19 K's. Sure, Cleveland struck out 13 times, but 19!?! Games like last night's when a team has an early lead, comes back, and then blows it again, hurt. It's those nights that take a toll and keep players from becoming emotionally invested. Not that they don't try, but the excitement starts to disipate.
To Eyre's credit, he pitched well the other night and shouldn't even be with the squad right now if McCarthy and Padilla could pitch more than four innings to start a game. I am on record as being against the Padilla signing from the beginnig. He's not the type of guy I want on the Rangers.
Wilkerson is done. Done. End this madness. We made a mistake. Don't make it worse. Done.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Game 19, L5-4, Rangers Let One Slip Away
After winning a game that could instill some confidence, we lost a game we should have won. Despite falling behind (seems like we're always having to come back), the Rangers rallied to tie the score, but Washington left Millwood in too long and his last run was the difference. Do I blame Wash? No. I blame McCarthy whose two consecutive extremely short starts have taxed our bullpen to the point that Wash had to push Millwood.
Yes, Millwood is our ace. He should be able to go more than 106 pitches, and he shouldn't lose to some Mariner call-up. He shouldn't give up ten hits, even though most were cue shots and Texas leaguers. He should have gotten Ichiro out with two outs and the bases loaded...but Hank shouldn't have gotten his two out hit the night before.
Still so little success against the division. It'll cost us in the end.
Yes, Millwood is our ace. He should be able to go more than 106 pitches, and he shouldn't lose to some Mariner call-up. He shouldn't give up ten hits, even though most were cue shots and Texas leaguers. He should have gotten Ichiro out with two outs and the bases loaded...but Hank shouldn't have gotten his two out hit the night before.
Still so little success against the division. It'll cost us in the end.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Game 18, W4-3, Rangers Come Back from the Dead
Wow. Exciting finish, but don't get too excited. That was a golden gift from the A's, who don't do that after the all-star break.
Tejeda looked great, and we made Gaudin look even better. If former Ranger Justin Duchscherer hadn't caught the walk bug that we had the last few games, we'd be scratching our heads at the offense.
The other gifts came with hits on 0 and 2 counts. Granted, Hank did an awesome job to make contact and knock in the last two runs, but that's not going to happen often.
Good to see our walk total imited to 2, but our hitters can't strike out 11 times. More than half coming from Young, Kinsler, and Cruz.
Young is now hitting less than what I weigh. Not good. Seems like everything he's seeing is away. Really away. He's hitting balls to right, but no one is challenging him inside. maybe he needs to get up on the plate a little so he can start driving those wide ones.
Gagne looked like someone shot him in the back with a bb gun. Probably one of those spasms that he hadn't told anyone about. Seems like we ought to know when he's hurting. Do we have a communication problem?
Going against Baek, a 6-4 S. Korean, tonight. Don't know much about him, except that he has a tendency to give up the long ball. Millwood on the road. I like our chances tonight.
Tejeda looked great, and we made Gaudin look even better. If former Ranger Justin Duchscherer hadn't caught the walk bug that we had the last few games, we'd be scratching our heads at the offense.
The other gifts came with hits on 0 and 2 counts. Granted, Hank did an awesome job to make contact and knock in the last two runs, but that's not going to happen often.
Good to see our walk total imited to 2, but our hitters can't strike out 11 times. More than half coming from Young, Kinsler, and Cruz.
Young is now hitting less than what I weigh. Not good. Seems like everything he's seeing is away. Really away. He's hitting balls to right, but no one is challenging him inside. maybe he needs to get up on the plate a little so he can start driving those wide ones.
Gagne looked like someone shot him in the back with a bb gun. Probably one of those spasms that he hadn't told anyone about. Seems like we ought to know when he's hurting. Do we have a communication problem?
Going against Baek, a 6-4 S. Korean, tonight. Don't know much about him, except that he has a tendency to give up the long ball. Millwood on the road. I like our chances tonight.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Game 17, W7-0, Loe Turns Frown Upside Down
I remember kids in little league, mostly the coach's son, who would pout or cry when they didn't get to play where they wanted. Many times they wanted to pitch. I found myself in long relief situations. In that regard, I understand Loe's frustration with being in the pen. The difference, I was ten, and I also pitched well even when I didn't start.
Joe Kennedy pitched just as well as Loe, minue two more walks.
Nice to see our walk total back down to single digits. Nelson Cruz had a nice line and Tex increased his rbi total to a whoping 3.
Want to know how bad out offense is? Royce Clayton has a higher average than all of our regulars except for Kinsler, but could pass him any day now.
Let's see how we do againnst Guadin. The kid's good. Got to take 2 of 3 at home.
Joe Kennedy pitched just as well as Loe, minue two more walks.
Nice to see our walk total back down to single digits. Nelson Cruz had a nice line and Tex increased his rbi total to a whoping 3.
Want to know how bad out offense is? Royce Clayton has a higher average than all of our regulars except for Kinsler, but could pass him any day now.
