Twain and The Rangers

Two of my favorite ways to pass time. Check out TR Sullivan's post about Brad Wilkerson and the enigman that is OPS. As always, you'll leave his page feeling smarter, and maybe even a little more literate.

GMJ Who?

Who out there doesn't think Kenny Lofton can do this...ummmm, OK, bad question.
Gary Matthews Unbelievable Catch

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Welcome to the Jungle

Get pumped up watching this video about Gagne. Audiences beware, this video does contain steriod accusations made by fans of the former team and in no way reflect my opinion or that of The Texas Rangers. Actually nothing on this blog reflects the opinion of The Texas Rangers, unless they they want to be right.

Tearing it Up!

Blasphemy! This is one of the scariet videos I have ever seen.

At Bats for Otsuka

Maybe we should try to get Otsuka some at bats as well, or at least an advertising deal.

Fuel the Fire

Let me know which of our division rivals do you dislike the most. After watching this, I think I'm voting for the Angels.

Ready to Rumble

Looks like there will be some major competition for roster spots once The Rangers begin spring training. The DMN reports that Sosa will battle Diaz and Botts for a spot, yet there seem to be a few others looking to hang on. Byrd, Hairston, Wilkerson, Cruz, and even Arias will all be looking to find a place and we can't keep them all. Obviously some do not have minor league options, but the scrap heap of outfielders is a pretty tall stack.

I'm also looking forward to seeing who earns the last spot(s) in the rotation, and hopefully not by default. I like Hurley's confidence and I bet we see some of him sooner than later, but that youthful energy will be helpful.

Also, don't be surprised to see Otsuka pushing Gagne, which will only make our bullpen better...BUT...with all this inner competition, Washington has his hands full...AND...if we have a rough start, clubhouse cohesion will be sticky (I mean that negatively).

Rangers Do The Wright Thing

The Rangers signed Jamey Wright to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. See, pitchers do want to come to Texas. Well, as long as they've been hurt or sucked it up and are looking to have an average year and cash in.

As I right this, I'm getting kind of angry. How many players do you think will be on both the opening day roster for this year and next year? Any of these guys that we have inked for one year deals will bolt if they do well and we will end up in the same boat again. Or...if they are playing well we might trade them for someone else who will leave at the end of the season.

Ranger Fan Fest

Ranger Fan Fest! Lots of great stuff at the ballpark this weekend. I might be stuck working into the afternoon on Saturday so if the weather is nice, head out to Ranger Mecca and have some fun.

Holy Maloney

Maloney brothers in New Orleans offered a promotion during Saints training camp that anyone who bought a big screen would get a refund if the Saints won the Super Bowl. Safe bet right. Not so fast my friend. Not sure even the Swami saw this one coming.

Think anyone around here will do that for our Rangers?

Ranger Clinic Saturday

Pegasus News reports that Ian Kinsler, Rick Bauer, and Wes Littleton will be at D-Bat Baseball Academy in Addison (4:30 pm) to give tips. Hope it's inside. This rain is making me crazy!

George Bush, Your Pick for Prez

George Bush digs deep during his days with the Rangers, leaving no booger unturned.

Reason to Celebrate?

Just one more Johnny commercial. Now try picturing the funny birthday hat on Washington's fro. Maybe he does have commercial appeal.

Watch This, Washington

Even the commercials were better. I miss Johnny Oates. Picture Ron Washington eating a a hot dog with Molly. Not quite the same.

Arias in the Outfield?

Where are the haters now? Everyone seemed to be up in arms about Sosa crowding up the outfield and now it looks like top prospect Joaquin Arias will get some time in center field. A better plan would be to feature his skills slick fielding and bat during spring training and then package him with someone else for another arm. I love the kid but Young and Kinsler have their spots locked up.

Why is center field such a black hole for this team?! What's Otis Nixon up to?

Awesome Sammy Commercial

Sammy and Los Rangers. "It's so Real!" (Just Watch)

Newberg on KRLD

I'm the King of the Castle

Check out this wild story about a man that was Tasered by police for refusing to remove his Dodger cap during a city council meeting. I have to admit, I feel the same way, except it's Ranger Red instead of Dodger Blue. Got to love student newspapers.

It's Official

Or just about. Kate O-Brien of the Star-Telegram writes about the signing and offers a Sammy timeline.

Go big or go home. I love the young guys we have but ithout taking a chance then this team will end up where it's been the last 8 years.

Start rubbing your troll dolls, or rabbit feet, or grandpa's bald head, because we're getting close to kicking this baby off!

All Hail Technorati

Technorati Profile

Better Than 1999?

All of us know that 1999 was the last time Los Rangers made the playoffs. Is the 2007 team better, even, or worse?

c....Pudge...or...Gerald Laird
1b...Lee Stevens...or...Mark Texiera
2b...Mark McLemore...or...Ian Kinsler
3b...Todd Zeile...or...Hank Blaylock
ss...Royce Clayton...or...Mike Young
lf...Rusty Greer...or...Brad Wilkerson
cf...Tom Goodwin...or...Kenny Lofton
rf...Juan Gonzalez...or...Nelson Cruz
dh...Rafael Palmeiro...or...Frank Catalonotto

sp...John Burkett...or...Millwood
sp...Mark Clark...or...Padilla
sp...Aaron Sele...or...McCarthy
sp...Rick Helling...or...Tejeda
sp...Esteban Loiaza...or...Koronka (or Loe, Volquez, Benoit, Diamond...)

rp...Crabtree, Patterson, Venafro, Zimmerman
...or...Wilson, Bauer, Otsuka, Gagne

Not so good buddy.

Sammy Time!

Let's do it! I love Buck, but 162 games is a long season and teams need someone to bring energy and emotion. Buck's even keel kept the team from getting down but never let them play inspired ball.

Imagine Sammy sprinting out to left field in front of Home Run Porch. There will be plenty of at bats for Cruz, Lofton, Cat, Wilkerson, Diaz, and Botts. We thought we had a surplus at outfield last year. Hmmmm.

Sosa Sighting?

TR Sullivan reports that Sammy Sosa worked out for our Rangers today. I'm a little skeptical since the temperature hardly reached the low thirties.

I don't see anything wrong with an invitation to Spring Training. If we're willing to throw money at people like Gagne, Eaton, and Mulder...why not take a flyer on Sosa that will cost us next to nothing.

Golden Opportunity

Looks like four prospects will get a shot to show their stuff at Ranger's spring training. Richard Durrett of wfaa.com reports that pitchers Thomas Diamond and Eric Hurley, catcher Kevin Richardson and first baseman Nate Gold have been invited to camp.

It'd be nice to see a strong young outfielder push what is on the roster or at least some power to contend for DH at bats.

Here is a nice depth chart as things shape up right now.

Lujan for Stewart

I'm not quite sure why Los Rangers are trading any arms (young buck Johnny Lujan) for a back up player (24 year-old squatter Chris Stewart) at a position where there will be plenty of options when spring training roster cuts are made. I'm excited about seeing Laird get significant playing time and I don't see any reason why Miguel Ojeda or Guillermo Quiroz can't fill in occasionally. If Drew Meyer doesn't clear waivers and we lose him, then this deal seems unnecessarily risky.

Ranger Baseball

It's 2007 and Spring Training is right around the corner. I can't wait for the season.