Baseball is My Boyfriend

Check out our all new Rangers Discussion Forum!

SOLD!

T.R. Sullivan is reporting that the Texas Rangers have officially been sold to the Greenberg group. 

Rangers fans have been waiting for months (and, in a lot of cases longer) to give Tom Hicks the boot. But an owner can't exactly be fired.  Hicks' financial troubles paved the way for this sale, and although this is only one step, it's a step in the right direction.

Chuck Greenberg is the head of the proposed new ownership group, and I've been impressed with the things written about him since the Rangers announced him as a finalist in the sale.  One of the most exciting things he's promising -- a new video board for centerfield.  I bet Chuck Morgan is drooling already.

Nolan Ryan is also part of this group and is expected to remain in his current role as team president.

I like it a lot. 

What a great Saturday night news flash :)

By the way, in case you're not counting, I am.  There are just 26 days until pitchers and catchers report and 72 days until Opening Day. 

2009 Rangers Highlights: August

The trade deadline passed, and Rangers fans breathed a sigh of relief that Derek Holland and Justin Smoak were still in the Texas organization.  Rumors had spread about Toronto's interest in the pair in exchange for Roy Halladay. As badly as Texas needs starting pitching, the front office wasn't willing to risk the future.  It was a good move, although the Rangers continued to trail the Halos and Red Sox in the division and wild card races, respectively.  There were other bumps too -- the release of Vicente Padilla, Josh Hamilton's photo scandal and injuries to Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler. Despite all of this, somehow there was still plenty to smile about, including the arrivals of Pudge Rodriguez, Neftali Feliz and Julio Borbon.

Aug. 3 - Feliz fans four in debut

Neftali Feliz only pitched two innings of the game against Oakland, but he was probably the biggest story of the night.  Rangers fans (and other baseball fans) got to see that 100+mph fastball with their own eyes.  He struck out the side in his first inning of work and added another K in the next inning.  The general consensus was simply, "wow."

Aug. 9 - Holland's gem

9 innings. 96 pitches. 73 strikes. 8 Ks. 3 hits. 1 walk. 0 runs.

That's a lot of numbers. But aren't they beautiful?  And they belong to Derek Holland in a win over the Angels. Two starts earlier, against Seattle, Holland took a two-hit shutout into the 9th, but couldn't quite get the final out.  The next start in Oakland was a struggle...and a loss.  But on this day, Holland returned to the form he had in that Seattle start...and took it that next step for his first complete game shutout.  Further punctuating the magnificence of the moment is the fact that it happened against the first place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and it ended with a strikeout of perennial Ranger-killer Vlad Guerrero (who actually struck out twice today). Well done, young one.

Aug. 11 - Nippert fans 10

If you'd have asked me before the season which pitchers had the best chance of double-digit strikeouts, Nippert would not have been at the top of that list.  He was a pretty pleasant surprise this season.

Aug. 15 - Rangers steal eight

Jason Varitek is probably still having nightmares about this game when the Rangers stole eight bases on him.  Julio Borbon had four, Elvis Andrus had three and Ian Kinsler had one.

Aug. 27 - Davis and Grilli get the out

This play was named the premier play at 1B by MLB Network during their 2009 highlight show, so there's no way it didn't make my list as well.

Greene, Guerrero join roster

While I was waiting for the official final word on Guerrero, the Rangers front office delivered a surprise -- Khalil Greene.  I had no idea that was even in the works.  But I'm happy with both acquisitions.

Guerrero's deal is for one year with a second-year option.  The base salary for the first year is $6 million, but there are some incentives.  The Rangers have a $1 million buyout if they decide not to continue the agreement into the second year. I think this is a great deal for the club.  Vlad isn't the hitter he was a few years ago, but he's still quite formidable at the plate, especially the one in Arlington. In 50 games at Rangers Ballpark, Guerrero is a .394 hitter with 14 homers and 33 RBI.