Let's see how we do againnst Guadin. The kid's good. Got to take 2 of 3 at home.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Game 16, L16-4 Rangers Wasted My Night
I met the guys after work and we raced out to the game. We made good time and rolled into the parking lot in the bottom of the 2nd inning, but slowed our roll when hearing that the Rangers were behind 8-0. Had a beer or two in the parking lot. Turned in our vouchers to a rude attendant. Bought a dog. And saw that it was 10-0.
Didn't get one of the cheap blue hats given away, and the green dot was the third worst performer on the field after McCarthy and Chen.
Already have tickets for Cinco De Mayo, so if your looking to make some cash, put a couple bucks on the Jays that night. Don't seem to be good luck.
12 MORE WALKS!!!
Didn't get one of the cheap blue hats given away, and the green dot was the third worst performer on the field after McCarthy and Chen.
Already have tickets for Cinco De Mayo, so if your looking to make some cash, put a couple bucks on the Jays that night. Don't seem to be good luck.
12 MORE WALKS!!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Forbes' List of Baseball Team Values
The Rangers come in 17th out of all the MLB teams. but most interesting to me is that only the Nationals and Mariners had a smaller increase in worth over the last year. Everyone's getting better but us. Link.
Game 15, L6-4, White Sox Walk Away With 2
After a promising first game to open the series, we fell apart the last two. No hit by Buehrle, and then a more frustrating game on Thursday. Last night's game is the worst kind. 10 free passes. 6 by Padilla in 6 innings, and then when we claw back to tie the game, Feldman comes in to walk three more and surrender a home run on a 2-0 count. So much for pounding the strike zone.
Neat to see Sammy hitting. Too bad no one else is hot right now. Kinsler is a little. Sure, he's had home runs, but there are some small things that need to be done as well.
Worst thing. No hits again after the sixth inning. Our acerage is horrible in innings 7-9. Games in April mean as much as games in September. They all add up.
Neat to see Sammy hitting. Too bad no one else is hot right now. Kinsler is a little. Sure, he's had home runs, but there are some small things that need to be done as well.
Worst thing. No hits again after the sixth inning. Our acerage is horrible in innings 7-9. Games in April mean as much as games in September. They all add up.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Game 14, L6-0, Buehrle No Hits Rangers, Nearly Perfect
Not much to say today. Pretty sad. I barely remember Mike Witt's perfect game against the Rangers to finish the '84 season, (I was 6), but this ought to stick with me and the players for a while. Sure, his he had good stuff, but it seems like alot of people have good stuff when they face us. Always hear about how pitchers get it turned around against us or have a great night. I bet our bats have something to do with it.
Millwood looked bad, and in comparison to Buehrle, looked horrible. The #1 starter is like the boss in an office. People follow his lead. He sets the tone and level of expectation. If he fails to do his job, everyone else has an excuse and when people have reasons to justify failure, they'll use them. Human nature.
I'm going to my first game of the season on Friday against the A's. Anything new at the concession stand that I should try?
Millwood looked bad, and in comparison to Buehrle, looked horrible. The #1 starter is like the boss in an office. People follow his lead. He sets the tone and level of expectation. If he fails to do his job, everyone else has an excuse and when people have reasons to justify failure, they'll use them. Human nature.
I'm going to my first game of the season on Friday against the A's. Anything new at the concession stand that I should try?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Boston Fan Throws Pizza
This bothers me on so many levels. One being the wasting of a good slice of peperoni.
Been to Fenway once for an interleague game with the Mets. Out of control.
Been to Fenway once for an interleague game with the Mets. Out of control.
Game 13, W8-1, Sosa's Blast Seals Win Over ChiSox
Yes, Sosa overcame cold weather and a colder reception to smack a double off the wall and a 3-run home run, but Tuesday's big performer was Robinson Tejeda. Looking like the pitcher that dominated Boston in his first start, Tejeda pitched 7 innings, while giving up only 3 hits and a single run.
My opinion: Good pitching inspires offense. Ranger hitters have got to see Tejeda dominating and figure they can be patient at the plate. That patience led to three late home runs by Wilk, Sosa, and Kinsler. They didn't have to press for runs or come from behind. A good pitching performance does more than get the other team out. Need more nights like Tejeda's.
Still bothered by Young's night. Another 0 for 4. Might be trying too hard to go the other way, but pitchers are hammering him on the outside. Have they seen something? I also don't like getting all of our runs on the long ball. Don't get me wrong, ladies love the long ball, and I do too, but it seems like we lose game when we don't hit any jacks.
My opinion: Good pitching inspires offense. Ranger hitters have got to see Tejeda dominating and figure they can be patient at the plate. That patience led to three late home runs by Wilk, Sosa, and Kinsler. They didn't have to press for runs or come from behind. A good pitching performance does more than get the other team out. Need more nights like Tejeda's.
Still bothered by Young's night. Another 0 for 4. Might be trying too hard to go the other way, but pitchers are hammering him on the outside. Have they seen something? I also don't like getting all of our runs on the long ball. Don't get me wrong, ladies love the long ball, and I do too, but it seems like we lose game when we don't hit any jacks.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Game 12, L14-6 Rangers Kata-tastrophe
Horrible. All the way around. Kata was credited with two errors and could have had at least one more. McCarthy, Loe, and Chen combined to give up 12 earned runs. Forget who's going to start in the 5th spot. We look real shaky in the 2nd and 3rd spot too.
