Hello All...I discovered HH at the beginning of the season and started posting in June. This is the first time I have been involved in an on-line community since the 90's, when I was chastised for something I posted and said to myself, "enough of that." I am more mature and thicker skinned now and find the HH community quite welcoming. Thank you Rev.

A little history. I grew up in the SFV and have been a Halos fan since 1966, when my father pointed out that Rick Reichardt hit two HR's in the same inning. I was hooked. Needless to say I have remained loyal through the heartache and disappointment, 2002 excluded. I have lived in Austin, TX for the past 30 years and it is the only place I would live in Tejas. I understand the anti Texas posts, and yes there are many things about this State that are infuriating and backwards. Austin is a great place to live though, especially the live music scene and the natural wonders, and the "prettiest girls you'll ever see." Through the posts I see that there are a couple of HH'ers around here including BartonSpringsMatt. If you don't know about Barton Springs, search it out online. Maybe Matt and I can rest our battered souls on the hillside talking Halos and dreaming of the days when females sun bathed topless and nobody cared.

On to baseball. JeDi has a lot of work to do this off-season. I was not in favor of the Pujols signing (too long) nor the CJ signing (free agent pitchers rarely work out.) I keep asking myself why can't the current Angel executives develop or draft players like they did in the past with the likes of Erstad, Anderson, Percival, Edmonds, Salmon etc. Instead they trade prospects for rentals and deplete the system. It doesn't make sense. Sosh and the coaching staff is another issue that has been thoroughly discussed.

I am a teacher and go back to work tomorrow. My fantasy football draft is later today, so my focus on the Halos is going to wane, especially after last night. I too, dislike the Rangers and especially their fans. I am looking forward to the Astros joining the AL West as it is a much better stadium (air conditioned, closer to home) and the fans are civil, just rooting for the Astros to win. It also means that I will be able to watch my beloved Halos in person with more frequency. I find it fun to attend games at Minute Maid Park. The Crawford boxes in left field are great seats and hope some HH'ers have the opportunity to make a road trip. Purchase a downtown hotel room on Priceline or Hotwire and voila, you are set. Most of the hotels have shuttles to the stadium.

In closing, I appreciate the rules Rev has laid down and the word play is fun. Angela makes my day! Unfortunately it's going to take more than her to right the ship.

Peace All,

-rr