While I was out with family and friends Saturday night, I was stunned to receive a text regarding Khalil Greene's arrival. Pending a physical, the Rangers will sign Greene to a one-year $750K deal to be the utility infielder.  According to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas,

"Greene played in 77 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and hit .200 with six homers and 24 RBIs in 193 at-bats. He had eight errors. His season was hampered by two stays on the disabled list for social anxiety disorder. Greene's 2008 season was limited by a broken left hand, suffered when he punched a wall near a dugout while with the San Diego Padres.

Before the social anxiety issues surfaced, Greene was a solid shortstop with the Padres. He was a guy that played well in the field and batted around .250. His best season was 2007, when he played in 153 games and hit .254 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs."

 

Vlad the impaler coming to Arlington?

Well, that's a stupid question.  I'm sure Vlad will make his way to Arlington at some point, but the question is, which uniform will he be wearing?

Reportedly, Texas has offered perennial Ranger-killer Vladimir Guerrero a one-year $7MM offer.  I can't lie. I like that offer.  Vlad hit .295/.334/.460 last year for the Angels and made $15MM. He's not great defensively, which is why Texas' offer is so low.  I'm not confident Vlad will take the deal.  He'll probably try to hold out for more.  But if he takes it, I might just express giddiness.  And I never thought I'd think that about an Angel. :)

Speaking of holding out, I failed to comment on Marlon Byrd's move to Chicago.  Good for him.  The Cubs are getting a decent player for $5MM a year (and three years).  I'm not sure why the Rangers didn't hold onto him for that price, although I suspect it was the length of the contract and not the amount that they were not willing to take on. 

Mark DeRosa is a Giant now.  So excited for him.  He remains one of my favorite ex-Rangers, and now I have reason to pay attention to what San Francisco does during the season. 

There's a bit of debate over Neftali Feliz' real age.  His facebook profile lists his birthday as May 2, 1985.  Everywhere else, he's it's listed as May 2, 1988.  So which one is true?  Three years may not seem like a huge deal, but in baseball, there is a REAL difference between a 24-year-old pitcher and one who is 21. 

Rangers Highlights will return on Sunday.  Sorry for the hiatus.  The holidays got me all jumbled up.  August and September are on my radar, fear not.  :)

The 12 Days of Rangers Christmas

The 12 Days of Rangers Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, a lefty in number forty.

On the second day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the third day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the fourth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the fifth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, five Kinsler grins… four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the sixth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins… four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the seventh day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, seven Hunter strikeouts, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins…four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the eighth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, eight Feliz fireballs, seven Hunter no-nos, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins…four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the ninth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, nine C.J. leg kicks, eight Feliz fireballs, seven Hunter no-nos, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins…four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the tenth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, ten CD splits, nine C.J. leg kicks, eight Feliz fireballs, seven Hunter no-nos, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins…four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, eleven Feldman strikeouts, ten CD splits, nine C.J. leg kicks, eight Feliz fireballs, seven Hunter no-nos, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins… four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my GM gave to me, twelve Hammy moon shots, eleven Feldman strikeouts, ten CD splits, nine C.J. leg kicks, eight Feliz fireballs, seven Hunter no-nos, six Youngs a-diving, five Kinsler grins…four Frankie saves, three Andrus web gems, two Cruz catches and a lefty in number forty.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my Rangers-centric (if cheesy) take on a classic holiday tune.  Merry Christmas, everyone!

2009 Rangers Highlights: July

I apologize for missing last week.  A nasty cold kicked my butt last weekend, and I think I'm finally over it. 

Of course, the Rangers haven't been idle lately. 

They signed two new pitchers -- Rich Harden and Chris Ray.

They shipped out one pitcher -- Kevin Millwood.  I wish Millwood all the best in Baltimore and wherever he goes from there.  He's a good guy, but I think trading him was the right move for this organization.  