I know Young is putting the ball in play. And I like how he's hitting to the opposite field, but another 0 for 5? I don't remember so many games where he had so many hitless at bats. And he's not walking either. Probably the curse of being on my fantasy team.
Love Kinsler's pop, but so much of it has been useless.
Maybe a day off and facing the Sox this week will get us going. Good thing we won't be seeing Danks.
I know Young is putting the ball in play. And I like how he's hitting to the opposite field, but another 0 for 5? I don't remember so many games where he had so many hitless at bats. And he's not walking either. Probably the curse of being on my fantasy team.
Love Kinsler's pop, but so much of it has been useless.
Maybe a day off and facing the Sox this week will get us going. Good thing we won't be seeing Danks.
No More Yankee My Wankee
Richard and Sal from the Howard Stern Show call in to a cable access program about the NY Yankees. Kind of funny, but made me realize how similar blogging is to producing local programming. So much better to just have people post than have them call in.
Hot Girls on the Mound
Forget outfitting our foul shaggers with True uniforms. Why not take a tip from the East and have hotties toss out the first pitch? Maybe even bring 'em out for a pitch in middle relief. Brittney Spears or Jessica Simpson are also looking for face time. Get them on the bump and see what they can do.
Game 11, L8-3 Padilla Loses Control
Losing control would assume that one has control to be lost. A couple infield errors led to a mind explosion by Padilla who decided to plunk Ichiro. That finally wole up the slumbering lumber of the Mariners as Beltre blasted his first homer of the season.
Behind 6-0 after four, the only runs we could muster were on home runs by Sosa and Wilkerson. Figure on the rare occasions that those guys produce that we'd probably win. Not if Kins, Cat, and Young go 0 for 9.
We're going to have a tough time with the Schillings, Santanas, Hardens, Lackeys, and King Felixes...when we face a Miguel Batista and a team in the division, we've got to get it done if we want to be more than a .500 team, which we aren't right now.
This from ESPN about today's foe Horacio Ramirez:
"The left-hander spent the last four seasons with Atlanta, where he went 30-22 with a 4.13 ERA in 84 starts and 86 appearances, but was hampered by injuries. He went just 5-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 14 starts last season after suffering a strained left hamstring, a line drive off his head and a sprained middle finger on his pitching hand.
Ramirez is 6-0 with a 2.95 ERA in eight starts career against AL opponents and will be making his first appearance versus the Rangers."
Ought to be a tough one. Side note: Danks looked pretty dang good again yesterday.
Behind 6-0 after four, the only runs we could muster were on home runs by Sosa and Wilkerson. Figure on the rare occasions that those guys produce that we'd probably win. Not if Kins, Cat, and Young go 0 for 9.
We're going to have a tough time with the Schillings, Santanas, Hardens, Lackeys, and King Felixes...when we face a Miguel Batista and a team in the division, we've got to get it done if we want to be more than a .500 team, which we aren't right now.
This from ESPN about today's foe Horacio Ramirez:
"The left-hander spent the last four seasons with Atlanta, where he went 30-22 with a 4.13 ERA in 84 starts and 86 appearances, but was hampered by injuries. He went just 5-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 14 starts last season after suffering a strained left hamstring, a line drive off his head and a sprained middle finger on his pitching hand.
Ramirez is 6-0 with a 2.95 ERA in eight starts career against AL opponents and will be making his first appearance versus the Rangers."
Ought to be a tough one. Side note: Danks looked pretty dang good again yesterday.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Game 10, W5-2, Millwood Masterful Against M's
Millwood scattered 7 hits iver 6 innings and the bullpen trio of Benoit, Otsuka, and Gagne follwed to close out the game. Neat to see Gagne get a save, but I'm not ready to get on that bandwagon yet. I feel bad for Oki who has done everything asked and probably more.
How about Matt Kata. Picked up his first hit as a Ranger and then added two more, including a ninth inning blast for insurance. Maybe spring wasn't a fluke. Would love to see him replace Wilkerson.
Kinsler with 4 jacks?! What's going on? Love him at the 2 spot but Tex needs something behind him, and what we got isn't cutting it.
Good thing we don't see King Felix this series. That guy has got serious cheese.
Game on!
How about Matt Kata. Picked up his first hit as a Ranger and then added two more, including a ninth inning blast for insurance. Maybe spring wasn't a fluke. Would love to see him replace Wilkerson.
Kinsler with 4 jacks?! What's going on? Love him at the 2 spot but Tex needs something behind him, and what we got isn't cutting it.
Good thing we don't see King Felix this series. That guy has got serious cheese.
Game on!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Fat Man Crushes Lady at Shea
Like to see some more deatils on this. Big drunk dude fell on a lady at Shea and now she's in the hospital. Apparently Biggie Smalls made a quick getaway. Not sure how that happened. Crazy Northeners. Good thing we can handle our beer down here. Link.
