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.

Happy Bobby Valentine's Day

Nothing says Happy Valentines Day like a Bobby V Worldwide Baller Jersey. Seriously, Bobby Valentine has his own blog and links to his own clothing line. So here's to you, Mr. Sneak Back into the Dugout in a Groucho Marx Mask, Happy Valentine's Day.

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.

Statistics Galore

John Donovan of SI.com has an article about John Forman, the creator of baseball-reference.com. Check out the article and the site. Beware of the addictive power of statistic searching. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Caribbean Cruz

Nelson Cruz is hitting .277 with 4 home runs and 13 rbi in 65 at bats during his Caribbean stint. He's picked it up for the Dominican Republic over the last few days. He'll be one of the keys to a big Ranger turn around. Check out this link for box scores, stats, and video.

Juan Gone, but Coming Back?

Looks like Gonzo wants to make a comeback so he can hit 500 homeruns. Not to win a championship or help a team get over the hump, Gonzo's got goals and this time they're personal. Not sure he's a risk I'd be willing to take. Check out what he's done in the 2007 Caribbean Series. Link. Picture by Tony Dejak/AP.

5 is Alive

The race for the fifth spot in the rotation will be fierce. Evan Grant does a good job breaking down the candidates.

John Rheinecker

'06: Rangers, 4-6, 5.86 ERA 70 2/3 innings

John Koronka

'06: Rangers, 7-7, 5.69 ERA, 125 innings

Kameron Loe

'06: Rangers, 3-6, 5.86 ERA, 78 1/3 innings

Edinson Volquez

'06: Rangers, 1-6, 7.29 ERA, 33 1/3 innings

Josh Rupe

'06: Rangers, 0-1, 3.41 ERA, 29 innings

Jamey Wright

'06: Giants, 6-10, 5.19 ERA, 156 innings

Bruce Chen*

'06: Orioles, 0-7, 6.93 ERA, 98 2/3 innings