Subtle in her method of seduction. Twenty little tragedies begin.

Heart surgery? We don't need no stinkin' heart surgery.

Besides having something to obsess over, bitch about, debate strategies or blog about, sports are here for inspiration. The awe that they induce when something super-human happens. Little kids hoping to show a glimmer of their favorite superstar’s skill on the field, court or pitch. But, more than that, they bring a more tangible type of inspiration, something in which the “everyman” can delight.

I don’t know how to throw a curveball. Never have. Never will. But, because of family I know about heart problems and specifically open-heart surgery. That makes Aaron Boone’s comeback more inspirational for me.

Five months after having a bicuspid aortic valve replaced in his heart, Boone made his first appearance for the Corpus Christi Hooks yesterday. A five-inning showing for the triple-A squad was enough to test him a little bit on the field (making two plays) and at the plate (went 0-2, give the man a break). Five months… Open-heart surgery… I give myself at least six months off to rehabilitate after a cramp. Those things are dangerous.

I for one look forward to seeing Aaron Boone make his way through the ranks and into the Astros’ dugout. For a man who will be inevitably remembered in baseball lore as the man that killed the Red Sox in the early aughts I think the story of his comeback into a productive big leaguer once again will add a fitting second act to his career.

[MLB.com]

On to your Houston sports updates:

ASTROS – More Astros news… Lost 8-6 to the Florida Marlins after falling behind early. The ‘Stros put together a bit of a rally in the ninth but couldn’t erase the five-run deficit that they had dug for themselves. Bright spots of the game: Darin Erstad went two for three with a homerun and three RBI. Carlos Lee added two RBI of his own. Chris Sampson balked in a runner. Sweet… Everybody loves a good balk. The Marlins are on the docket for the next three days. [USA Today]

EAGLES UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON – Kolb is DOWN! Kolb is DOWN!!! Hometown hero, Kevin Kolb, left the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice yesterday on a cart after spraining his knee. They say it’s not serious… [Metro.Us] Was it really a surprise that Blake Joseph left the Cougars for the Bearkats? Look at the quotes from Coach Sumlin on MyFoxHouston about Case Keenum. “He’s a coaches kid.” Not only is the lovefest extending to the city media (finally) and even some national recognition (it’s about time) but, the most prominent of love is truly incestuous. Looks like we’re making the big-time folks. Those are accusations that are usually thrown around at the likes of Alabama and LSU. [MyFoxHouston]

ROCKETS – Well, TRG did it. He jinxed the man. When Elston Turner comes a calling give him some space for that right cross that he owes TRG’s jaw. The T’Wolves decided to pass on Houston Rockets assistant coach, Turner and offer their head coaching job to Kurt “Goggles” Rambis. Honestly, though… this is for the best, right? Good for us, I mean. [Examiner.com] Also, fun little piece from Ball Don’t Lie about Von Wafer’s sabbatical in Greece. I was quick to adopt Wafer as a favorite when T-Mac went down and Von started getting more playing time. But, just like most of my relationships the crazy came out and it all fell to shit. As BDL puts it, hopefully his time with Olympiakos will “chill him out.” [Ball Don't Lie]

DYNAMO – Tickets for next year’s CONCACAF Champions League went on sale yesterday. Hurry up and buy your tickets for the Dynamo’s home games (that start next week?!). Always a tournament around the corner for this soccer stuff. How can you be a hater, Pipez? [OurSportsCentral]

TEXANS – I can’t say anything, because Cushing says it best:

“There are definitely times during a game that I just marvel at what my body is able to do,” the Houston Texans linebacker said recently. “Sometimes during a moment, my body just responds and I do something without even really knowing what I am doing, like flip a guy. And I wonder ‘did I really just do that?’”

That’s EXACTLY what I said last night to a little chiquita after I pulled off my trademark “downward spiral to handstand” maneuver. And, by “little chiquita” I mean tube sock. [Metro.Us]

- Septimus Rex

[Picture from Zimbio]