Game 9, L5-4 Young's Two Blasts Not Enough for Rangers
James Shields, who has started in two of the Ray's three wins, shut down the Rangers except for three home runs. Two by Michael Young and another bt Kinsler, his fourth already. Lofton's two hits were all the rest of the team could muster. Our four through eight hitters went 0 for 18 with one walk. Who is this guy, Felix Hernandez?
Former Ranger Carlos Pena picked up his first hits of the season, including a home run off of Tejeda, who got shelled for ten hits in five innings.
Chris Young getting paid. New Padre contract worth 14.5 milliion over 4 years. Seems like a steal for the pitcher who held National League hitters to the lowest batting average (.206). From Scout's inc.:
"The Padres will pay Young at least $23 million through the 2011 season. Young, who was scheduled to make $600,000 this season, will receive a boost to $750,000 for 2007 plus a $500,000 signing bonus. He will make $2.5 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009 and $6.25 million in 2010. The option for 2011 is $8.5 million."
Former Ranger Carlos Pena picked up his first hits of the season, including a home run off of Tejeda, who got shelled for ten hits in five innings.
Chris Young getting paid. New Padre contract worth 14.5 milliion over 4 years. Seems like a steal for the pitcher who held National League hitters to the lowest batting average (.206). From Scout's inc.:
"The Padres will pay Young at least $23 million through the 2011 season. Young, who was scheduled to make $600,000 this season, will receive a boost to $750,000 for 2007 plus a $500,000 signing bonus. He will make $2.5 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009 and $6.25 million in 2010. The option for 2011 is $8.5 million."
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Game 8, W12-9, Rangers Back to .500
This team loves to come back. After Wright squandered our early lead by giving up five runs in the third, the bullpen only gave up one more earned run the rest of the game. But D Young's blast in the ninth following Kinsler's error was a serious shot.
Glad Lodton is heating up. Big Cat fan and haven't been worried about him.
Be careful getting on the Hank bandwagon. I love that he's going the other way with balls, but in 31 at-bats, he's got ten hits and eight punch outs. Kinda high. He left six on base last night.
Ranger-for-life Young is in a slump inlike I have ever seen him in. Another hitless game when everyone seemed to be finding holes.
Only thing electric about Jamey Wright is that it's shocking he's the 5th starter. Should have been Loe. I would have understood Chen. Now, niether of those two has been that impressive, and we'll probably lose Mike Wood, who if claimed off waivers, will help a ballclub. Can't say that'll be the case with Wright.
Can care less about Gagne right now unless he's stepping into the rotation or can play left and hit.
Left another 18 on base. Again, nice to see so many runners, but on a night when we needed 10 to win, we'll need to get more in when we have chances against better teams than The Rays.
Glad Lodton is heating up. Big Cat fan and haven't been worried about him.
Be careful getting on the Hank bandwagon. I love that he's going the other way with balls, but in 31 at-bats, he's got ten hits and eight punch outs. Kinda high. He left six on base last night.
Ranger-for-life Young is in a slump inlike I have ever seen him in. Another hitless game when everyone seemed to be finding holes.
Only thing electric about Jamey Wright is that it's shocking he's the 5th starter. Should have been Loe. I would have understood Chen. Now, niether of those two has been that impressive, and we'll probably lose Mike Wood, who if claimed off waivers, will help a ballclub. Can't say that'll be the case with Wright.
Can care less about Gagne right now unless he's stepping into the rotation or can play left and hit.
Left another 18 on base. Again, nice to see so many runners, but on a night when we needed 10 to win, we'll need to get more in when we have chances against better teams than The Rays.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Game 7, W8-4 Rangers Run Away with Win
Despite falling behind early again, the Rangers rallied (all runs scored with two outs) to beat the Devil Rays. Cruz and Kinsler combined to go 7 for 7 while Sosa and Lofton wound up 0 for 8.
Congratulations to Chris Stewart for getting his first MLB hit and rbi. Also glad to see us running on the paths (Now 2nd in the AL in steals behind The Rays).
McCarthy with another quality start and the bullpen looked good except for a Carl Crawford blast surrendered by Kam Loe.
Hate to see Catalanatto leave 4 in scoring position, but timely hitting was better.
Clawing our way back to .500!
Congratulations to Chris Stewart for getting his first MLB hit and rbi. Also glad to see us running on the paths (Now 2nd in the AL in steals behind The Rays).
McCarthy with another quality start and the bullpen looked good except for a Carl Crawford blast surrendered by Kam Loe.
Hate to see Catalanatto leave 4 in scoring position, but timely hitting was better.
Clawing our way back to .500!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Rangers Have the Worst Outfield in Baseball
The following is from Gil "Lebretard" of the FWST:
Matthews left for California, but Lofton has had a long, fruitful career as a lead-off man, with an on-base percentage of .372. He probably can't -- and shouldn't have to -- play 162 games. Washington has warm bodies to spell him.
But do the math. Matthews and Lee signed with their new teams for a combined $150 million. Yes, but Lee will be playing in the belt for THE NEXT SIX YEARS. And GMJ will be beating up on us for FIVE YEARS!
