Rangers Beat Jays in 14

A few years ago my friends and I were headed to a comedy club and when we were almost there, one realized he'd left his wallet and ID back at the place. We had to go back and get it, making us late for the show.

Not that there was anything comical about last night's game, but Broussard would be my ID-less friend (and Benoit would be the one no one wanted to come but came anyway).

I hate walks, but another thing I beginning to hate more is allowing batters to get to a full count with two outs. It seems like this happens all the time by Ranger pitchers which allows the baserunners to run on the pitch.

And now Blalock's back is bad again. I'm anxious to see what's next in line at 3rd because even though I have been happy with Hank's play so far, I'm nervous about his long-term health.

Kason Gabbard. Please don't get pissed that the team squandered your performance. Don't get upset because it's going to happen again...and again...and...you get the point. Hmmmm, maybe this is why pitchers don't want to come to Texas.

Blundering Rangers Drop Another

I'm so confused. Are our players this inept? If so, are we really building anything.

No one in our current rotation will be a starter here in three years.

Do you really think Young and Kinsler are the elite middle tandem to build on.

Hamilton is the only outfielder that may be a starter in three years.

Hank won't have the ability to play third in a few years.

We have no first baseman.

Laird will not be here past this season.

If we are lucky, Benoit and Wilson will still be productive, but if so, it's going to take big money to keep them. Maybe more than you want to spend on relief pitching.

The one change I hope comes sooner than later is that Washington is forced to go on Jeff Foxworthy's show to prove he is smarter than a fifth grader. No way he wins if there are categories about sports or grammar.

Harold Reynolds Update

Since I mentioned him I figured I would link to a story updating his situation. Looks like he's not quite as bad as ESPN made him out to be. Good thing they still have Dana Jacobson. I hope someone picks him up.

Berman Caught

He's a fool. I know this deals with football, but I saw an blurb about how Clay Bucholz of the Red Sox was spotted drinking with Berman and it made me worry about his interference with our good game. It also made me thing of Harold Reynolds. I always like hearing him talk shop. Can't imagine Reynolds making the work environment more hostile than Berman.

Check out the interview with the man behind the Berman videos.

CBSSports.com Ranger Game Preview

Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball, Toronto Blue Jays - CBSSports.com

I'm jumping on the bandwagon of those frustrated with ESPN. Not only has the television station become a joke (that's not really funny), the dang web page seems to lock up my laptop all the time. I've branched out and found the CBS Sportsline site to provide a good game preview. I'll feature a few others and decide what's best. Got a suggestion? I'd like to know.

Errors Doom Rangers Against Jays

Yeah, yeah. I know we haven't scored enough the last two games to win either, but the shaky defense has got to drop morale and therefore the bats. Padilla was cruising until Cat couldn't hang in to the deep lined hit over his shoulder. Difficult play. Maybe, but one that could spark some momentum rather than rattle a pitcher that struggles to control the marbles he has left. Funny how I never see criticism of Frankie C taking at-bats and playing time away from the youngsters. What's he doing on this team?

Saturday night seemed like the same as other close losses. Mendoza took a little time to settle down in the first but ended up getting out of the first frame with only one runner crossing. It wasn't until three consecutive ball rolled through the left side of the infield that the game was decided. Only Hank's mistake counted as an error but Young could have snagged the ball up the middle and has to knock down his second chance the save a run. People still going to blame the flu? It was a long time ago the Nomar, Jeter, A-rod, and a fielder like Young could be considered elite shortstops. Take a look around the league and tell me our "face of the franchise" is an elite shortstop. Borderline elite hitter these days and not with risp.

Last year I noticed numerous games where people remarked how pitchers threw games against the Rangers that they hadn't shown previous. This year there have been a few gems by a couple more no-names, and I bet there will be more. My reasons:

1. Confidence. They know their hitters will score a few against us.
2. Lack of patience by Ranger hitters. They can get Ranger hitters to swing early and often. Stat packing K totals for a few non-K hurlers.
3. Lack of the long ball threat. Sure Hamilton will poke a few, but I doubt there is too much fear for pitchers when facing Broussard, Bradley, or Hank.
4. Rangers don't run (or bunt, or hit the other way, or sacrifice...) So there are runners in scoring position, so what. We stink with risp.

I know what will keep the Blue Jays from sweeping us since the first time in over 20 years, Scott Feldman. And don't look now, but the only healthy lefty in the pen is "blueglovelefty." Might be a long time between Feldman and Wilson today. I tell you what, I'm going to Scarborough Faire and I'll check in on the boys later. Adios.

