Roy Oswalt Trade-Who Should The Astros Be Looking At?

With the trade deadline now six days away in Houston we've been waiting for over a month now for the team to pull the trigger on Roy Oswalt. The complication is the fact that he has a no trade clause and wants whatever team who picks him up to guarantee his $16 million option for next season. There appears to be two front runners and a dark horse in this competition. The Cardinals and Phillies followed by the Dodgers. Oswalt apparently is willing to restructure his deal with the Cardinals if he ends up in St Louis. As much as I'm a big believer of not trading within your own division the Cardinals minor league system is fairly stacked and have the most to offer...and of course Houston fans would still get to see Oswalt when he comes to town to visit. Which is the amazing thing about Astros fans, they're not blaming Roy, they want him to have a chance to get a ring and know he'd be in the Cy Young discussion if he had a better offense behind him.

So, let's evaluate who I believe the Astros should target in this sweepstakes.

St Louis Cardinals
I never really knew how deep their farm system is until I began looking at players to trade for. Now some will say I may be asking too much for one player, but Roy's numbers are as good as the other Roy's, he just doesn't get the recognition since he doesn't play on the East Coast.

1. Jaime Garcia, SP, MLB
9-4 2.21 ERA 90K 24 years old.

This should be their number one target. Someone on the Cardinals rotation will be losing a spot and though Garcia has been dynamite this year how badly do you want the Wizard of O who has been lockdown? If I'm Houston, I'll accept Blake Haawksworth, but I want the rest of the players I mentioned as well instead of two of the three. Another bonus for Houston is Jamie went to high school in Mission, Texas and they love bringing the home town kids in.

2. Allen Craig, LF, AAA
.308 11HR 65RBI 26 years old

With Matt Holliday on the team for a good long while Craig doesn't have much hope of moving to the MLB team on a permanent basis. Yes, he spent some time in majors this season and didn't do fantastic but it was his first real prolonged trip and he's been a consistent hitter in the minors. I'm a big believer that Carlos Lee should be sent packing ASAP so by trading for Craig you can allow him to play in the majors for the rest of the season.

3. Matt Carpenter, 3B, AA
.320 8HR 36RBI 25 years old

For my money the Astros biggest problem position is third base. Why they paid money for Pedro Feliz I'm not sure, but it is what it is. I'd try to get a bag of balls and some bats for him at this rate. Chris Johnson has shown promise, but nothing I would say I feel comfortable about not having insurance. Carpenter has only spent two season in the minors and has been a rocket ship playing his way up to AA this year. Another local kid from Sugar Land when it comes to positional players this is a must have in this trade.

4. Manuel De La Cruz, P, Rookie League
4-0 1.04 ERA 23K 20 years old

The most impressive of the Cardinals really young pitching this is an attempt to actually bolster the Astros fairly benign farm system. If Cruz continues to pitch as he has this year he easily could be on the fast track to the majors in three years time...or less.

Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are at a disadvantage, their farm system has been depleted over the last few years. They're gonna have to offer up a great bounty to surpass the Cardinals.

1. Jayson Werth, OF, MLB
.280 13HR 52RBI 31 years old

In Houston Werth would be moved to the Left Field and Carlos Lee would be shipped to Chicago, Detroit, somewhere else where he can be DH. Now the problem with Werth is his contract is up at the end of the season. By moving Lee they could afford Werth, but would he stay around for the rebuild being 31? At the very least the Astros should get some draft picks.

2. Drew Naylor, P, AA
9-7 3.86 73K 24 years old

The big right handed Aussie shows how little the Phillies farm system is. They traded a lot away last two years for Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. Their AAA team is filled with 30 year olds. A former bullpen he's done well with starting and has a nasty curve ball.

3. Jesus Sanchez, P, A+
8-5 2.69 71K 23 years old

Jesus Sanchez is the last remaining prospect from when the Phillies traded Abreu to the Yankees. A former catcher turned pitcher he still has plenty of years ahead of him and gives the Astros another solid arm in their farm system.

4. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, A
.307 11HR 55RBI 19 years old

This is the real gem of the trade. The Phillies are HUGE on Singleton as they should be, this kid is the real deal. They would have to give up Singleton to be able to surpass the Cardinals. I'm not quite sure that Houston has someone as quality to eventually replace Berkman at first base. Being 19 there is no immediate pressure to bring him up to majors any time soon.

5. Cesar Hernandez, 2B, A short
.284 0HR 14RBI 9SB 20 years old

A throw in since Naylor and Sanchez don't bring too much and Werth could be gone sooner rather than later. I chose Hernandez for one reason, speed. The guy has 9 stolen bases in 34 games and you can just imagine a line up that one day would have the combined speed of Hernandez and Bourn.

Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are in an interesting situation. They are only 6 games out of the first place Padres, but they don't have anyone on the MLB roster they can really give up for Oswalt. So for them to even get into the race they're going to have to give up some prized prospects.

1. John Ely, SP, AAA
3-1 3.24 16K 24 years old

Arguably the Dodgers most prized pitching prospect, he'd have to be involved in an Oswalt trade. The Astros would likely bring him up the minute he arrived in town and let him get his feet wet for the rest of the season. Some would argue sending James McDonald, but those are Dodger fans who don't want to lose Ely.

2. Russ Mitchell, 3B, AAA
.318 16HR 61RBI 25 years old

In a certain sense Mitchell would be the key for me in the trade. I think he could come up to MLB and begin contributing immediately for the Astros. Adding Mitchell to the team would give the Astros a very talented young infield, with a the replacement for Berkman the next piece.

3. Jerry Sands, 1B, AA
.281 9HR 20RBI 23 years old

Sands shows some great promise, but may be lacking the power you want from a first baseman. Still he is one of the better hitters for the Dodgers' AA team and should be able to compete for the MLB team in two years.

4. Christ Withrow, P, AA
3-5 5.09 82K 21 years old

This kid has a great deal of potential to be a strikeout machine. He's still young at 21, already in AA and strikes out batters like a mother. He has a lot to work still to do to make the MLB, especially if his home stadium is a hitters park like Minute Maid.

5. Ethan Martin, P, A+
9-8 5.23 85K 1 Complete Game 21 years old

Like Withrow Martin is a strike out machine but needs to get that ERA down. What is promising is that he had a complete game this year. That means the talent is there just has some work. Adding Withrow and Martin to their farm system gives the Astros a pair of possible aces for the future.

A mere 364 days

Sure, it's been a while, but, well...

Okay, there's no excuse. Here's three for your Thursday afternoon:

First, I made it to Vermont Brewers Festival last weekend in Burlington, Vermont. I went to the Friday night session, and it was a great time. $25 gets you 15 drink tickets for the four-hour tasting session and a souvenir glass. The standard Vermont and New England breweries were well-represented, such as Magic Hat, Long Trail, and Harpoon, all of which made strong showings (I particularly liked Magic Hat's newest addition to the Odd Notion series). The star of the show in my opinion (and, judging from the line outside their tent, I'm not alone) was tiny Lawson's Finest Liquids from Warren, VT. I tried the Maple Imperial Stout. You should too.

Next, those darn Bush tax cuts. Seems some Senate Dems are feeling gun-shy about letting the cuts expire for the wealthiest Americans. The argument is that because the economy is struggling to get to its feet, now is not the time to let taxes naturally increase on the wealthiest Americans, who, evidently, are using the cuts to prop up the economy with their spending. Sounds silly to me. The real fear, as you probably guessed, is not the economy, but rather the fate of some Dems in right-leaning states: let the cuts expire, don't get reelected.

I think the whole debate is not so dire for Democrats as it might appear at first glance. First, Republicans have painted themselves into a precarious position here: they want a lower deficit, but also the cuts. As Derek Thompson wrote recently in the Atlantic, when you look at the deficit, those Bush tax cuts "are the bucket." They can't have both. Second, the House just passed the extension of unemployment benefits. As far as fiscal stimulus goes, this is the right move, as it puts money in the hands of folks who are going to spend it immediately. Third, honestly, are people trying to say that if we tax the wealthy, the economy will go to hell? I'm no economist, but the last I heard this whole mess was created by a credit crisis and is persisting because banks still won't loan money to small business. Shouldn't we be worried about fixing that rather than whether the marginal rate will increase on a few rich folks?