Lofton ($6 million), Wilkerson ($4.35 million), Catalanotto ($3.5 million), Cruz ($382,000) and Sosa ($500,000, plus incentives) will fill the Rangers' outfield needs for a combined $14.7 million. BUT NONE WILL BE HERE IN TWO YEARS AND WE'LL HAVE TO SPEND LEE AND GMJ MONEY!
That leaves money for (LIVERPPOOL?)-- dare we say it? -- pitching. Or for Mark Teixeira. Or for whatever.
Besides, if the Rangers are out of it come August, if the fragile lineup or pitching hopes come tumbling down, Lofton and Sosa could be candidates to be moved around the trading deadline
...Both will be free agents at the end of the year. If they're playing well, it means we're in contention and we'll keep them until the end of the year when they leave for bigger bucks. If they aren't and are expendable, who'll give us anything for aging outfielders who'll either retire or move on in the summer. My mmoney says none of these guys is starting in the outfield in 2008.
If Gil doesn't think the Rangers have the worst outfield in the league, who does?
Matthews left for California, but Lofton has had a long, fruitful career as a lead-off man, with an on-base percentage of .372. He probably can't -- and shouldn't have to -- play 162 games. Washington has warm bodies to spell him.
But do the math. Matthews and Lee signed with their new teams for a combined $150 million. Yes, but Lee will be playing in the belt for THE NEXT SIX YEARS. And GMJ will be beating up on us for FIVE YEARS!
Lofton ($6 million), Wilkerson ($4.35 million), Catalanotto ($3.5 million), Cruz ($382,000) and Sosa ($500,000, plus incentives) will fill the Rangers' outfield needs for a combined $14.7 million. BUT NONE WILL BE HERE IN TWO YEARS AND WE'LL HAVE TO SPEND LEE AND GMJ MONEY!
That leaves money for (LIVERPPOOL?)-- dare we say it? -- pitching. Or for Mark Teixeira. Or for whatever.
Besides, if the Rangers are out of it come August, if the fragile lineup or pitching hopes come tumbling down, Lofton and Sosa could be candidates to be moved around the trading deadline
...Both will be free agents at the end of the year. If they're playing well, it means we're in contention and we'll keep them until the end of the year when they leave for bigger bucks. If they aren't and are expendable, who'll give us anything for aging outfielders who'll either retire or move on in the summer. My mmoney says none of these guys is starting in the outfield in 2008.
If Gil doesn't think the Rangers have the worst outfield in the league, who does?
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Game 6, L2-3 Schilling and Pabelbon Shut Down Rangers
Padilla would like a d.o. to D.O. Despite matching frames with Schilling, Padilla gave up two homers to Big Papi, which ended up being the difference in the game.
The Rangers sniffed a chance when Pinero came in and loaded the bases, but Papelbon put out that fire with some serious gas. He looked unhittable.
Our outfield and dh stunk again tonight. They ended up 2 for 15 with 5 strikeouts. Wilkerson had three K's and looked servely overmatched. Lofton got thrown out by his counterpart, Coco Crisp, on a bonehead baserunning error.
Just got beat tonight, but in order to be a championship team, these are the close ones that mean the difference between 81 and 90+ wins.
Looking forward to seeing some of that Devil Ray youth. Some serious talent over there. McCarthy better get ready to bring it.
The Rangers sniffed a chance when Pinero came in and loaded the bases, but Papelbon put out that fire with some serious gas. He looked unhittable.
Our outfield and dh stunk again tonight. They ended up 2 for 15 with 5 strikeouts. Wilkerson had three K's and looked servely overmatched. Lofton got thrown out by his counterpart, Coco Crisp, on a bonehead baserunning error.
Just got beat tonight, but in order to be a championship team, these are the close ones that mean the difference between 81 and 90+ wins.
Looking forward to seeing some of that Devil Ray youth. Some serious talent over there. McCarthy better get ready to bring it.
Texas Pitching Pipeline
Former Rangers John Danks and Kip Wells (from Houston) pitched well for their respective teams today. Danks got the loss, but just got outdueled by Santana. No shame in that.
Former Mesquite, TX pitcher Jason Jennings threw six good innings for the Astros today. Former Forney Jackrabbit Zack Segovia got his first major league start for the Phillies. Decent. Zach Duke, who owes me a monkey, got his first win of the season while shutting down the Reds.
Hopefully Padilla, who was once traded for Curt Schilling, will step up for the Rangers on national TV tonight. Did Millwood look fat last night? I promise you Schilling will tonight.
Former Mesquite, TX pitcher Jason Jennings threw six good innings for the Astros today. Former Forney Jackrabbit Zack Segovia got his first major league start for the Phillies. Decent. Zach Duke, who owes me a monkey, got his first win of the season while shutting down the Reds.
Hopefully Padilla, who was once traded for Curt Schilling, will step up for the Rangers on national TV tonight. Did Millwood look fat last night? I promise you Schilling will tonight.
