I don't know about where you are working or what you are doing but at KHOU, it's co workers coming and going during these summer months. I'm out of here for the next couple of weeks for a little fun and relaxation. I never know what I'm going to face when I return other than 1000 emails and a mountain of mail to answer. That is standard but here are seven things I hope to see when I get back.
#1 The Astros continue winning series. It has been nice to see them take the last three after playing so poorly in the early part of the month of June. They are now only 10 games back of the Cubs and my producer tells me they are in better shape now than where they were when they went to the World Series and I believe everything Carleton Cole tells me.
#2 Lance Berkman is the starting first baseman in the All-Star Game being played in Yankee Stadium. Sir Lance is absolutely amazing. He continues to blister the baseball and has such a good time playing the game he loves.
#3 Miguel Tejada somehow takes over the voting to start at shortstop for the Mid Summer Classic but that is a longshot. The Marlins Hanley Ramirez is a good one but Miggy has given the Astros an All Star caliber player who can hit and one who is solid patrolling up the middle defensively for the hometown team.
#4 As the Texans get ready to begin their seventh season, they need to get all of those young drafted players signed. Their top pick Duane Brown needs to be starting at the left tackle position when they report on July 24th. Make a deal Rick Smith and let's go.
#5 Texans quarterback Matt Schaub needs to keep working to build strength in his injured left shoulder. He will be the key if this franchise is ever going to be a top contender. Sage Rosenfeldts is the best backup quarterback in pro football and could start for many teams but Schaub is the leader of this club and needs to stay healthy now.
#6 Yao Ming needs to continue his rehab and show great patience with his injured foot. We don't need to see him doing crazy things even though the Olympics are played in his home country of China.
#7 Rockets General Manager Dary Morey needs to make some kind of incredible deal like he has done in the past to strengthen the team. Somehow the Rockets need to find the right combination to get out of the first round of the playoffs. Now is the time to do it. They are close.
If all of these things come to pass, the rest of the summer and into the fall could be pretty exciting around here. So right now, I'm putting out the sign GONE FISHIN' until July 14th... "Catch you" when I get back!
Mr Nielsen, I once had the great pleasure of meeting you in person. A personal friend (Paul Carelton) lived across the street from you. I have a friend that just got a new football head coaching job in Washingon State. I'd love to send him a few words of encouragement and some recognizale pictures for his new office. I've bragged about our great state of Texas..and the great folks here. I'd love for your signed picture to be the first on his wall. I could also use some help rounding up other notable Texans, like Bum Phillips, and Wade. My best friend, Mike Dorsey, attends the Mormon church near Bellaire..and also speaks highly of you and the work you do. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer.
Darrell Hearn
topdogvending@hotmail.com