received as much as they were going to get at this time (probably could've received more at the trade deadline either last year or this coming season). Michael Bourn (a UH alum - woohoo!!) could turn into the leadoff hitter that Willy Tavares never could become. Bourn has a higher OBP, better baserunning skills and is better defensively; however, he will not hit for as high of a batting average as Willy T. Geary is a serviceable middle reliever and will basically come in to take Dan Wheeler's place, who Purpura traded to get Wigginton. The 3B prospect is intriguing and may be a solid addition, but we won't know for at least a few more years. Losing Bruntlett doesn't hurt so much because he would be nothing more than a utility infielder for the Astros this coming season.

2. #1 Ohio State loses to Illinois and now the BCS Championship Game comes down to two of the following teams: LSU, Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and West Virginia. If LSU comes out unscathed (vs. Ole Miss, Arkansas and SEC East Champ) it will be playing in New Orleans. The Big 12 champion will have the next best chance, even though Oregon is currently at #2. WVU could get in if the following happens - win out and have LSU and Oregon lose.

3. UH defeats Morehead State 83-54 in the home opener for the men's basketball team. UH looked good, but, like last year, it will live by the three, die by the three. The first seven shots were three-point attempts, but thankfully 5 went in and the Coogs cruised to a 15-1 lead to start the game en route to the 29-point victory. The rebounding and inside game was virtually non-existent and that will have to change for the Coogs to make noise in C-USA and get into the NCAA Tournament. With all of the crazy early season shenanigans amongst some top 25 teams (Mercer d. USC, Gardner-Webb d. Kentucky, Findlay d. Ohio State, et al), a win is a win, especially a big win that allowed some new players to get some good minutes. Next up, the Coogs travel to Puerto Rico to play in a tournament that features, Arkansas, Miami, VCU, Marist, Providence, Temple and College of Charleston.

4. My original whatifsports.com baseball dynasty (Dover Incorporators) sits at 16-32, but I have taken over a new team in a different league (Las Vegas Dealers) and unlike Dover, my cupboard is not bare with regards to talent. Free agent signing starts tomorrow and I have a lot of money to spend.