Batting Practice Schedule
Below is a chart showing the batting practice times for the 2007 season at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Start Times: 1:05 2:05 2:55 7:05 7:35
Rangers Hit 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:20 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00
Field Prep 11:10 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 5:10 p.m. 5:40
Visitors Hit 11:20 a.m. 12:20 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 5:50
Rangers Inf 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:50 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30
Visitors Inf 12:10 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:10 p.m. 6:40
Start Times: 1:05 2:05 2:55 7:05 7:35
Rangers Hit 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:20 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00
Field Prep 11:10 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 5:10 p.m. 5:40
Visitors Hit 11:20 a.m. 12:20 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 5:50
Rangers Inf 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:50 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30
Visitors Inf 12:10 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:10 p.m. 6:40
Go Chorizo!
News report about the official suasage of the LosRangers blog. Too bad it didn't win the race. Chorizo and runs are a familiar combination. Didn't know the Brew Crew had Hispanic alternate jerseys like our Los Rangers. Kind of cool.
Looks like we're trying to copy them with a live dot race at the game on Saturday.
Looks like we're trying to copy them with a live dot race at the game on Saturday.
Danks in HDTV
John Danks will be pitching on WGN in HDTV today (Sunday) at 1:05.
"Honestly, I like our offense," Danks told the team's official Web site when asked about his matchup with Santana. "If I keep us in the game, I like our chances to win."
I'm betting on Johan. My fantasy team needs a win and about 10 K's. It'd help if the Indians and Mariners could get a game or two in as well.
Game 5, W8-4
It took a cold night to heat up the Ranger bats, but the Rangers got them going in an impressive 8-4 win over the Red Sox and Julian Tavarez.
Let me start with the bad. The weather for one. This isn't how baseball should play, but at least we're not in Cleveland. Propbably a good motto for most days. Not happy that we stranded 23 baserunners (same as the BoSox), but at least that means we had a ton on people on base. Hank's lead-off triple bothered me the most.
Kam Loe struggled. I hope he isn't pouting because he's stuck out in the pen; but the only way to earn some starts is performing during the season, and yesterday was a step back.
I missed Josh Lewin. Whoever worked with Grieve was horrible. Josh can be a little grating at times as well, but a 3:28 game needed a little more personality than Entourage talk.
The GOOD. Quite a bit here. Despite falling behind by two, we still were patient hitters and saw a high number of pitches. Tim Mcclelland had a generous strike zone behind the plate, but we still worked 7 walks. Same with Millwood, he found his pitches that worked and gave us six quality innings. Everyone seemed to be hitting the ball to the opposite field except for Lofton (since when did he start swinging like Ichiro?). Benoit looked good again, and Mahay held the game together for us. Sosa, who has been chasing worms with his infield dribblers, finally got a solid shot out of the infield and it landed in the left center bleachers. Impressive considering how the ball wasn't carrying. Lastly, the outfield and DH ended up 6 for 18 with 2 walks and 5 rbi. That's the difference between losing 3-4 and winning 8-4. Can they keep it up? We'll see against Schilling tonight.
Six shooters?
Let me start with the bad. The weather for one. This isn't how baseball should play, but at least we're not in Cleveland. Propbably a good motto for most days. Not happy that we stranded 23 baserunners (same as the BoSox), but at least that means we had a ton on people on base. Hank's lead-off triple bothered me the most.
Kam Loe struggled. I hope he isn't pouting because he's stuck out in the pen; but the only way to earn some starts is performing during the season, and yesterday was a step back.
I missed Josh Lewin. Whoever worked with Grieve was horrible. Josh can be a little grating at times as well, but a 3:28 game needed a little more personality than Entourage talk.
The GOOD. Quite a bit here. Despite falling behind by two, we still were patient hitters and saw a high number of pitches. Tim Mcclelland had a generous strike zone behind the plate, but we still worked 7 walks. Same with Millwood, he found his pitches that worked and gave us six quality innings. Everyone seemed to be hitting the ball to the opposite field except for Lofton (since when did he start swinging like Ichiro?). Benoit looked good again, and Mahay held the game together for us. Sosa, who has been chasing worms with his infield dribblers, finally got a solid shot out of the infield and it landed in the left center bleachers. Impressive considering how the ball wasn't carrying. Lastly, the outfield and DH ended up 6 for 18 with 2 walks and 5 rbi. That's the difference between losing 3-4 and winning 8-4. Can they keep it up? We'll see against Schilling tonight.
Six shooters?
Friday, April 6, 2007
Game 4, W2-0
As happy as I am, there are a few things keeping me from being ecstatic.
One: our outfield and DH still stink. So far this season out outfield 5 for 40. And when you add the DH, the group is 6 for 53 and one of those six hits is Sosa's check swing blooper from today. Yes, Young and Texiera will heat up, but this group may be bad all season.
Two: Gillespie leaving TAMU for KU. I know this has nothing to do with the Rangers, but being an Aggie, I really need one of my teams to win, and A&M football may be in worse shape than Donald Trump's piece on a windy day. Not good buddy.
Good thing I can count on my Mavericks and Stars coem post season. Doh!
