Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Snow Monkeys May Be Here to Stay

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Chuck Greenberg's ownership group, which includes Nolan Ryan, only entered into an exclusive 30 day negotiating period. The sale is by no means anywhere close to being final. And Tom Hicks will likely still retain a stake in the team, albeit a minority/non-controlling interest, should the sale to Greenberg's group get done. Furthermore, the sale will likely take 2-3 months to get done meaning the front office is in limbo.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Tom Hicks is one step closer to being out as controlling owner of your Texas Rangers. If the sale happens Nolan Ryan will be part of the ownership group.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Because the sale negotiations are beginning so late and will take so long the team the Rangers have now, for the most part, will be the team next season. The Rangers will miss out on any big trades because of the flux the team is in. So much for 2010 then? Now fans can look forward to 2011?

In case you don't know, "snow monkeys" come from a bit on the Ticket by the Musers where the real and fake Nolan Ryan talks about his dealings with snow monkeys. Here's the real Nolan Ryan talking about snow monkeys. Here's the Musers' bit with the fake Nolan Ryan talking snow monkeys.

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Cowboys Aren't Any Better Than the Rangers, At Least Not This Millennium

or alternate title, Cowboys vs. Rangers a/k/a Jerry Jones vs. Tom Hicks
Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The Rangers have never won a playoff series and have won only 1 playoff game and that was on the road. So it naturally follows that your Texas Rangers haven't appeared in a World Series and therefore have never won a World Series. The Cowboys won 3 championships in the 90's and have won 5 overall.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The Rangers won a post season game the same year that the Cowboys last won a post season game.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
I guess I don't understand why so much is expected of the Cowboys as compared to the Rangers, especially given both teams' histories since 1996. Since 1996 what has Jerry Jones done that is so much better than Tom Hicks?
For example who has...
Over spent on players that don't pan out?
Jerry: LaFluer and Galloway and Roy Williams (WR) come to mind.
Hicks: ARod and Chan Ho Park come to mind.
or...
Not allow your head coach/manager to hire his own staff?
Jerry hired Garrett before he hired Wade.
Hicks hired Wash who had to inherit most of the existing staff.

Those are just a couple examples of Jerry and Hicks' similarities.

I know that the Cowboys have been to the playoffs since 1996 but keep in mind, it's a lot easier to make the NFL playoffs than it is the MLB playoffs. And again the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game since 1996. As a fan of both teams it's strange to me that my Rangers fandom is thought of as somwhat misguided or even downright weird. Yet everyone in the metroplex is a diehard Cowboys fan and that Cowboys devotion is seemingly never questioned as misplaced.

Why is so much more expected from the Cowboys as compared to your Texas Rangers, especially since 2000 for example? Would you expect from the Rangers anything close to what's expected from the Cowboys, which is to win a championship every year? For the most part, both franchises have been mediocre at best this millenium. Why haven't other Cowboys fans accepted or, at the very least, not be surprised by that mediocrity? I have.

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Pile May Not Be Quite as Stinky as I Thought

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
I still haven't seen anything that says that the deals have officially been done to get Rich Harden or Mike Lowell. So, until they actaully have a news conference I'm still considering the recent Millwood trade a move to just save some cash.

Plus, Harden has a well documented injury problem dating back to the 2005 season. Great another Adam Eaton-type pitcher.

Lowell is also coming off an injury that limited his playing time last season.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
If healthy you have a decent to good pitcher in Harden and a former World Series MVP in Lowell. If they're healthy.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Bottom line Harden and Lowell are not Rangers yet. Even if they are eventually Rangers the trade of Millwood and the possible aquisition of 2 recently injured players still stinks up the joint.

Of course if Harden is a 20 game winner next year and Lowell hits for power and average as a DH next year and both are healthy for the whole season and they are both Rangers next year I'll say, "great offseason moves," faster than Tom Hicks blows through 10 million dollars. It's just that there are an awful lot of "ands" in that previous sentence.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Your Texas Rangers Trade Millwood for a Big Steaming Pile of...

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Can you say franchise in financial turmoil?

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
not applicable

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
What the f%(k? OK, the spin from the Rangers is/will be that trading Millwood frees up money for other moves. The truth is that MLB is probably running the franchise, a franchise which I'm guessing has been and is continuing to hemorhage money. Solution? MLB sheds payroll in the form of a Millwood trade. Soon to follow will likely be Marlon Byrd going elsewhere as a free agent. Keep in mind that the current Tom Hicks controlled ownership group seems to have driven the franchise straight into the ground. So, could someone explain how the heck Tom Hicks would be allowed to be even a minority owner in any potential new ownership group? Especially since I'd guess that MLB will decide who to sell the Rangers to.

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Monday, November 9, 2009

Time For TTRB to Hibernate for the Winter...