A possible third pitcher, Darren Oliver, is about to be added to the roster.  This all but confirms that C.J. Wilson will be moving into the starting roto. 

Mike Lowell will not be wearing a Rangers uniform in 2010. Texas and Boston were working on a deal involving Lowell and Max Ramirez, but Lowell needs thumb surgery and thus the trade was squashed.  I'm pretty glad about this one.  Yes, the Rangers still need a DH and right-handed bat, but I couldn't figure out how Lowell fit in, defensively.  He's never played at 1B in the majors, yet he was supposedly going to be Chris Davis' back-up.  Naturally, he would have filled in for Michael Young a time or two as well.  Either way, I think there has to be a better option.

Now that I've exhausted the latest transactions, let me move on to the primary focus of this post --- the five best Rangers moments in July 2009.  The month started with a bang, and a 9-7 win over the Halos and sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Then, there was the All-Star Game, and a few weeks later, Derek Holland had a gem of an outing.  At month's end, the Rangers were still very much in the post-season race.

July 8: Jones goes deep three times in Anaheim

I was not Andruw Jones' biggest supporter...by a long shot, but I certainly enjoyed what he contributed in this game. He was 3 for 5 with 4 RBI in this game. Oh yeah, and the Rangers re-took 1st place in the West.

July 10: Vizquel's barehanded play

I'm mad at Omar for abandoning my boys for Southside Chicago team, but I can't soon forget the things he did in a Rangers uniform in 2009.  This play was amazing.  Can't believe this guy's in his 40s!

July 19: Kinsler's walk-off HR

Who doesn't love a little extra innings drama?  Well, R.A. Dickey probably wasn't thrilled with this episode as he gave up a two-run bomb to Ian Kinsler in the bottom of the 12th inning.

July 22: Rangers steal six vs. Boston and Kinsler's leaping catch

This one's a two-fer. Ron Washington is a big fan of stolen bases, especially the double-steal.  He let the boys show off in this game. In the second link, Ian gets up and robs Jason Bay.

July 30: Holland's near-gem

Dutch bounced back from a game in KC in which he gave up four runs in 4.2 innings.  On this memorable night, he went 8.2 innings with just one run allowed (and the run scored after he was off the mound). He walked one and struck out 10. 

Honorable mentions (July was pretty awesome!)

July 5: Kinsler gets two outs in one play

July 5: Byrd's diving catch

July 5: Ballgirl makes the play

July 9: Elvis' backhanded grab

July 24: Feldman's barehanded throw

July 27: Elvis' spinning play

July 27: Hunter gloves it to Salty

2009 Rangers Highlights: June

June was far from a swoon -- the Rangers went 11-15 and fell out of first place, and Matt Harrison and Josh Hamilton went on the disabled list. Despite that, there were some interesting events during this month. Right away, in the month's first game, Vicente Padilla hit Mark Teixeira with a pitch. Twice. The next day, the Rangers placed Padilla on outright waivers. No teams picked him up, and he pitched a few more games for the team, before departing. He eventually went to the Dodgers and pitch in the playoffs, but count me among the Rangers fans who was glad to see Padilla go.  But that's about enough space devoted to Padilla. On with the month's best plays.

1.  June 4 - Cruz robs Johnny Damon

This wasn't a very pretty game, as Brandon McCarthy coughed up a 5-1 lead and C.J. Wilson surrendered a heartbreaking home run in the 9th.

2. June 5 - Millwood, Rangers get the W in Fenway

The Rangers didn't win a single game at Fenway in 2008, but they ended that drought with an exclamation point when they took the series in early June. Millwood was a big part of that as he struck out five and allowed just one run (unearned) on seven hits and four walks in seven innings of work.