One: our outfield and DH still stink. So far this season out outfield 5 for 40. And when you add the DH, the group is 6 for 53 and one of those six hits is Sosa's check swing blooper from today. Yes, Young and Texiera will heat up, but this group may be bad all season.
Two: Gillespie leaving TAMU for KU. I know this has nothing to do with the Rangers, but being an Aggie, I really need one of my teams to win, and A&M football may be in worse shape than Donald Trump's piece on a windy day. Not good buddy.
Good thing I can count on my Mavericks and Stars coem post season. Doh!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Game 3, L3-5
Swept by the Angels. Couldn't be a worse start. Couldn't have been a worse start to yesterday's game. Back-to-back out sum up yesterday's game. Michael Young smashes a ball to center and GMJ robs him of a home run to end the inning. GMJ leads off the next inning with an awkward bouncer that McCarthy and Kinsler can't handle and GMJ starts a four run first. Ridiculous.
McCarthy did settle down after that and didn't pitch terribly, but our bats are still MIA, and they're not in the outfield. Yesterday the Ranger's outfield of Wilk, Cruz, and Lofton went 2 for 11. When I add the DH (Cat) the group was 2 for 14 with 6 strikeouts, and I bet a bunch of those were looking. How many times are we going to let third strikes go by. Working the count is definitely new for these guys.
Glad to have the day off, but Boston coming to town doesn't mean thing will get easier. Maybe some home cooking with get the guys going.
McCarthy did settle down after that and didn't pitch terribly, but our bats are still MIA, and they're not in the outfield. Yesterday the Ranger's outfield of Wilk, Cruz, and Lofton went 2 for 11. When I add the DH (Cat) the group was 2 for 14 with 6 strikeouts, and I bet a bunch of those were looking. How many times are we going to let third strikes go by. Working the count is definitely new for these guys.
Glad to have the day off, but Boston coming to town doesn't mean thing will get easier. Maybe some home cooking with get the guys going.
Ranger Tracker
Mench - big game winning home run the other day.
A Gonzalez - 4 for 8 with a home run and 3 rbi. Team is 2 and 0.
Carlos Lee - 2 for 12 wtih 2 rbi and a steal. Guess he didn't get far enough away.
A-Rod - 2 for 5 in their only game with a big home run and a steal. Also an error.
Pudge - 4 for 9. Solid as always.
Soriano - 2 for 8. Nothing big...yet.
DeRosa - 3 for 6 with 2 rbi. Should have big #'s in that line-up.
GMJ Jr - 5 for 10. Four runs. Three walks. Stole a home run from Young. Team is 3-0.
Hafner - 3 for 7 with 3 runs.
With the exception of Lee, everyone seems to be off to a solid start. Look forward to a pitching update after about a week or two.
A Gonzalez - 4 for 8 with a home run and 3 rbi. Team is 2 and 0.
Carlos Lee - 2 for 12 wtih 2 rbi and a steal. Guess he didn't get far enough away.
A-Rod - 2 for 5 in their only game with a big home run and a steal. Also an error.
Pudge - 4 for 9. Solid as always.
Soriano - 2 for 8. Nothing big...yet.
DeRosa - 3 for 6 with 2 rbi. Should have big #'s in that line-up.
GMJ Jr - 5 for 10. Four runs. Three walks. Stole a home run from Young. Team is 3-0.
Hafner - 3 for 7 with 3 runs.
With the exception of Lee, everyone seems to be off to a solid start. Look forward to a pitching update after about a week or two.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Game 2, L8-2
Same. Same. Same. Able to work 8 walks but can't get anyone home. Another game with multiple errors. Mike "Ranger for Life" Young can't hit now that his wallet is fat. Young doesn't go 0 for 5 or leave six people on base!? Padilla doesn't make it through five innings and struggles with control. Vlad kills us.
Nothing new here. Been a fan since 1978, and there's nothing new. Except for the fact that Washington "lights up a room" (Ticket schtick) and that veryone is having fun. That won't last more than a week if we don't get a few wins. Good luck.
Nothing new here. Been a fan since 1978, and there's nothing new. Except for the fact that Washington "lights up a room" (Ticket schtick) and that veryone is having fun. That won't last more than a week if we don't get a few wins. Good luck.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Game One
What I liked:
Good pitching from both "woods," Millwood and Mike Wood.
Taking pitches. That was the best I may have ever seen a Ranger team work the count.
High number of baserunners.
Lofton. Hitting. Running. Looked good.
Not so good:
Sloppy fielding at times (to be expected at this stage)
Stranding way too many baserunners. Our only run came off a home run. Won't work!
Inability to get down a sac. bunt
Wilkerson and Sosa with O hits. Need run producing from out outfield.
And I have Mike Young on my Fantasy team. If this will be a jinx, I'll trade him ASAP, but give me a week or two.
Good pitching from both "woods," Millwood and Mike Wood.
Taking pitches. That was the best I may have ever seen a Ranger team work the count.
High number of baserunners.
Lofton. Hitting. Running. Looked good.
Not so good:
Sloppy fielding at times (to be expected at this stage)
Stranding way too many baserunners. Our only run came off a home run. Won't work!