...I think TTRB is going to hibernate for the winter, at least for the most part, unless there's some pretty big Rangers news during the off season, like Hicks actually selling the team.

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
No baseball for a while.

And the hated Spankees won the whole thing.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The Cowboys are 6-2 at this point. And the NBA is up and running so we're good on sports for the winter.

And, maybe next year will be the Rangers' year.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
I'll call it right now, playoffs for the Rangers in 2010 if:
1) Hamilton and Young stay healthy
2) Hamilton and Kinsler bat like they did in '08.
3) the pitching is even close to as good as it was in '09.

Until opening day 2010 then...

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Monday, October 26, 2009

The World Series Is About to Begin...

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The hated Spankees are appearing in the Series for something like the 40th time in their history.
And they have 2 high-profile ex-Rangers on the team, A-Fraud and Tex-smellya. Number of times your Texas Rangers have appeared in the Series? Zero.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Phillies are the defending champs and could beat the Spankees. Hopefully, maybe.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
The little I have watched of the post season has convinced me that the Rangers likely would have done poorly had they somehow made the playoffs. They may not have even been able to add to their total number of post season victories.

Go Phillies.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Rangers' Hitting Guru Out

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers past and present rave about Jaramillo's greatness.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:

I know there were injuries but, down the stretch, when it really counted, your Texas Rangers went about 46(?, can't remember the exact number) innings without a solitary run crossing the plate. That lack of production lies at the feet of many, players and coaches. But, there's only one hitting coach. And they just weren't hitting when it counted.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Apparently the Rangers offered him a contract and he said essentially, "thanks but, no thanks." Thoughts?

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Straight in the Lumberyard

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Crash Davis' error in the top of 8 started the Fish's comeback.

C.J. Wilson, O'Day, Frankie Fran didn't help either. After 7 innings the score was 5-0, Rangers leading.

Final score? Fish win 7-6.

Last home game, which was fan appreciation day at the ballpark, was a microcosm of the whole season...
Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Wasted start by McCarthy. More and more the Danks for McCarthy trade is looking at worst like it's a wash.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
That's it. It's over. At least it is for me. Oh well. Maybe next year they'll make the playoffs.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

"Just When I Thought I Was Out..." *

"...They Pull Me Back In..." *from the greatness that is The Godfather movie series - I'm not saying I'm going to watch all the games but...
...I might...

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:


Why do they have to do this? Why make it interesting now? Just to crush my hopes of a miracle comeback in the standings?

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:

So you're saying we have a chance? OK, now I may have to watch.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:

They're down 5 games in the division with 8 games total to play. They have one more against the Fish(Rays) 4 against the division-leading Halos and to end the season 3 against the Seamen(Mariners). OK, it's a long shot. And I know the Halos' magic number is 4 and it would take a monumental collapse on their part but, stranger things of happened right? OK, probably not going to happen. But, I'm in anyway. And these games coming up for the Rangers are as close to the playoffs as I'm going to get this season. Unless...fingers crossed...

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Monday, September 21, 2009

It's Officially Football Season

Rangers lost 2 out of 3 versus Halos, so now, for me, it's now officially football season because I've given up all hope of your Texas Rangers making the playoffs. It was fun while it lasted though. Who knew that they'd be in it until September. Now we have to hope Tony Romo and the Cowboys maybe win a playoff game.

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Doggie Holland loses his 5th straight start giving up 5 homers.

Even if the Rangers had taken 2 out of 3 they would have had an incredibly difficult path to winning the division.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The Rangers managed to finally put up some runs. But, too little and too late unfortunately.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Who else would like Tom Hicks to PLEASE sell the team asap? Also, build a new, indoor stadium near downtown Dallas (ala MinuteMaid in Houston). Or somehow put a retractable roof on the old one at the very least.

More thoughts on the whole season after the final out of the Rangers' season.

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Friday, September 18, 2009

Rangers Score No Runs, Again

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers lose 2-0 to Halos.
If my math is correct that's forty-six(46), let me write that again, FORTY-SIX (46) innings without a base runner crossing the plate for your Texas Rangers.
Hitting coach where are you? That's over 5 games worth of scoreless ball if you're having trouble with the math like I am.

I know Young and Hamilton are out but, come on, really? No runs in 46 straight innings? How many games can you win if you score zero runs? Oh, that's right, none.

I love Wash as a manager but putting homerless Hank Blaylock in to pitch hit in the bottom of the 8th didn't seem like a good idea. I know he almost had one drop but, it didn't. And he hasn't had many drop in a while that's why he's only appeared about 3 times in the last 20+ games.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The pitching kept them it, again.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Why does it look like they're always swinging for the fences? Sometimes a base knock is OK.

