If you're like Houstonist, then you can't wait until Monday for the Houston Astros, MLB's hottest team, to return to Minute Maid Park. So what are you going to do until then? You're going to pack your bags and truck it on up I-45 to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington to see your beloved Astros this weekend, that's what!

This will be the eighth year for the annual Lone Star Series with the winner taking home the coveted Silver Boot, which the Rangers currently own, in a best of six game series. This match up between the Astros and Rangers might be the best to date. Since May 1, the Astros sport MLB's best record at 11-2 and the Rangers have the second best record since that date at 10-4.

If you're trying to keep score, The Rangers have won the Silver Boot four times, but they hold a losing record at 20-22 all-time vs. the Astros. The Astros were the first Texas team to play in a World Series; the Rangers are still waiting to win a playoff series. Since 1996, the Astros have only two losing seasons; since 2000, the Rangers have only one winning season. In 2006, Nolan Ryan was voted by both teams as their DHL MLB Hometown Hero, no other team has that distinction.

Now, it's time for the players to watch list:

Houston Astros

• Lance Berkman: .391 AVG, 15 HR's and 43 RBI. What category doesn't he lead? A Triple Crown and MVP candidate. This could be a special year in Houston.
• Hunter Pence: .286 AVG, 4 HR's and 22 RBI. After struggling early and often, Pence is back in form and currently with a 13-game hit streak. An Arlington native, Pence will be looking to show up his home town team.
• Miguel Tejada: .343 AVG, 5 HR's and 31 RBI. A pleasant surprise to Houston. A leader. A defensive whiz. A no doubt All-Star. You've done well Ed Wade.

Texas Rangers

• Josh Hamilton: .293 AVG, 8 HR's and 44 RBI. Currently leads MLB in RBI. A potent bat and the future of Rangers baseball. He's the center fielder they've been looking for since their ballpark opened in 1994.
• David Murphy: .277 AVG, 4 HR's and 23 RBI. April's A.L. Rookie of the Month and product of Klein High School in Spring, TX. He plays with hustle and grit and is quickly becoming a fan favorite for the Rangers.
• Michael Young: .288 AVG, 3 HR's and 20 RBI. The face of the Rangers. A hit machine with five consecutive 200+ hit seasons. Although he's off to a slow start, he shouldn't be taken likely. His track record proves it.

Houston Astros v. Texas Rangers

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX

Friday at 7:05 p.m.
Shawn Chacon (0-0, 3.53 ERA) v. Sidney Ponson (2-0, 3.16 ERA)

Saturday at 6:05 p.m.
Roy Oswalt (4-3, 5.05 ERA) v. Vicente Padillia (5-2, 3.23 ERA)

Sunday at 2:05 p.m.
Brandon Backe (2-5, 4.62 ERA) v. Kason Gabbard (1-0, 2.12 ERA)

Tickets: www.texasrangers.com