Craig Biggio

MIAMI -- Apparently, Cubs manager Lou Piniella doesn't believe in the powers of a black cat. Or Steve Bartman. "And that goat I don't believe in, either,'' Piniella said.

Because you probably missed it, here's what happened during the final moments of Craig Biggio's major league career on Sunday afternoon: As Biggio, 20 years a Houston Astro, stepped to the plate, the volume at Minute...

Jim Thome's career OPS is .971. You know who doesn't have an OPS that high (among players with 5,000 or more plate appearances)? Alex Rodriguez, Mel Ott, Mike Piazza, Chipper Jones, Ralph Kiner ... and all but 14...

For years now, the Astros have been one loose, back-slapping, come-in-and-take-a-seat bunch of guys. From owner Drayton McLane -- a man who spends a few innings at every home game wandering around Minute Maid Park...

I say it often, but it always bears repeating. It doesn't matter what a player has done for a different team, all that matters is the stats he puts up for you. One man's .212 first-half flop is another man's .290...