Also, about a month or 2 ago when other teams were adding an arm or a bat or both what did your Texas Rangers do? Nothing really. Yes, they picked up some pitchers off waivers and had the call up of the brilliant Feliz so that helped the pitching. They had no minor league well to go to for offense. I remember hearing a quote from Wash where he said that they weren't the type of team to go add an expensive piece(I'm paraphrasing badly). But, that was the sentiment of Wash's quote regarding why the team didn't go add a bat. For whatever reason(finances) they couldn't spend the money(lack of money) to go add one stinking offensive piece(can you spare a dime?). Josh and Young get hurt and this is what's left. They've been in the race all year and when they could've used some help on offense from the front office the front office basically pulled their pockets inside out and shrugged their shoulders to the team. I wonder how that went over in the clubhouse?

Wishful thinking: What if Josh Hamilton would've had the type of season he had last year this year with the pitching the Rangers have had. But, that's why it's wishful thinking.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

That's All She Wrote on the 2009 Season


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
1 Run in the last 3400000 Innings. 6 Games, 6.5 Games Back from the Wild Card. About 17 Games Left.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Sorry, Got Nothing Here.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Young pitchers running out of gas. Young hitters running out of gas. Key Injuries, a GAME effort for this year, but the chances of getting into the playoffs seem less than 10%. And I must admit, that I can't blame the heat on this one. The bats going silent is quite confounding.




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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

For Gosh Dog Dog*

"You should see my shoes"* - From the greatness that is Fletch.

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
19 games left. 6 GB in the division. 4.5 GB in the wild card. Let me crunch the numbers here...crap, not looking good for the home team.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
They have 7 games left against the Halos. They need to win them all or at least 5 out of 7 I would think.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
It's not over until it's over but man, it's not looking good. What the heck happened? Well, the Rangers have played .500 ball the last 10 games. The Halos and Red Stocking have not. Also, Jedi Josh and Young being hurt and Millwood not pitching well hasn't exactly helped much. Add to that Scooter Feldman's last outing and this is the boat they're in. The fat lady hasn't sung yet but, I think I can hear her humming.



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Monday, September 14, 2009

No More Rain, Please


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
More rain.

Halos are @ Red Stockings. I don't know who to root against.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
I'll have to see who wins the first game of the Halos/Red Stocking series. Then, I guess I'll cheer for a sweep either way. Regardless, the Rangers have to beat the A's, and now need help.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Who to cheer for/against - 6 GB in divsion; 4 GB in wild card; Red Stockings magic number(RedStockings wins or Rangers losses) to clinch wild card is 17 with 20 games left to play. Rangers need either the Red Stocking or Halo to lose 7 out of the next 10 and the Rangers have to win about the same. Or the Rangers have to win ALL the games they have left against the Halos. Hopes for playoffs fading.




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Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Rangers Worst Enemies: Cowboys & Rain

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The Cowboys season started today(and they won), so now even less attention will be paid to the Rangers locally.

Is it ever going to stop raining? Too bad the Rangers don't have an indoor park like Atros' MinuteMaid. They're falling behind in the standing while not playing a single game(5.5 in the division; 3.5 in the wild card race).

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The Cowboys season started today(and they won), so now even less attention will be paid to the Rangers locally, that may be a good thing, no pressure on them to perform and they can fly under the radar.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
A talking head at ESPN actually said that the Red Stockings have any easier schedule down the stretch than your Rangers. Rangers' remaining foes: Mariners, A's, Halos, A's, Rays, Halos, Mariners, in that order. Red Stockings remaining foes: Rays, Halos, Balt., KC, Spankees, Blue Jays, Clev. The talking head may be right but, hopefully the Rangers can keep on beating division foes at the same clip as they have been all year, especially when it comes to the Halos. And maybe, maybe the Halos, Spankees and Rays can help out the Rangers by beating the Red Stockings.


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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

So Are They Going to Make the Playoffs or Not?

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Michael, "the Old Man" Young is out. Jedi Josh is out. They've played .500 ball the last 10 games. There are only about 4 weeks left in the season. They're 5 GB in division and 2.5 GB in the wild card and there are only 26 games left. And they have no games left against the Red Stockings.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Jedi Josh should be back Friday.

The Rangers have 7 games left against the division leading Halos.

There are plenty of games to make up the difference in either the division or wild card races, I think.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
I know, I know, I know, this season is already a success, they've performed way beyond expectations, blah, blah, blah. Well, guess what? Expectations have changed dramatically because they've performed so well. We know what they're capable of.

I'm going to call it. I think your Texas Rangers make the playoffs. Not only that, I think they'll win the division. Halos have an incredibly difficult schedule left and are terrible against division foes. Outside the division they play the White Stockings, Red Stockings and Spankess down the stretch and have more than a few games in division. Am I jinxing them? I don't think so. The Rangers have to think they're good enough to win the division. And why not? So why not say it?