3.  June 11 - Millwood wins pitchers' duel in Toronto

Millwood threw 7.2 scoreless innings Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Rangers went on for only its fourth 1-0 victory in 16 seasons since moving into Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

4 - June 26 - Offense wakes up against SD

San Diego got on the board first tonight -- with Tony Gwynn Jr.'s first home run...a lead-off shot -- but the Rangers' offense pounded away, winning 12-2 behind Kevin Millwood. Texas scored in every inning except the 5th, 6th and 8th (they didn't have to play the bottom of 9).  The Rangers bats slapped out 13 hits, including two doubles, a triple and two home runs.  A two-spot in the bottom of the first gave them the lead, and they just kept adding to it the rest of the game -- 4 runs in the second, 3 runs in the third, 1 run in the fourth and 2 runs in the seventh. Andrus was 4 for 4 (with a triple!) that evening with two RBI.

5. June 27 - Andrus, Kinsler and Davis team up for game-ending double play

I never get tired of watching these three work together.

Bonus!

June 12 - Rangers pitchers combine for shutout against Dodgers

June 16 - Kinsler hits a lead-off moonshot

June 24 - Wilson dives to get first out in the 9th

2009 Rangers Highlights: May

May was full of great memories, including three sweeps of TWO division rivals - the Mariners (twice for five games total) and the Angels (three games); the return of Tommy Hunter and two emotional walk-offs.

1. May 6 - Rangers officially move into 1st place

Scott Feldman and Derek Holland were the driving force in a 3-2 win over Oakland. Feldman earned his second win, tossing 89 pitches in six innings. In that span, he fanned three, allowed four hits and walked two. Holland's relief effort was even sexier -  Two innings. 16 pitches. 13 strikes. One hit. No runs. As the only AL West team to win on this evening, the Rangers moved into 1st place, a post they would hold for several weeks to come.

2.  May 8 - Harrison blanks the White Sox

Just prior to this game, Taylor Teagarden was annointed Matt Harrison's personal catcher. Usually, I'd call that pitcher a diva, but if it means a long string of shutout innings, so be it. As of this date, teams had failed to score on Harrison in 19 consecutive innings. He needed just 111 pitches to get through all nine innings. He gave up just four hits and one walk, fanning five en route to the complete game win in Chicago.

3. May 14 - Harrison goes the distance again & Davis walks it off

Harrison's scoreless inning streak ended in the 4th inning at a mark of 22. That's the best for a Texas pitcher in four years. While the streak is over, Harrison definitely showed no signs of hanging his head over it. He had a fantastic day, walking NO ONE and fanning seven in his second consecutive complete game. He gave up just five hits and two runs in his second complete game win in a week's time.

Now, I've heard about people "crying tears of joy," but I have never experienced them until this game. When that ball left Chris Davis' bat, I knew it was a long hit.  When the camera panned to the outfield, I knew it was gone - a two-run, one-out, walk-off home run.  I shrieked and screamed, and then the waterworks started. 

4.  May 17 - Hamilton throws his body into it

This play would put Hamilton on the DL a few days later, but it's a spectacular catch nonetheless. (It also allowed me to have a nice convo with Josh when he was in Des Moines on a rehab assignment.)

5. May 20 - Kinsler, Andrus turn triple play in Detroit

This was probably the only good thing the Rangers did in the Motor City this season. It was the fifth triple play in Rangers history.

Honorable mentions (because May was full of AWESOME):

May 4 - Elvis puts on a show

May 13 - Blalock's walk-off double in the 11th inning

May 16 - Kinsler and Davis end Angels' rally hopes with an exclamation point

May 24 - McCarthy's CG shutout in Houston

2009 Rangers Highlights: April

The off-season, for most, is a time to look ahead to the next year.  The GMs moves are predicted, analyzed and scrutinized.  The more diehard fan keeps tabs on players who have taken the game south -- whether that's Arizona, Mexico or South America.  That's all fun, but a part of me also likes to look back on the season that has just ended. 