Baseball Players as Celebrities

Neat to see a little exploration of the role new media plays in the coverage of MLBers. The article is kind of weak, but worth the read because of the topic alone. I've never understood how Hollywood celebrities are chased and documented while the private lives of the ball player have been left alone. The times, they are a changin'.

Rangers Creep Over .500

Congratulations Ron Washington. 1st time over .500 and the Rangers first time since September of 2006. We've missed you.

Is there anything that can propel a team and build confidence more than winning a double header? Seriously, I can't think of a topper. Even signing a player or trading for one could generate excitement, but the effect can be moot when play starts. Maybe a big comeback win, but that may only motivate the team when it's behind. Probably the one scenario that might compare is a series sweep against a front runner, but I bet the guys feel pretty good today going to work, and I hope we keep it going against the Jays.

Good luck, Guillermo, or whatever your name is today.

Let's Play Two

One of my favorite days of the year used to be Mother's day when the Ranger's regularly played a double header. Back at Arlington Stadium. My dad and I frequented games, but that day we all went. Seems like we all just get so busy these days. Good luck, guys.

Opening Day Blues

So the Rangers have never been over .500 with Ron Washington. That's got to be rough. I feel bad for the guys that have been here and are being asked for patience. Accepting losing builds a climate that is satisfied with mediocrity. No organization, business, or even individual thrives with that ethic.

Four walks, a hit batter, and an error. Six extra base runners. Hard to compete like that. We can make excuses that Jennings overthrew in front of his home fans and he hitters wanted to excite the crowd, but the truth is that Brian Burres has a legitimate fastball and slow lefty, bender. Pretty filthy stuff. Not bad for a team many say might be the worst in the AL. Not if Burres brings that arsenal each time he gets a turn. Might just be that it was his b-day, and I always had huge games on that occasion.

Let's try again tomorrow.

Former Ranger Update

So here's your former Ranger line-up. Big bucks. Worth the moolah?

Wilkerson 0 for 2, hitting .059
(3B)Mike Lamb went 2 for 4 for the Twins and is hitting under .200
(2B)Soriano went 1 for 6 and is at .094
(util)DeRosa is playing well for the Cubs. Good news after his health problems.
Carlos Pena 1 for 4 , .227
(SS)A-Rod 1 for 4, .320
Adrian Gonzalez 4 for 5, scored 4 runs, hit his 2nd HR, .344
Hafner 0 for 2, .240
(LF)Delucci, keeping the bench warm
(CF)GMJ, 1 for 2, .344
(RF)Carlos Lee 2 for 4, .303
(1B) Texiera 0 for 3, .172
(C) Pudge, .174
Loaiza and Chan Ho game up jacks to the D-Backs Mark Reynolds (who?)

...logjam of left over 1st basemen.


Some that the Rangers considered over the off-season:

Carlos Silva had another quality start for the M's.
Kosuke Fukudome stole his 2nd base and is hitting over .450.
Torii Hunter, walk-off grand slam
Andrew Jones 0 for 4, .115


Observations from Monday:

The Pirates put in pitcher Zach Duke to pinch hit in their extra inning game.
Vlaverde, the Astros closer, has and ERA of 11.25 and is tied for the league lead with two wins.
Hanley Ramirez might be the best player in baseball.

Video of Chris Davis

Alex Eisenberg of Baseball Digest Daily News (neat site), has a breakdown and video of 3rd base prospect Chris Davis.

So what are we going to do with all these young talented players? Flip 'em for some pitching at some point?

Rangers Parking Info

Rumor is that parking at TBIA may be rougher this year than in the past. If you're one of the lucky ones that are getting to go to the game today, check out the map from The FWST.

Say a prayer that the rain holds off.

My Sports Knowledge

Just taking advantage of this forum to brag about how I picked Kansas to win the tournament and how my picks put me in the 94th percentile of Yahoo participants. The tough thing is that the company I keep is darn good also. I finished third in my pool. One place out of the money.

Time to recognize my talents. In an article penned by Michael Young of The DMN about Spring-time hope for Ranger fans, he quotes Jamie Newberg and Joe Siegler, both of which haven't linked to my page. As inclusive and cooperative as the Internet and blogging should be, it seems to be as clickish (sorry about the pun) as any organization I've experienced. I'll keep sending people their way. Taking the high road, but if anyone wants my opinion or link love, I'm easy to find.