By the way, I went to Houston and caught a great Astros game Saturday night (Astros won in the bottom of the 9th). As a Rangers fan I now have stadium envy. Their MinuteMaid park is awesome. The park is easy to get around inside, in the middle of downtown, indoor and just seems intimate. For example, you can view the game as walk around the lower bowl. Outfield walls are a little too short but otherwise, wow. Did I mention it's an indoor stadium with a retractable section?


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Rangers Sweep Double Header!



Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Michael Young left the second game with a strained hammy. MRI to follow.

C(ardiac) J Wilson once again made it very interesting in his 2/3's of an inning of work in the 8th of game 2. The bases were loaded with 1 out I think. And I know O'Day was responsible for the run that scored but, it seems more and more every time Cardiac pitches it's closer to a complete meltdown. Don't get me wrong he pitched great at times when Frankie was out but, thankfully Frankie is back.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Jedi Josh, more and more, is starting to look like Jedi Josh again. And Crash Davis is starting to bat like he did last year.

Nippert and McCarthy (McCarthy!) give you two quality starts.

Feliz, "Nolan Jr.", what he do? In the first game he just pitched 2 innnings of perfect (I don't remember anyone walking) baseball while he struck out 4.

Frankie closes two games in one day.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
If Young is out for any signifacant time is that church for the Rangers?


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Monday, August 31, 2009

- I Wouldn't Blame Millwood for Thinking His Teammates Hate Him

or alternate title:
Another Wasted Millwood Performance; Ranger's Lose Game and Series Versus Twins.

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The offense, defense and bullpen let down Millwood. Again.

3-2 lead for Rangers going into the bottom of 8th was blown by poor fielding/pitching. Lose the ballgame 5-3. Ouch.

Homerless Hank Blaylock caused Pudge to drop a pop up ball in foul territory in an early inning (didn't cost Rangers a run). Twins runners on 2nd & 3rd (I think) in the bottom of the 8th inning, a ground ball was hit to first, Homerless threw high to home instead attempting to get the out at first. Runners safe at home and at first. Keep in mind that there was no force play at home. CJ Wilson was less than impressive on 1 day's rest.

Nellie Cruz also mishandled a base knock in the botoom of the 8th so he couldn't even force a play at home when another Twin runner scored.

Rangers' got 4 base runners on in the top of the 9th with no outs but, couldn't get any of them home.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Millwood pitched well enough to win.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
I'd be surprised if Homerless Hank plays first base much more this season. His defense actually did hurt the team last game. Crash Davis isn't going to bat any worse than Homerless, and will field better. Homerless will likely DH sometimes against righty pitching but, I would bet that's about it for him in the field.

September has got to be better than August. I hope.



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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Return of the Texas Jedi, They Defeat the Evil Empire and Win the Series

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Nipp got knocked out of the game after 4.2 innings (I think).

Rangers were 1-hit through about 5 innings.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Oh, by the way, that 1 hit was a 3 run shot by Kinsler.

Grilli had a bad last outing. Add that he had to step up and into the roll as one of the long middle relievers since they let go of Jennings. And he did it. I think I could hear the sighs of relief from Wash & Maddux all the way back here in DFW.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
That's the first series the Evil Empire has lost at home since June. And who beat them? You're little ole' Texas Rangers. Maybe this'll start a little win streak or at the very least winning at a better than .500 clip. Keep your fingers crossed.



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- At Least Get Their Names Right

From an article on Yahoo! previewing this afternoon's game but referencing last night's game:

"Josh Hamilton had three hits and Daniel Murphy [emphasis added by yours truly] added a homer with two RBIs on Wednesday, but Texas lost for the fifth time in eight games and fell to 2-3 on its nine-game road trip."

Daniel Murphy? Come on, at least get the Rangers' names right. It's David Murphy, he actually plays for the Rangers. Daniel Murphy apparently plays for the Mets. Wow, great reporting. Why don't they just call the team the Arlington Ranch Hands while they're at it. No respect I tell you, no respect.



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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

- The Evil Empire Strikes Back


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Man I do not like the Spankees, especially mirror kissing A-Rod and mouth-breathing-dumb-faced Teixeira.


Oh, Doogie Holland, maybe next time.


Oh Jason Jenning why cannot I not think of a nickname for you? And why does it seem like your relief appearances have gotten worse each time you pitch?


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
David "the Murph" Murphy actually batted well against a lefty and it was Pettitte no less, accounting for the only two Ranger RBI's.


Elvis was again brilliant in the field.


Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Red Stockings won. Halos won. At least the Rays didn't win. Now the Rangers are 5 back in the division and 2.5 in the Wild Card. Why do I feel like playoff chances are slipping away? Maybe because the Rangers are playing .500 ball and I'm not sure that'll punch their ticket to the post season.







Read more...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

- Rangers beat Evil Empire, Barely


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers are down 4-0 after 2 innings. Whoops. Game over according to some.