Lastly, let me publicly congratulate Mr. Dews on his hitchin'. You're going to make a great housewife, sir, and no, the O's are no closer to winning the AL East.

NFL Mock Draft Super Early Edition

With not much to do until tomorrow when training camp starts, I figured I'd spend the morning doing my first mock draft of the year. Using my predictions from earlier in the month, I present to you my first mock draft for 2010.

1. Oakland Raiders-Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Laugh, mock, do all that you want to do just remember one key thing, Al Davis is still the owner and head decision maker for the Oakland Raiders and until he dies the decision making process will be all kinds of FUBAR.
2. St Louis Rams-Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
It will become evident this season that Marc Bulger can no longer operate as a NFL QB. I do believe he is now suffering from shell shock and the Rams need someone to replace him sooner rather than later.
3. Seattle Seahawks via Broncos –Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Seahawks can really set their defense up for dominance with this draft. They are already on their way, but with the third and sixth picks…if they don’t trade up with the Raiders to draft Bradford I see this being all D.
4. Detroit Lions –Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions start drafting like an actual NFL franchise again and pass on the number one WR, even though he is available. You need to protect Sanford, and Okung could easily be a 15 year game in game out starter for the franchise.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Though he plays DE at Florida, and may be better situated for a 3-4 DE, I could see the Buccs taking his athleticism and turning him into a very destructive DT as well.
6. Seattle Seahawks- Taylor Mays, S, USC
Grant and Russell are decent players, they’re solid and won’t lose you too many games, Mays may be the best safety from Safety U since Troy P…maybe since Ronnie Lott.
7. New York Jets-Damian Williams, WR, USC
I think the lack of breakout WRs in New York is going to be one of the downsides to this season. Benn from Illinois is likely the top WR, but Williams right behind him brings the Jets to a QB who already has a repertoire with the WR.
8. Cincinnati Bengals-Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
I’m not sure who the new head coach in Cincinnati will be, but I can easily see them getting the good sized, very quick Benn for Carson Palmer.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars –Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
Sadly Jack Del Rio is no longer in Jacksonville, and they decide to go another route with their QB situation as Garrard struggles for a second straight year.
10. Dallas Cowboys-Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Now this may be a bit farther down then some folks would expect Berry, but I can see opposing teams going away from Berry as much as possible. There may be no greater need for a safety then Dallas’.
11. San Francisco 49ers via Panthers- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Running the 3-4 successfully requires a dominate nose tackle, something the Niners are currently missing. Suh is little known from Nebraska, but that will change once his is a Niner.
12. Miami Dolphins- Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Lewis is a production beast at Oklahoma, and while maybe not the pass rush threat the Dolphins probably need more, you cannot argue with production that they hope will translate to a Patrick Willis type player.
13. Tennessee Titans-Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Since the high quality defensive linemen are already taken by 13, the Titans end up going the safe route and taking the number two tackle on the board.
14. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Tony Gonzales is in a different uniform this year, which is just going to feel all kinds of weird. Gresham has good hands, and a decent size to block as well and could be the pick, but I think Pioli is going to try to strike gold like he did with Mayo.
15. San Francisco 49ers-Kristofer O’Dowd, C, USC
SayHey may hate this pick, but he did say they need some offensive linemen. O’Dowd is the top Center available, and since signing Marvel Smith drafting a tackle doesn’t make too much sense here.
16. Indianapolis Colts-Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St
Perhaps this is the lesson we learn this year from the Colts, Peyton Manning needs three solid targets downfield, not just two. Bryant fits in beautifully in this offense.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Came on strong last year playing for the Gators, always seems to be in the receivers face for a pass. Vikings secondary is getting a bit long in the tooth.
18. Buffalo Bills-Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Dick Jauron finally gets the style of tight end he’s been wanting, a good sized kid with decent hands and can block at a very high level.
19. Denver Broncos via Bears-Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Colt McCoy is the perfect style QB for Josh McDaniels’ style of offense. Exceedingly accurate and a great leader, McCoy may be what the Broncos were thinking when they traded Cutler to the Bears.
20. Philadelphia Eagles-Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Brian Dawkins has left the city of brothery love to form a former NFC East All Star secondary in Denver. They will quickly realize that Sean Jones is not the answer, another Jones is.
21. Cleveland Browns- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
Unless Wimbley can produce like he did in his rookie season, some kind of pass rush is needed in Cleveland. Kindle is the Mangini type of player, though Arthur Jones could land here as a 3-4 DE as well.
22. Atlanta Falcons- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
They have Sam Baker on their left side, but their right is an undrafted Demon Deacon. This is the natural progression of a franchise going in the right direction.
23. Houston Texans-Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
The Texans have some questions in the secondary right now, especially with the Duante Robinson situation. Being able to snag the number two corner this far down would be a god send for the Texans.
24. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan Greg
The Cardinals may struggle with a pass rush, and Graham has the speed to be a beast of a defensive end for them. Add his speed to that of Campbell and they could have the fastest DE combo in the NFL.
25. Baltimore Ravens-Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
I’m not sure what is going to happen to LaFell seeing that I believe the LSU QB position is a bit of a question mark this year. He seems to fit the Ravens’ style of WR though.
26. Washington Redskins-CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Running backs seem to be taken later and later in drafts the past few years. Clinton Portis isn’t getting any younger and they really don’t have a very good answer behind him, Spiller makes the most sense here.
27. New York Giants-Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
When it comes to Witherspoon you’re reminded of the Oklahoma LB taken above him in the draft, production. Witherspoon has been nothing but productive since he emerged onto the scene at Missouri.
28. San Diego Chargers-Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
6’5” 360lbs…the size alone means you put him in the middle of the defense and hope he takes three offensive linemen with him.
29. New Orleans Saints-Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
Though he may be better suited for a 3-4 defensive end, they are gonna need someone to go next to Sedrick Ellis on the interior of their defensive line.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers-Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
James Farrior isn’t getting any younger for the Steelers and his eventual replace needs to be found. McClain is a very productive inside linebacker, one who should fit in well with the Steelers.
31. New England Patriots-Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
The Saban Belichek connection continues. Arenas may have been the best new secondary player in the SEC last year, but the best thing for the Patriots is he is a dynamic return specialist.
32. Green Bay Packers- Ciron Black, OT, LSU
When you seemingly have everything else that you need, take the best offensive lineman available, you can never have enough quality offensive linemen.

