Texas Two Step

I am done recovering from the three-day madness that was Big 12 Media Days that concluded on Wednesday. And after hearing from all of the coaches and players, I learned many things. But one thing stood out -- the way different caliber teams protect their players.

The cliche answers roll constantly out of the mouths one after another from the players of Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Even Texas A&M speaks differently from the lower level football programs in the Big 12. You can see how they have been trained to say the right things.

With so many NCAA violations occurring throughout major universities, everyone has to be more careful. Texas and Oklahoma were definitely the ultimate in making sure no one slips up or has to answer a question they don't want to hear.

While some teams did not even have a sports information director or media relations person from the university in the room, Texas had a person standing only a couple feet away from each player ready to interject in case a controversial question is asked.

So as the season approaches don't be surprised if you don't hear anything interesting from the big-name programs as some of their quarterbacks are protected better by the media relations staff than their offensive line.

Next most important thing I learned from Big 12 Media Days -- the reason why so many members of the sports' media are overweight. After seeing all the buffets offered at these events, it's understandable to see why some of these guys are breathing so heavily after walking up a couple stairs. I need to make sure I don't end up like that.

Houstonians are extremely sad to Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt go. Berkman and Oswalt were supposed to be lifetime Astros -- just like Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. But as much as it hurts to see the Astros' two franchise players over the past few years be in new uniforms, it is something that had to been done.

The Astros were not going anywhere with their aging stars. Their farm system has been lifeless for the last several years, and they need to try to find those players who can be the future face of the franchise.

After all of the wheeling and dealing, the Astros ended up with first baseman Brett Wallace who made his major league debut Saturday as Berkman's replacement. Wallace was the third rookie in the starting lineup for the Astros, filling up the 6-8 spots in the order in Wallace, Chris Johnson (not the football player) and Jason Castro.

So far Astros general manager Ed Wade is looking like a genius following the trade of sending Oswalt to the Phillies. Oswalt had a subpar debut in Philadelphia losing 8-1. Meanwhile, the Astros behind former Phillie J.A. Happ, shut down the Brewers in six scoreless innings in a 5-0 win for Houston.

Only time will tell on how these trades end up working out.