Umpire Says Foul Word

ESPN airs an umpires F-bomb after being hit in the head by a pitch during the Sunday night broadcast between the White Sox and Tigers. Painful.

Scouting the Orioles

Check out the following blogs for insider info about Tuesday's opponent, the Tejeda-less Orioles. Hey, they're on fire right now. Better do our homework.

Camdenchat

Oriolepost
Orioleslocker
Roarfrom34

Dempsey's Army

Isn't the Internet great?

Hideo Nomo Returns

I know this isn't Ranger related, other than I've always wanted us to sign the Japanese legend, but the Royals purchased Hideo Nomo's minor league contract, so he's back in the bigs. I caught the fever back in 95 when he twirled his way to the NL ROY. Good thing I didn't get rid of that rookie card or Dodger jersey. Could still turn out to be worth something.

Rangers Reach .500, Laird Rocks!

It's going to be real hard to take the Rangers' catching job away from Gerald Laird, and after today, why would ya? The man blasted two Halo offerings for home runs. The first landed half way up that wildlife sanctuary or whatever the Angels have in center field. He ended the day going 4 for 5 and knocking in 6 runs. He threw a laser to gun down Chone Figgins, and he elected to play today so he could work further with Padilla...result...another well called game and a Ranger starter throwing 7 innings.

Good to see Benoit back. Good to see David Murphy steal a bag and keep playing solidly. Good to see Ramon Vazquez fill in nicely.

I'm not going to say anything about the two errors.

Hate that they will take Monday off. I want to see this team keep rolling. I'll take 3 and 3 after the first 6 games on the road against the two debatable best teams in the West. And rumor is that it's being debated.

Past and Present Rangers

Always tough to see former Rangers playing well in other uniforms. Volquez fanned 8 for the Reds and Chris Young is mowing down Dodgers as I type this. Former Rangers Teixera, Kapler, and Soriano have all hit home runs for their teams.

At least we've got Ben "The Bopper" Broussard who just launched his third dinger of the season and leads the league in rbi. He only had 7 all of last year. He's hit three on the road and should do well at TBIA.

Does it seem like we've had more batter hit by pitches than normal? I'm not complaining, but I don't want anyone hurt trying to be a 2nd inning hero.

OK, Padilla, keep your head.

Baseball Music Video

OK, CJ. Let's see if you can beat this classic baseball video from 1986.


I feel a little better about Orel bailing on the Rangers now.

Texas' History with Garland

Found it. In 2006 Guillen threw a fit when Garland failed to retaliate when Padilla plunked a few Sox hitters. I'm not sure it was personal since Padilla has hit more batters over the last 5 years (66) than any other pitcher in baseball. But, does it work? This from The Dallas Morning News:

" It should also be noted, however, that the hit batsmen apparently had the intended effect. He faced Chicago twice more after hitting a pair of White Sox in June, raising Guillen's ire. He held the White Sox to one earned run in 15 innings after twice hitting A.J. Pierzynski in June. He faced the Angels once after the August run-in and held them scoreless for seven innings."

Maybe having a little "Nuke" Laloosh in you helps? But it's not going to be enough if we can't muster more than a solo shot.

Millwood Misses Out on Win

Despite pitching the Rangers first complete game since my birthday in 2006 (thanks for that, Kevin), Millwood couldn't garner his first win of the season. Last night's "W" goes to Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (always funny) who is claiming he didn't have his best stuff but struck out six and shut out the Rangers through seven innings. Weaver is going to have to continue to pitch like that with Lackey and Escobar hurting.

Not-so-fun fact. The Rangers have only scored 9 runs in Millwood's last 7 starts going back to last year. That'll make pitchers want to come here.

Watching Torii Hunter last night, I still haven't decided whether we should have pushed harder for him. Wouldn't a Hunter, Hamilton, Bradley outfield be nasty? But 90 Million? Whew.

Still don't like to see our only run(s) coming via the long ball, but knowing that Darren Oliver is pitching, and getting the ball in meaningful situations, makes me wonder why more talented arms can't get it together. Good for you, D.O. And good for you, J.D. is the pile you pillaged from the Sox for Gagne.

For some reason I have a faint feeling that I'm supposed to dislike Jon Garland for a past meeting with the Rangers, but I can't remember what transpired. If you remember, let me know. Something more than just blanking us. Maybe a hit batter or some negative comments about Texas. Can't remember. That's what old age does to you.

Love your Sunday and keep rooting for Kansas. One win away from nailing this year's bracket.

