May 22 -- DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

HOUSTON -- Howdy, y'all.

So, we've arrived in Houston, about 90 minutes later than scheduled thanks to US Airways. But, nevertheless, we're here, at Minute Maid Park, getting ready for the opener of a four-game series between the Phils and Astros. No shortage of storylines here. Brad Lidge already has addressed the Houston media about his return to town. There are other Phillies personnel with Astros ties, including utility man Eric Bruntlett and bench coach Jimy Williams, who managed the 'stros in 2002 and '03. On the Astros side, you've got Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and of course, ex-Phillies GM Ed Wade.

Houston is an interesting city. Very spread out, and there are many "cities" within the city. If you like barbecue, go here. If you're a Mexican food fan, this is the place for you. I've been to both, and hopefully, I'll get back at some point over the weekend. The roof is shut today at Minute Maid Park, mainly because it's pretty sticky outside. It's in the 90s and very humid. Lidge joked a little while ago that he misses many things about Houston, but the weather isn't one of them.

A few lineup notes: With Astros RHP Roy Oswalt starting tonight, Charlie Manuel has opted to give slumping Pat Burrell the night off. There's a chance Burrell won't play tomorrow either. The Astros are starting four straight right-handers, so it gives Manuel a chance to get Burrell some time off the recover his swing. Manuel just got through saying that Burrell is chasing pitches out of the strike zone. He's hoping that a day or two off may help cure that problem. Greg Dobbs gets the start tonight in left field, and Dobbs already is bracing for that assignment by studying the quirky left-field dimensions during batting practice. There's a good chance, considering how close the left-field fence is to home plate here, that Dobbs will see some balls hit his way tonight.

The complete lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins (.315/3/14), CF Shane Victorino (.258/2/9), 2B Chase Utley (.314/14/32), 1B Ryan Howard (.195/12/29), 3B Pedro Feliz (.245/7/19), RF Geoff Jenkins (.282/2/7), LF Greg Dobbs (.356/2/13), C Carlos Ruiz (.238/1/13), RHP Kyle Kendrick (3-2, 4.76 ERA).

Finally, Utley has his lucky batting-practice bat back, and Chris Coste spent a few hours rubbing elbows with a U.S. Senator yesterday. But you can read more about that in The Paper tomorrow (how's that for a tease?).