Hustle and Flow...and then dribble to the floor

So much has happened since I last posted. To begin, Sandra Day declared her judicial independence today, meaning that absolutely nothing will be getting done on the Hill for the summer. Republicans will call Democrats cowards, Democrats will call Republicans hypocrites and ultimately Tom Delay will get time-out for putting elmers glue in Teddy K's windblown hairline. This is the beautiful system we call democracy which many of us will celebrate by drinking copious amounts of booze and baking under the punishing sun on Monday. If this isn't a disillusioning picture our political landscape, then you are either a prime candidate for shock therapy or a high ranking Scientologist (who gets taken to school by a girl).

In more important news: The Houston Rockets selected (and signed) Luther Head as their sole pick in this years draft. This was a fantastic pick by Houston. Head plays fundamental man D, which may garner him some non-mopup playing time in his rookie season. If he can become a consistent perimeter shooter and learn to protect the rock, then he could ultimately become a great back up point, or, at best, a solid starter (all-star may be too much to ask). While the Rockets were in desperate need of a PF, the new collective bargaining agreement may push some of the desired PF talent into the Rockets price range. A player like Stromile Swift could significantly improve the Rockets on-court athleticisim.

The Astros continue their winning ways, much to the dismay of the naysayers (read: John Kruk). While most would have expect the Astros to be sellers as the trade deadline approached, they may in fact be looking to buy. There have been rumors of a trade involving Brandon Backe in exchange for a bat or two (either to the Twins for an unnamed player or to the Mariners for Randy Winn). I think HCT brings up a good point that Backe's value may never be higher, especially considering that he can't find the strike zone in the last two weeks. However, considering that he's only been pitching for about three years (a converted outfielder) and that he's a hometown product, I'd hate for the Astros to send him along for a crappy, overvalued player like Randy Winn; only to watch him become a solid starting pitcher in the AL (which can only be considered baseball by the doctrine of stare decisis, stupid DH).

Plain and simple: the Astros need another bat. Backe is the best trade prospect. So as much as I'd hate to see him go (he's 13-0 with a 1.20 ERA in my MVP fantasy baseball league), the Astros only chance at making a wild card run (which in and of itself is a long shot, regardless) will be to acquire a consistent bat for the outfield.