DC&H's Question for the Day (maybe for the ages)

Just how the hell do you lose Bartolo Colon?

2009 NFL Predictions Pre-Training Camp Edition

We must be feeling patriotic or something, there is suddenly once again life in this ole boy. Yesterday we discussed the MLB All Star game and the rosters that SHOULD be in place...even if Dews' hard-on for Markakis can't allow him to see straight. Today we are discussing the upcoming football season.

We are less than a month away from training camp opening so I thought I'd throw out my initial prediction on what I think next year's draft order is gonna look like, and maybe even a little bit about why I see things happening this way.

Now some may call me a homer, but I did a good amount of research on each team, their acquisitions and took into consideration many factors that lead me to this conclusion. It was a very thorough and scientific research study.

1. Oakland Raiders 3-13
I think folks will be surprised week one, and then not again until they draft some Lithuanian named Drago with the first pick of next year's draft.
2. St Louis Rams 3-13
I love their new coach, I think he will do well, but the pieces are still missing. Their three wins will be shockers, but I fear at next year's draft they'll be taking Bulger's replacement.
3. Denver Broncos 3-13
I got this itch in the back of my head that says McDaniel let Cutler get away because 1. He's a Commodore and 2. He has something planned in next year's draft and needs this team to suck till then. My prediction? His plans wears jorts, crocs and is a jesus freak.
4. Detroit Lions 4-12
Look, I know they're still not out of the top five in the draft, but that is four more games then they won all of last year, that's progress.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
The following seven teams all have the same record, so you can put them anywhere from 5 to 11. New coach, crashes and burns as Chucky laughs in the MNF booth.
6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11
Can Jim Mora last a season? He has a WR, but I think Hasslebeck will once again get hurt, and they still have zero running game to speak of. A tough tough season for Seattle.
7. New York Jets 5-11
Not a bad year for a rookie head coach, with a rookie QB, but they deal with the fact they now have to play Tom Brady again and TO twice a year.
8. Cincinnati Bengals 5-11
Everyone seems to think the Bengals will be back, but their defense is still suspect. Chris Henry will get arrested. Chad Ochocinco is about the only weapon Palmer has, and Andre Smith may be a beast but he's the only one on that line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
Sorry Jack Del Rio, this will be your final year in sunny Florida. It's a shame because I really like him as a coach, but your former GM put you too far behind the 8-ball to let you get out this year.
10. Dallas Cowboys 5-11
How bout dem Cowboys?! Sorry Wade, but this will be your last season as coach. You're playing in the second toughest division in football and unless you WISELY run your offense with a three headed monster running attack and only letting Romo throw the ball ten times a game, well like the Detective said, where are you going? Fuckin nowhere...
11. Carolina Panthers 5-11
Sadly once again Jake Delhomme gets knocked out of the season and they struggle the rest of the year. I like this team, I think it will be really good again soon, this year's schedule though is no picnic.
12. Miami Dolphins 7-9
They take a step back slightly, but only because other teams take step forwards. I do think Ronnie Brown has a good chance to lead the NFL in rushing this year though.
13. Tennessee Titans 8-8
Kerry Collins falls off the wagon to start the season, and Vince Young finally starts again to at least get this team back to .500. They really miss Haynesworth this season.
14. Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
The first time I went through my predictions they didn't have this much, but then I took two things into consideration. One, they play the Raiders and Broncos twice. They have a QB who is at least serviceable. Larry Johnson may be rejuvenated a bit by all the passing that will be happening.
15. San Francisco 49ers 8-8
This isn't due to any kind of quarterback play, but due to old school smash mouth football. Frank Gore leads the NFC in rushing and Patrick Willis gets defensive player of the year honors. Could be higher if they trade for Derek Anderson in week five.
16. Indianapolis Colts 8-8
A change of coaches have the Colts slip quite a bit this year. I think you saw it when Manning freaked out a bit when all the coaching stuff happened. It won't be the offenses fault though, the defense causes a .500 season.
17. Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Sorry Minnesota, Brett Favre will not lead you to the playoffs. You will have some exciting games, and Peterson will look phenomenal, but Favre will throw your season away. Plus you have a doubly motivated Packer team to deal with.
18. Buffalo Bills 9-7
Still so close yet so far away. Perhaps if Marshawn Lynch wasn't suspended the first four games you might squeeze into the playoffs. Hell, you're right at the door you still could. TO elevates Trent Edwards to the next level.
19. Chicago Bears 10-6
A highly competitive NFC forces the Bears to watch the playoffs from home. Cutler does ok, but nothing more special then Grossman or the Boilermaker. This makes the Bears realize, finally, they actually need weapons for a quarterback, so there is a bright side.
20. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Much like the Bears, you're just oh so close but just miss out this time. The team does well, you just miss a tie-breaker or two and get shut out of the playoffs. It was a successful season, and in any other it would have been fine, just not this year.
21. Cleveland Browns 9-7
Yes, laugh, but take a look at our schedule really quick. The majority of our home games are late in the season, up in cold and snowy Ohio. Mangini has turned this team into a power running football team, the kind of team that wins those games.Mix that with Rex Ryan bringing back the old 46 defense and a very pleasant schedule and you have a recipe for shocker.
22. Atlanta Falcons 10-6
Matt Ryan looks like a stud all season, sadly though he plays in the same division as Drew Brees. To top it off, they have to play in the Meadowlands for their first playoff game, not exactly helpful.
23. Houston Texans 11-5
Finally no longer that team referred to as this year's sleeper as they actually WIN the AFC South. Their defense is one of the more shocking things this year, but sadly go up against the playoff experienced carrion flyers.
24. Arizona Cardinals 11-5
They prevent the Super Bowl loser slump, but that's probably only because they play in the NFC West. They are actually upset at home in the wild card round, but have a decent season regardless.
25. Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Another solid year by the Fighting Blue Hen Joe Flacco. The team struggles at time, but they find ways to win games. They beat the Texans in the Wild Card, but can't overcome the defending champs.
26. Washington Redskins 10-6
Shocker of all shocker, the Redskins not only make the playoffs but BEAT the Cardinals in Arizona. Their defense is as stout as any in the NFC this year and General Zorn decides to trust in Portis rather then Campbell.
27. New York Giants 11-5
Another solid year from the G-Men, even without Buress. They go back to smashmouth football and allow Jacobs and rookie sensation Andre Brown to beat teams up. Sadly though they are just outgunned this year.
28. San Diego Chargers 12-4
No slow season start this year, the Chargers I think actually we ten games before they actually lose a game. A great year by Rivers and company, but one that just could not handle the upper echelon of playoff football. I mean you do know who your head coach is don't you?
29. New Orleans Saints 11-5
This could change depending on home field advantage in the playoffs. If they Saints can get home field advantage in the playoffs, they're taking it all. I think this is the year Brees is finally mentioned in the same breath as Manning and Brady.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4
It looks like they're going back to the Super Bowl, they have home field advantage, everything is going right, but once again the bane of their existence, Tom Brady, comes into town and takes his team to the Super Bowl.
31. New England Patriots 12-4
Yes, Tom Brady comes back and takes his team to the Super Bowl, but it's not nearly as good as the one loss team and therefore once again they lose a Super Bowl. However taking his team to the Super Bowl a year after major knee surgery finally gets people to shut up about whether Tom Brady is a good quarterback or not.
32. Green Bay Packers 12-4
The shocker of all shockers, the Packers are your 2010 Super Bowl Champions. Now this is contingent on one thing, this team HAS to stay healthy. If they stay healthy, this team could very well win it all. I know it's a new defense and all, but all the pieces are here. I think with Favre joining the Vikings, allegedly, it will give them even more motivation and you'll see it all season long.