Inability to get down a sac. bunt
Wilkerson and Sosa with O hits. Need run producing from out outfield.
And I have Mike Young on my Fantasy team. If this will be a jinx, I'll trade him ASAP, but give me a week or two.
Monday, April 2, 2007
My Fantasy...
Here it is, the Losrangers of Yahoo Fantasy Baseball:
c Brian McCann (atl)
1b Prince Fielder (mil)
2b Josh Barfield (cle)
3b Ryan Zimmerman (was)
ss Michael Young
of Jason Bay (pit)
of Willay Taveras (col)
of Pat Burrell (phi)
ut Travis Hafner (cle)
bn Frank Thomas (tor)
bn Barry Bonds (sf)
bn Johnny Estrada (mil)
sp Johan Santana (min)
sp Dan Haren (oak)
sp Mike Mussina (nyy)
sp John Patterson (was)...hopefully replaced with Maddux
sp Cliff Lee (cle-dl)
rp JJ Putz (sea)
rp Jose Valverde (ari)
rp Octavio Dotel
I know, heavy on players whose pops played in the majors and really light in relief. If you've got any sleepr suggestions, I'll check the waiver wire. Go LosRangers (both).
c Brian McCann (atl)
1b Prince Fielder (mil)
2b Josh Barfield (cle)
3b Ryan Zimmerman (was)
ss Michael Young
of Jason Bay (pit)
of Willay Taveras (col)
of Pat Burrell (phi)
ut Travis Hafner (cle)
bn Frank Thomas (tor)
bn Barry Bonds (sf)
bn Johnny Estrada (mil)
sp Johan Santana (min)
sp Dan Haren (oak)
sp Mike Mussina (nyy)
sp John Patterson (was)...hopefully replaced with Maddux
sp Cliff Lee (cle-dl)
rp JJ Putz (sea)
rp Jose Valverde (ari)
rp Octavio Dotel
I know, heavy on players whose pops played in the majors and really light in relief. If you've got any sleepr suggestions, I'll check the waiver wire. Go LosRangers (both).
Segovia. Ring a Bell?
Zack Segovia, the former Forney Jackrabbit standout pitcher, looks to contribute this year for the Philadelphia Phillies. A second round draft pick of theirs, his progres has been slowed by a missed season due to Tommy John surgery. I love when locals make it to the bigs.
On a side note. It'll be easier to keep up with former Mesquite Poteet Pirate Jason Jennings as he plays for the Houston Astros this season. Never understood why the Rangers never tried to get him from Colorado where he was been of their most consistent pitchers the past few years. The Ballpark would have been a breeze (no pun intended...well, slightly intended).
On a side note. It'll be easier to keep up with former Mesquite Poteet Pirate Jason Jennings as he plays for the Houston Astros this season. Never understood why the Rangers never tried to get him from Colorado where he was been of their most consistent pitchers the past few years. The Ballpark would have been a breeze (no pun intended...well, slightly intended).
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Gonzalez Cashes In
The Padres have signed Adrian Gonzalez to a four year contract worth 9.5 million and could be worth as much as 15 million if the option for the final year is picked up. Good for him. Link.
Got me wondering what former Ranger will have the best season this year. Probably should separate former position player and former pitcher.
A-Rod...A-Gon...Travis Hafner...Soriano...Carlos Lee?
Coco...Doug Davis...Kenny Rogers...Justin Duchscherer...Loaiza...Danks...Masset...Moyer...Eaton...Alfonseca...Brian Shouse...Chris Young...Aaron Sele...Kip Wells...Mike Stanton...John Wasdin...Darren Oliver?
Sorry to carry on. Just got cuaght up looking at former Ranger's [itchers still in the league. Probably a number of others I didn't notice, especially draft picks that never made it up with us.
Got me wondering what former Ranger will have the best season this year. Probably should separate former position player and former pitcher.
A-Rod...A-Gon...Travis Hafner...Soriano...Carlos Lee?
Coco...Doug Davis...Kenny Rogers...Justin Duchscherer...Loaiza...Danks...Masset...Moyer...Eaton...Alfonseca...Brian Shouse...Chris Young...Aaron Sele...Kip Wells...Mike Stanton...John Wasdin...Darren Oliver?
Sorry to carry on. Just got cuaght up looking at former Ranger's [itchers still in the league. Probably a number of others I didn't notice, especially draft picks that never made it up with us.
Opening Night!
It's official tomorrow. 9:05 on the Duece. Rangers against the team with the most ridiculous name in the majors. Despite having taught with John Lackey's father (great guy and coach), I'll be rooting for him to start the season with a loss as our Rangers hang about seven runs up on the favorites to win the division.
Millwood was lights out on the road last year and the GMJ karma will be working for us.
I predict we'll need 93 W's to win the division and it doesn't matter if we get them early or late as long as they add up. Here's to the first one and me not looking like an April fool.
Millwood was lights out on the road last year and the GMJ karma will be working for us.
I predict we'll need 93 W's to win the division and it doesn't matter if we get them early or late as long as they add up. Here's to the first one and me not looking like an April fool.
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