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.

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.

Blow Hard in Arlington

Jim Reeves of the FWST write about a study done on the effects of wind in the Ballpark, but acknowledges that little , if any, will be done based on the accumulated data.

Jeff Cogen, Rangers team president, is willing to wait until new construction around the park is completed before considering major change.

I'm tired of the wind and heat being reasons on why top tier pitchers sign elsewhere. Sorry folks, mother nature doesn't deserve the blame. They don't sign here because we don't win and have never won. Seriously, who is inking all the big arms? They're few and far between and most of the money is spent by teams who don't win the World Series. We're doing it correctly right now. Solid money on good pitching and developing a steadfast bullpen. Washington will get the most out of the everyday players, and it looks like we've got some depth. Let Zito go to San Fran, we won't miss that $100 million dollars.

Jon Daniels and Gagne

Jan Hubbard of the FWST writes about some of Daniels deals since becoming the Rangers GM. Nothing groundbreaking here, but I think things will go better without the influence of Buck Showalter.

So far, so good with Eric Gagne. Evan Grant reports in the DMN that Gagne threw from a mound and the session went well. Not a good sign when we are concerned with pitching health the first day of reporting. Guess he's like the rest of us, day to day.

For those of you who heard Ron Washington on The Ticket yesterday have got to be as pumped up as I am. He's just so crazy it might just work.

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.