The Astros need to keep fighting but at the same time need to seriously think about getting player permission and getting their best deals for Roy Oswalt, Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman before the break. With a winless homestand to start the season it's hardly a done deal that the season is over but prospects look grim at best for a winning campaign.

There's no need to hang on to big contract players if you can get good prospects in return. The crowds are already thin and a voluminous harvest from the minor leagues is still a couple of years away.

The fact that not every seat was jammed for a beautiful Sunday afternoon for Roy Oswalt and Roy Halladay shows you that whatever fans are there will be perfectly satisfied with a young, aggressive developing team.


Lee Westwood didn't lose the Masters, Phil won it with tremendous shot making in the final round. Some of the par saves were the best you'll see and the shot on 13 was the highlight of his career. Tiger was hardly himself but remained in the fight despite not playing an event since December.

Most followers assume it's a forgone conclusion that Tiger will break Jack's record. He needs five majors to do it. I would not be fool enough to bet against him but no one will hand it to him.

At this point I will only be mildly surprised if it doesn't happen because there are so many great young golfers that have the game to get hot on a major weekend and keep him away from the winners circle. He's more likely to get it done than not but it won't be easy.