Joe Niekro was once the toast of this city ....as he help lead the 1980 Astros to first ever division title. They were one game away from the World Series. Jose Cruz was also on that team ...wearing the high pant legs ...and the tightly rolled sleeves. Now their sons have arrived at the Astros Spring Training complex trying to make their own history.

Niekro is a 29 year old who could provide depth at the corner infield positions. If he doesn't start the season in Houston ....he'll be the starting 3rd baseman ar Round Rock. Niekro was the opening day starting 1st basman for the Giants in 2006 .... but just over one year later ....he was the odd man out and wound up back at the Triple-A level. As soon as he arrived in the Astros Kissimmee clubhouse though he felt welcome. Longtime equipment man Dennis Liborio gave him jersey number 36. The same number his dad wore as an Astro. "I know my dad is looking down and smiling about me wearing his old jersey number for the Astros,"Niekro said. "He always said .... winning playoffs games ...and winning a World Series title were great .... but nothing matches seeing you in the big leagues." Neikro smiles when he recounts the story ...as he does when he reflects back on growing up around the Houston ballclub.. "I remember the Dome. Runnig around the clubhouse with Cruz Jr. and the Ryan kids ...and Dennis (equipment manager) was always haveing to watch over us." If Niekro doesn't make the big club coming out of Kissimmee ..... he'll begin the season as the starting 3rd baseman in Round Rock. By the way ....Niekro practices throwing a knuckleball everyday during warmups ....just in case the day comes,"If they tell me one day that I'm not a good enough hitter to stick in the big-leagues ....yeh, I'll try it as a pitcher. that's why I practice my knuckleball regularly."

The story for Cruz Jr., 33, is abit different. Cruz has been a part of the majors since 1997. He has 200 career homers to his credit ..and the Astros expect him to be in the outfield mix. According to GM Ed Wade,"If this scenario plays out like we think ....he'll be in the outfield mix ... as a switch hitter off the bench." Cruz Jr. says ,"Tool-wise ...I feel great. I've been running ....my speed is good ...and I feel comfortable hitting from both sides of the plate."

If both of these "next generation" Astros make the club ......I for one ...will be hoping for at least a couple of throwback "rainbow jersey" nights this summer at Minute Maid.