Millwood didn't have his best stuff by a mile.


Then, 10-5 Rangers winning going into the bottom of 9. Final score is 10-9 Rangers win.


WTF you ask? Wash inexplicably put in pitcher Grilli, (Grilli! when's the last time he's pitched in a game) in the bottom of 9 and he proceeded put on 2 with no outs (single, walk). Then Frankie Fran came in to salvage it, barely, with the game ending on a questionable double play (see below).




Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Crash Davis went 2-4 with NO STRIKE OUTS. Alert the Media.


Rangers rally to be up 10-5 going into the bottom of 9 then, the almost complete meltdown, but don't meltdown completely.


With one out, on the final play of the game (a double play line out to Elvis, he caught the ball and then stepped on second base "beating" the guy on second back the bag who was trying to tag up) the Spankee runner was arguably safe but, called out. Let me be honest, he was safe. It was, at best, a tie (when Elvis stepped on the bag and the Spankee runner's hand touched second) and the tie goes to the runner. But, I'll take the ump's call.


That play made up for all the non-strike calls made by the homeplate ump (with all the Spankee money in his wallet) when the Rangers were pitching.


Feliz is Feliz. Awesome.




Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Catastrophic moment? Almost. Maybe. You have a 10-5 lead going into the bottom of the 9th against the Spankees and you make it that interesting? Rangers did win 10-9 but they made it a drama. So Drama Rangers win, ooohhhh, Drama Rangers win!


Of course Red Stocking won. Halo is tied as I write this. Somebody (Halo, Red Stocking) lose, please.


That's why each team gets 27 outs. It ain't over till it's over. Oh, and umpires making bad calls help the Rangers every once in a while, thankfully it was tonight.





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- Your Texas Rangers vs. the Evil Empire

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
They're calling up Crash Davis.


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
They're calling up Crash Davis, he can't be hitting any worse than Homerless Hank Blaylock and definitely plays better D.


Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
So is this kind of what it's like to be a Cubs, Yankees or Red Sox fan in July & August and (gulp) September? You watch the Rangers' game and (if you're like me when at home) your online checking scores for the Red Sox, Rays and Angels (and no, I haven't given up on the division, we will hold the line HERE!). And Rangers play Halos seven (7!) more times. It would just help if the Halos would lose 2 or 5 games in a row.

So is the division race over? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!


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Friday, August 21, 2009

A Fine Outing with Friends

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Javier was thrown out for cheering too loud, and showing too much enthusiasm. Actually, this was also the highlight - and thrown out is a bit of a stretch.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
11-1. The Bats are a hittin'. The pitchin' is a pitchin'.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
I can't wait for the emails to the Tickets over the stupidity of them getting upset, over people CHEERING at a ballpark. One of the craziest things that I have ever seen.


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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

We will watch them win this Thursday (live)

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Tiger lost the freakin' PGA from a guy that NO ONE HAS ever heard of.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Pudge's Return - I guess. Is this guy going to play? Since a 4 Game is unheard of, this loss increases the chance of a win on Thursday when we watch live.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Minnesota has a pretty decent team. Not sure what we need with Pudge - I am going to assume he is just a fill-in, from time to time.



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Friday, August 14, 2009

Again, with the ass sucking!!!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Just started watching the Sox Game in the 7th inning, and it all went to shiite. What happened to the Pen? More Sox fans at Game than Rangers fans - not acceptable.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
2 More Games in Texas for this Series.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Another possible back-breaker for the Rangers, but I don't think so. We'll take the next 2.


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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Rangers Win, So What?

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The freakin' Halos and Red Stocking won.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Jedi Josh batted and is batting great. Thunder Hunter pitched great.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Let's see what happens this weekend against the Red Stockings. It's beginning to look more and more like the Wild Card is the Rangers' only avenue into the playoffs (I know, I know, this season is already a success but, what's wrong with wanting some playoff baseball in North Texas?). To quote Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid regarding the Halos, "who are those guys?" In other words, why won't they lose a few in a row when they're not playing your Rangers?

And here's another thing, name another MLB team in any other division that has to travel 2 ( TWO!) time zones to play their division rivals. I know they're a lot of variables but check out the records in the AL Central, where arguably your Rangers should be (couldn't KC and the Rangers swap divisions?).

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Sunday, August 9, 2009

- Doogie !


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Jedi Josh was hitless and the news about him falling off the wagon this past January came out over the weekend. Ouch. Rangers fans don't care about his off the field stuff as long as it doesn't affect his play on the field.


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Dooggie Holland had a no-hitter through 5 2/3's innings and pitched a 3-hit, complete game 7-0 shutout.


Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
The Rangers take 2 out of 3 against arguably the hottest team in baseball, the Halos. During this series they release the Debbie Downer in the clubhouse Padilla. Brilliant and finally. Of course they could release Padilla after figuring out that they're going to roll the dice with the starting rotation of Old Man Millwood, Doogie Holland, Big Thunder Hunter, Scooter Feldman and Dusty Nippert. All the starters, with of course the exception of Old Man Millwood, are under 30 years old. I like it.





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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

In my death, I only grow stronger...

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
So, yes, Padilla looked like Eddie Harris in the 9th inning in Major League BUT do you really, REALLY?!?!, bring in the rookie from OKC Penal to face a .394 w/RiSP hitter in a tie ballgame? I know Neftali throws 100 MPH gas but...OK...do we need Captain Ron showing "an inspiring rookie performance" or "gritty trust in our veterans" right now? Am I alone in this? There were a dozen other bad moments for Los Rangers tonight but....I dunno...I'm aghast...

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Otherwise, Neftali Feliz looks AWESOME. Oh, I almost can't wait for next year...except I'm still emotionally involved in this year. This is like that chick you met just before you left for college...she's so hot, she SO gets me and it could all work out. First fries, then Assistant Manager....

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
We are on the cusp. 7 games left on this road trip. I keep thinking we are one rally away from some crazy swine flu/War Pigs mad run at the World Series. Keep believin'...I mean, for real, I'm blogging about Los Rangers at midnight. In August.



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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Rangers Get Shutout By Lowly A's


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
5 hits tonight. 5 hits last night. Total runs = 2.

2 stinkin' runs in 2 nights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arias, in for the injured Kinsler at second, continues to play in shallow right field.

1 RBI in the last 2 nights. Hitting is the problem. Hitting! Not pitching, hitting. It seems like they either score 2 or 7. And they don't help a pitcher out that gives up an early lead. At least it seems like it is from my eyeball test without crunching any numbers. I'm probably wrong but, there's more below about the hitting.

Doogie Holland's confidence is again shaken by a poor showing.

Salty is still having problems throwing the ball back to the pitcher. He actually bounced one to Doogie tonight that got past him. Has no one else noticed this? Ranger pitcher is constantly stretching, jumping or otherwise reaching for throws from Salty to the mound. Watch to confirm.


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
?

Hey did anyone see Feliz, "Nolan Jr.", strikeout the first 4 he faced last night?

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
When is the highest paid hitting coach in baseball going to be asked some tough questions?

By Washington? No, probably not by Wash, he didn't hire him.

Is Daniels going to talk to him? Nope, he didn't hire him either(and Daniels was 17 years old when Jaramillo started working for the Rangers).

Nolan Ryan? No, he didn't hire him either.

Hicks? He's his boss but, he's newer to the franchise than Jaramillo and he's busy trying to sell the franchise.

Jaramillo pre-dates all his bosses(1995 is when he came on the staff! Hicks bought the team in 1998.). Who does he have pictures of doing what with what and/or who exactly?

And, has anyone really examined how his success with hitters coincides with the "steroid era"(let's say the "steroid era" is early 90's-2004? I don't know you tell me.) in baseball generally and the Rangers specifically? To use a phrase of JJ's, "I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin." Who're Jaramillo's biggest success stories exactly? ARod? Palmiero? Juando? Pudge? Canseco?

Hopefully the Rangers get their hitting groove back before they play 3 at Halo this weekend otherwise...


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Monday, August 3, 2009

That sucked total asss!!!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
I watched the last 15 minutes to see the Rangers lose to the pathetic A's.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Sorry, I got nothing here. Nelson Cruz even managed to get hurt on the last play.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:

Washington manages to use 6 pitchers for a shut-out, but at the end, with the pitcher struggling, does not visit the mound, does not switch pitchers, nothing. I know the hits were not that hard, but why use 6 pitchers right up until the end, and then not change when the game is at its more important point?


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Friday, July 31, 2009

- Rangers Past & Present by Batting Stance Guy

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

- Rangers Finally Win Against Their Kryptonite (Det.)

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Surely Kinsler can bunt a runner over from second to third with no outs? I guess not, he bunted the ball straight up to the catcher.

At the plate Jedi Josh still looks like the force has left him. In the field he used the force to climb the right field wall to make a great catch.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
In the 5th inning Tommy "Thunder" Hunter was down in the count 3-0 to Ordonez with the bases drunk and 2 outs. Thunder Hunter came back from the 3-0 count and struck out Ordonez ending the inning. That kept the Rangers down only one run. Is Thunder the new ace? His ERA is probably well under 2 in his last 4 or 5 starts.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenotes:
Man! A Rangers fan down the first base line made a great one handed catch while holding and infant. Baby was unharmed. Responsible parenting? Probably not. Great catch? Yes. I haven't been able to find the video online yet.

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

- Rangers Score More Than 3 Runs & Win!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
I missed the game. Apparently the flu struck again and Millwood left the game after about 2 innings. (Correction: Millwood did have flu-like symptoms before the game but left the game because of a sore butt muscle.)