Rangers Handle Halos

That's the team I want to see. Gabbard looked like a young Kenny Rogers, mixing speeds and rolling that bog lefty curve that players dribble all over the infield. And...our middle infield actually handled the chances.

We were the team taking extra bases on pitches in the dirt and balls hit behind runners.

The bullpen makes me nervous. I don't know what a Nippert is, but it doesn't seem to throw well. Kudos to the starters for being tolerable. Lets see if Millwood can ring up his first win against spring sensation Weaver. I feel good about today.

I'll be flipping over to the NCAA games to root for Kansas and UCLA. Still got a chance to win the pool. Go Jayhawks, Bruins, and, of course, Rangers..

Rangers Lose First Series of the New Season

Jennings threw OK. No major screw ups in this game, but nothing substantial either. Hamilton was the only one to reach base twice, both times on walks. Broussard did muscle one out, but I just don't see this guy being part of the Rangers future, and if not, he's wasting at-bats that some others need. On the other hand, if he has to keep digging throw out of the dirt, maybe he has to stay.

Silva, on the other hand, looked like a pitcher worth a 4-yr./$48 million contract. The largest ever given to a Mariner pitcher. Seemed a little high this off season, but what MLB contract doesn't seem high. I'd just like to see a pitcher come to the Rangers and pitch better than he had prior to his arrival. Been a long time since that's happened. I'm drawing a blank.

I hope Gabbard can get it going on Friday. He's been underwhelming this spring and I was excited when we brought him over in the Sox trade.

Canseco on Letterman

Vindicated? The sideshow is part of the spectacle of sports, and I feel OK adding the clip since he is a former Ranger and his miraculous header ranks as one of the funniest Ranger moments of all-time. Right or wrong, the guy is a trip and Letterman is classic in handling of the lug.

Rangers beat Mariners 5-4

From Jim Reeves at the FWST:

If you're keeping score, in the past two years, the Rangers have traded Alfonso Soriano, Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, Francisco Cordero and Teixeira and will not have a single player on their opening day 25-man roster to show for it. You have every right to wonder how much better this team would look if those five players were still here.

Pretty amazing, huh. And as far as our rebuilding plan, I hate it, but I'll explain in future posts.

Back to the game. Still giving up the extra base hit? Yes. Another Young error and two by Kinsler. Hamilton, who gets tonights pass because of his impressive, game winning jack off of Putz, misplayed a ball hit by Ichiro and let it fall in front of him. He more than made up for it later with a couple nice grabs.

Laird impressed me again. This time with a nice bunt that put him on second base. Did he really have 10 bunt singles last year? If salty is truly the phenom everyone keeps saying, why are we holding him while his stock drops. We've got plenty of catchers that can play a back up role in the bigs. Sell high!

Last highlight, Wilkerson going 0 for 5 and leaving 6 men on base. Good luck Mariners.

I've also seen some blog debate about whether the M's are the favorite to win the West. I kind of think so. Their rotation is deep and their line-up is fairly strong. I'd go with the Angels if their arms were healthy, but their top two starters are hurting and that may be enough for another team to keep up.

Good luck to my hometown boy Jason Jennings. Take it to 'em and represent that M town. 160 to go.

Game 1

One down. One loss. People seem to be excited about our batters working deep into counts, most times facing at least five pitches, but I'm not so sure this is such a great thing. Bedard did throw more than he probably wanted and was chased a little early, but until the 8th inning, our lone run had come on a solo shot by Young in the first and we were terrible with runners in scoring position (big problem last year).

From what I've read this off season, a major focus is not giving up the extra base. Someone should have told the players. Young's error rattled Millwood and opened the flood gates...or the bullpen gates...let's hope the two aren't synonymous. Fukumori came in and gave up a few extra bases with two wild pitches and two walks (I know one was intentional).

I also didn't like the attitude and body language of a few Rangers after a number of at-bats. Bradley had a right to be upset about Jim Joyce missing the HBP, but his bat fling isn't going to help when he's already got a terrible rep with umps. Broussard looked frustrated as well. Probably would too with that batting line. Byrd fired his gear down after a K, too. It's the first of 162 games and we are already whining and showing that kind of frustration. Can't be good.

About the only positive was Laird's defense. He gunned down two runners trying to steal, validating the decision to keep him as starter because of his defense, but how many O fers can we handle with this line-up.

Excited about seeing if King Felix can start this year like he did last year. If so, we will struggle tonight. 161 to go.