From everything I've read, it seems like there's only one baseball figure who isn't in favor of instant replay -- Commissioner Bud Selig. But it sounds like Major League Baseball officials are coming around on the issue. They're probably going to test it out during the Arizona Fall League and again during next year's World Baseball Classic, and I have a feeling after that they'll implement instant replay in big league games when home runs are in question.

I don't see any need to have instant replay for every ball and strike call, but certainly when it comes to foul poles, home-run lines and fan interference, instant replay can be a quick and fair way to get the call right.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark made a great point the other day. Those who are against instant replay cite time issues as a reason. They're worried it'll delay the games too much. But think about it -- when a disputed call is made, one manager comes out of the dugout to argue, then the umpires get together, discuss the play, make the call, and then quite often, the other manager comes out to argue.

That could go on for a while, especially if he throws a tantrum, kicks dirt around, throws his hat and so on. That whole process can take several minutes, whereas if you use instant replay, the umpires go to a monitor, watch the play, make the call, and everyone moves on. That can't take more than a few moments.

Would Cooper consider taking a page out of Tony La Russa's book and bat Michael Bourn ninth? I think that Bourn could benefit from it by taking a little pressure off him. Also, the Astros would benefit by keeping his defense in the game and give Hunter Pence more at-bats leading off.
-- Chris H., San Diego

Cooper has made it very clear he has no intention of hitting the pitcher eighth and Bourn ninth. Plus, Bourn is starting to come around offensively, so I see no need to boot him from the leadoff spot. Plus, Pence is thriving as the sixth-place hitter. He didn't do so well when he was hitting toward the top.

What is the song Astros announcers Bill Brown and Jim DeShaies play when Miguel Tejada gets a hit or makes a nice play on defense? It seems as if they are almost always playing it and it makes me want to dance.
-- Jon B., Cleveland, Texas

You're not the only one, judging from the number of e-mails I've received on that topic. Apparently, the music is from a CD that FSN Houston provides, consisting of various highlight songs, all under the proprietary FOX Music label. That track is from a CD called "International Highlight Music."

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In other words, it doesn't appear to have a name, and it's not available to the public, so downloading it on your iPod probably isn't an option.

I gave you a hard time about Adam Everett last year. What's your opinion now? Still think he should be an Astro?
-- Richard T., Beaumont, Texas

Now, that would seem a little silly, seeing what Tejada has brought to this team. Also, Everett's on the disabled list for the second time this season, this time with a right shoulder injury, so it's not a stretch to assume he wouldn't be of much help to the Astros right now.

I stand by my conviction that Everett is a terrific defensive shortstop, probably the best one I've seen. But Tejada has changed the entire makeup of this team. He's been outstanding offensively, he's been solid in the field and his gregarious personality and enthusiasm is rubbing off on his teammates. I have no idea where the Astros will end up in the standings, but it sure is fun watching them, isn't it? Tejada has a lot to do with that.

What's going to happen to Tim Byrdak when Wandy Rodriguez comes off the DL? Will he go back to the Minors or will the Astros trade him?
-- Jonathan A., Houston

Byrdak's not going anywhere. He hasn't given up a run yet, and to have two lefties in the 'pen is a luxury every manager wants, but few have. Byrdak is a keeper, as is Wesley Wright.

I'm not sure what's going to happen when Rodriguez comes off the DL. They could carry an extra reliever in the 'pen for a while and go with 13 pitchers, which would necessitate removing a position player from the roster. They also have a decision to make regarding who stays in the rotation -- Chris Sampson or Brian Moehler? Assuming they both stay on the roster and one moves to the 'pen, that means another reliever loses his job. Dave Borkowski could be pushed out, judging from his recent performances.

It's unlikely a decision will arrive until late Tuesday or early Wednesday, before the Astros activate Rodriguez.

I recognize the value in standing behind young players and giving them a chance to work through things. And I agree with keeping Bourn around for that reason, particularly as he makes big plays defensively. But when you have a catcher, in Humberto Quintero, who tore it up at the plate during Spring Training, is batting .333 right now at Triple-A and has shown reasonable ability before at the Major League level, I don't understand why J.R. Towles isn't asked to work out his offensive problems in Round Rock.
-- Randy N., Tomball, Texas

I'm not sure when you sent this e-mail, but last I checked, Quintero was hitting .222. That, to me, does not scream, "Callup." As long as the team is winning, I think they'll hang onto Towles. They have long-term plans for him and therefore have nothing to lose by continuing to throw him in the mix, as long as his bat isn't hurting the team, which it isn't.

It's fair to wonder if Towles simply needs more seasoning in the Minor Leagues. After all, he did start last season at Class A before skyrocketing through the system and winding up in the big leagues as a September callup. The front office apparently feels he has the skills to be able to hit at this level and believes he'll come around in time. There is also a general feeling that he simply needs to grow up a bit. I think the leash is going to be pretty long with Towles, unless the Astros start losing.

Why has Brad Ausmus been wearing a different helmet recently to catch? For the past few years, I've been used to seeing a dead cow on his head, now he is sporting the all black. What gives?
-- Peter G., Sugar Land, Texas

The change in Ausmus' helmet is due to league rules. Wilson Sporting Goods paid Major League Baseball a fee for the exclusive right to use MLB logos on a hockey-style mask. Ausmus uses masks from All-Star, not Wilson. He was told he would be fined and/or suspended if all of the artwork wasn't removed from his mask. He also noted that Major League Baseball approved that artwork about six years ago.

If Ausmus wanted to put an Astros logo on his mask, he'd have to use the Wilson version. He doesn't like Wilson masks, so he's sticking with the All-Star brand and using plain colors.

Do you think that Ausmus is always going to catch for Roy Oswalt or do you think that Cooper will at some point put Towles with Oswalt?
-- Shelley G., Katy, Texas

I would surmise Ausmus will continue to work with Oswalt. Maybe down the road, Cooper will pair Towles and Oswalt, but for now, Oswalt probably needs the more experienced hand behind the plate as he tries to work through whatever it is that's preventing him from pitching as well as he has in the past.