The Rangers are still 3.5 games back of the stupid Angels who won't stop winning. Seriously, the the Halos had won something like 9 of their last 10 and had won 8 straight before losing today to the Twins. Who the hell are the Angels playing? Are the other teams blindfolded, playing without gloves on defense?


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The Rangers won.


Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Can't the Halos go on just a little losing streak? Maybe a little 3 or 4 or even 5 game losing streak, that would go a long way.

Among their fellow divisional rivals, the Halos & M's, the Rangers by far have the best record against the West division. The Rangers are 18-8 versus their division. The Halos are 14-17 and the M's are 16-15 against West division foes.

I think the Rangers still have about 10 games against the Halos. Maybe the Rangers will keep on beating the Halos like a drum in the remaining games against them.


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Saturday, July 25, 2009

- Pig Swiney is the Only Thing That Can Stop Playoffs Now!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Swine flu in the clubhouse? Not good. Not overly concerned, but not good.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
The play, all of it. What has team ERA been the last week, and it's going to continue. Keep reading as to why.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Recently, your Texas Rangers have been on a hot streak - want to know why? The Summer has suddenly turned mild in these parts. IN fact, I would suggest their play is an inverse proportion to the average high temperature for a particular week. With predicted mild summer continuing, the Rangers make the playoffs this year. After that, I just don't know.


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Thursday, July 23, 2009

- Get Out the Brooms! Rangers Sweep Red Stockings!


Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Your Texas Rangers are still 3 games back in the standings behind the Halos. Why? The freakin' Halos are 9-1 in the their last 10 games and have won 5 straight.


Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Rangers are now on a 4 game winning streak.


Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Hopefully the Halos will come down to Earth soon and your Rangers will make up some games.


Also, interesting to note, the Rangers are only 2.5 GB of the Red Stockings in the Wild Card race.


The offense still is not putting up huge numbers. What about shaking up the batting order at putting Andrus in the lead off role?





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Monday, May 18, 2009

Two Broom Series in a Row For the Rangers; Rangers Sweep Halos in Weekend Series

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The bullpen let Millwood down in the first game of the series and made it interesting down the stretch, but the bats rallied and pulled out the win.

The Rangers were arguably helped out quite a bit when Lackey (Halo's pitcher) was ejected 2 pitches into his start in the second game of the series. He threw behind lead off hitter Kinsler then hit him. Apparently, the ump thought that this was some sort of retaliation against Kinsler since he went yard twice against the Halos the day before.



After a great catch at the wall in the 7th (?) Jedi-Josh didn't return to the game with a strained groin.

Otherwise, really not much here. 

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
No defensive errors. No base running errors. They turned double plays. Pitchers got out of jams. 

Jedi-Josh seems to be back, both at the plate and in the field. 

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Still no Frankie closing the games.

The Rangers have won 7 straight and now own one of the biggest leads of any division leader in MLB.




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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Get Out the Brooms, Rangers Beat M's in Last At Bat 3-2!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers offense was kept very, very quiet through 8 innings.

Rangers had 8 runners LOB.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Matt "Harry" Harrison spread out 7 hits over 9IP, giving up only 2 runs for the eventual complete game win.

The offense produced just enough, dramatically so in the bottom of the 9th, for the win.  

Hammerin' Hank hit a solo homer in the 9th.

Then Crash Davis went yard with Murphy aboard for the game winner later in the 9th to win it 3-2.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Rangers are only 1.5 games ahead of the Halos since the Halos have been keeping pace.

Again, this series starting tomorrow will tell us a little more about where the Rangers are.




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Rangers Comeback and Win 6-5 in the 11th!

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
A throwing error by Young, the old man gave the M's the lead in the top of the 11th, nearly costing the Rangers the game.

The Rangers left 13 on base. 

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Young made up for his error in the top of the 11th with a lead off single in the bottom of the 11th. He'd score the tying run.

Hammerin' Hank hit the game winner.

Elvis continued to perform on O & D. He made another ridiculous, highlight reel play at short and had an RBI producing triple.

McCarthy was very serviceable, with 7IP and 4ER. The bullpen, without Frankie, gave up no earned runs.

Jedi-Josh went yard again.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
McCarthy still doesn't seem to be equal to Danks but, hasn't been terrible either.

Frankie may be back sooner than later.

The 3 game series against the Halos is this weekend. A lot more will be known about the Rangers after this weekend. 




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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Ranger's Over M's 7-1; Return of the Jedi-Josh

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Had the game remained close Frankie would not have been available because of some trouble with his bicep. Thankfully, the Rangers blew the game wide open with a 6 run 7th.

