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.