Dews Happy Hump day

So, yea, maybe its been a while, but at least I have the excuse of a very demanding job full of plenty of high maintenance people working there (this thankfully is balanced by not having any high maintenance folks to deal with AFTER work though, I must admit).

Anyway, without further adieu, lets take a peak at the news shall we?

First off, in what is quite possibly the most useless scientific use of stem cells since throwing them away went out of style:

A team of British scientists claimed Wednesday to have created human sperm using embryonic stem cells, in a medical first that they say will lead to a better understanding of fertility.

Seriously? We can't just find sperm somewhere? We need to now create it?

The best part about this useless discovery (spare me the male infertility "need" with the thousands of children still very much available via adoption), is that the sperm created (if used for fertility) would develop abnormalities (and be very illegal to boot!) and is at best 10 years away from being a "viable" treatment for male infertility.

I can think of at least 5 diseases off the top of my head that are better suited for Stem cells to be devoted to and creating something that thousands of guys donate on a regular basis is DEFINITELY not one of the things that needs "solving".

More happy news about my daily commute...

Apparently even with the worst Washington DC Metro disaster ever still fresh in our minds, Metrorail operators are being caught on video texting while driving...

There's more bad publicity for Metro after a YouTube video surfaces of a Metro train operator apparently texting while on the job.

Just amazing to me that its probably so much a part of this persons day-to-day activities that human nature dictates he just continue doing it...

Finally, Google is making its final push for World Dominance with the announcement that it will soon compete with the hapless Microsoft Corporation in the Operating Systems market.

Google Inc., owner of the most- visited Internet search engine, is developing a computer operating system based on its Chrome Web browser, taking aim at Microsoft Corp. in its strongest market.

Now, I'm a fan of all things Google, so I'm obviously excited to see what kind of product they can put forward, but the expectations are going to be astronomically high on this one.

Not that Microsoft has had a decent offering in this field since Windows XP was the standard, but if they really want to deal the death blow to the powerful Microsoft empire, then they really need to release a solid product that will truly allow users the ability to do everything they are accustomed to doing (which includes gaming, which Steve Jobs has yet to hammer home on Macs yet).

I'm hopefully optimistic about it, as its release will probably coincide with my retiring from the IT world altogether to run away to a tropical island and bartend, so I could care less where Microsoft products go at that point!

That is all...