Otherwise, not a lot to write here.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
When the Rangers blew the lid off the game seemingly all the young guns (and some veterans like Young, the old man, and Jones)contributed:
1) Y, the old man, singled
2) Jedi-Josh went yard scoring Young.
3) Jones reached on an infield hit.
4) Byrd doubled, moving Jones to 3rd.
5) Nellie Cruz's sac fly scored Jones, moved Bryd to 3rd.
6) Crash Davis (he had hit a solo homer earlier in the 5th) reached on an error, Byrd scored.
7) Salty doubled, Crash scored, Salty reached 3rd on the throw.
8) Elvis singled, Salty scored.

Kinsler singled but didn't score later in that same inning.

Scooter Feldman pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up only 4 hits and 1 earned run.

Doogie Holland pitched a perfect 1 1/3 innings and Every-Day Eddie pitched a perfect 9th to close the game (non-save opp.).

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
If the starters keep pitching like this it'll be difficult for Doogie Holland to break into the starting rotation, not a bad problem to have. If one of the starters falters, then Doogie appears to be ready to step in.

Your Texas Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10, not too shabby.

Hopefully Frankie's injury is short term but it could be more serious and put him on the DL, which would mean trouble for the Rangers in close games when they need a shut down closer. Every-Day Eddie and CJ Wilson have been anything but consistent this year. Maybe Jennings? Maybe closer by committee if Frankie goes on the DL?




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Monday, May 11, 2009

Rangers Win 7-1! Still "First Place Texas Rangers"

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
I got nothin' here really. Great game all around on O & D.

I guess if I had to be picky Padilla served up 4 walks and had to get himself out of a jam early on. 

Rangers had 6 LOB.

But really, that's about it.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Padilla gave up 1 hit. In his last 2 starts he's given up 2 hits total, that's gotta be a record or something (it is, he's the 1st Ranger in history to accomplish that feat).

The Rangers' offense, without Hamilton or Young, put up some runs to support a great start by their hurler.

The Rangers bullpen only gave up 1 hit, for a 2 hit game.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Your Texas Rangers lead the division by 1/2 a game over the Halos and have 3 game set against same coming soon. And the Halos to date have won 4 straight. Lastly, and again, if they can win that series against the Halos, or better yet sweep, we'll be talking about the Rangers all summer, I think. I hate to put to place too much weight on a May series against a divisional rival but, if you look at the schedule this is a big deal with inter-league play coming up, especially for a young ball club.




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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Rangers Lose 3-2, But Still "First Place Texas Rangers", Barely

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
The mighty Texas Rangers' offense managed to put up a whole 2 stinkin' runs, ruining a great start by ace Millwood.

Millwood arguably was left in 1 inning too many by Wash.

"Ghosts of Bad Trades Past" continued to haunt the Rangers as the White Sox's ace, and former Ranger, Danks pitched a great game.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Millwood looked great in the loss giving up 3 runs is 7 IP, at one point he got out of a bases loaded jam in the middle innings.

Rangers continued to run on the base pads. 

Elvis looked and performed great on D and O.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
The Rangers lead the division by only 1/2 a game.

Watch out the Halos, they've won 3 straight and are right behind your Texas Rangers. Rangers play 3 against the Halos next weekend. The outcome of that series may set the tone for the season, especially if the Rangers sweep or are swept.

Questions still surround, and are being written about, owner Tom Hicks' default on loans concerning the Rangers.




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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Rangers Win 6-0 Over White Sox! Still "First Place Texas Rangers"

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers' D committed another error.

Rangers' offense left 9 on base.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Matt "Harry" Harrison pitched a complete game 4 hitter. Let me write that again, Matt "Harry" Harrison pitched a complete game 4 hitter. Wow.

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Apparently, Harry's catcher going forward is going to be Teagarden. Usually, only pitchers like Maddux or El Presidente have their own guys catch a game when they pitch instead of the usual catcher. Although, with this result your really can't argue with it.

Rangers are up in the division by 1.5 games.

But, watch out for the Halos, they're at .500 and are going to soon be at full pitching staff strength.




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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Rangers Win 3-2 Over A's; "Hello, First Place Texas Rangers"

Glass Half Empty / Afternoon Cloud:
Rangers put up only 3 runs.

Francisco allowed 2 base runners to get on in the 9th in a 3-2 game.

Glass Half Full / Silver Lining:
Elvis went yard (solo) to start things off on a good note in the 1st.

Rangers manufactured 2 runs in the 4th.

No errors for the Rangers.

Only 4 Rangers LOB.

Scooter Feldman only gave up 2 runs in a quality start.

Doogie Holland pitched 2 scoreless in relief.

Francisco got another save. ERA to date: 0.00

Thoughts / Observations / Sidenote(s):
Rangers are in the 1st place in May. Yes it's early but they're still in first.

Their win streak is now 5.

They're 3 games above .500 after a dismal start to the season.



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When Last We Left Our Boys of Summer...

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