The Rangers' season ended rather unceremoniously. They were on the road and out of the race. I wonder how many so-called fans watched those last few series.  Either way, with the sad end, it can be hard to remember the good times, and, trust me, there were plenty in this Rangers season.  There were so many good times, that instead of doing one massive post, I've decided to share five highlights from each month. These posts will be made weekly, each Sunday night.  ENJOY...and don't be afraid to tell me if I've missed your favorite moment.

1.  April 6 - Red and Elvis: A New Era

After Elvis Andrus was pilfered from the Braves system, he snuck quickly through the Rangers farm teams.  Because of this, I had not seen the kid play with my own eyes.  I trust folks like Scott Lucas and Jamey Newberg, but I still didn't know what to expect from the rookie when I took my seat in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Opening Day. I watched him warm up and saw not a hint of nerves or a sense that he didn't belong there.  Quite the opposite.  Although he was still a teenager and years younger than most of his teammate, Elvis fit right in.  The same could be said of his play on the field.  He made plays with ease and even got his first hit -- a double in his first at bat against the reigning Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee.  Yep, the kid had arrived, and he'd only begun to show us what he could do.

The red uniforms also made their 2009 debut, and the result was a W. Coincidence? The jury is still out.

2. April 15 - Kinsler makes history

After a five-game losing streak, the Rangers desperately needed a lift.  Ian Kinsler was happy to help out. On Jackie Robinson Day, the 2B went 6 for 6 and hit for the cycle. He's the second Ranger to have a six-hit game (Alfonso Soriano was the other one) and the first to do it in a nine-inning game. He also scored five times, joining five others at that mark. Oh, and he hit for the cycle too.  He's the fourth Ranger to hit for the cycle. He's the first player since 1890 to hit for the cycle and go 6 for 6 in the same game.

3.  April 22 - Holland's debut, O'Day's hilarious entrance

The result of the April 22 game in Toronto is completely inconsequential. Two emotional moments win out over the loss. 

Derek Holland made his MLB debut in a tight game.  He entered the game two outs into the 6th inning. The bases were juiced. Holland came out throwing strikes but gave up an RBI single to the first batter he faced. He sat down the next four on flyouts and groundouts.  He ended up going 2.1 innings, allowing three hits and fanning two. He threw 29 of his 42 pitches for strikes. Now that's promise.

Holland should have been the headline of the night, but I guarantee the thing most people remember was the entrance of Darren O'Day. He would prove to be a fantastic waiver claim later in the season, but on this night, he was good only for a few laughs. O'Day was claimed on waivers that morning and expected to join the bullpen on Thursday. Well, with extra innings and the relievers nearly out of gas, O'Day had to get thrown into the fire right away.  He came in with two on and one out, wearing Kason Gabbard's jersey.  The infielders were laughing.  The announcers were laughing.  How can you not join the party?

4.  April 24 - Rangers rally from 4-1 deficit

For the third time in a week, the Rangers new 3rd baseman had a clutch hit in a key moment. It's the top of the 9th vs. the Baltimore Orioles. Ian Kinsler is at 1st base with two outs and Texas trailing 4-3. Michael Young steps into the box. Moments later, he swings and drills the ball into right field ... over the head of Markakis and into the stands. Frankie shut down the Orioles in the bottom of the 9th and gets the save.

5.  April 27 - Harrison turns a corner

The first few starts of Matt Harrison's season were...well...not so pretty.  This outing looked to be the same as he gave up four runs in the first few frames.  He had a chat in the dugout with Mike Maddux, and whatever the new Rangers pitching coach said worked.  Harrison retired the next 15 Baltimore batters he faced.  Meanwhile, the Rangers bats woke up and left Baltimore with a 6-4 win.

Ouch, Omar

The Hot Stove is burning pretty hot.  Rumors are flying, and I'm doing my best not to let my heart sink or soar when I hear them.  Not unless they come from a reliable source and are practically done deals. 

So far, my favorite rumors are Kevin Millwood to the Cubs for Milton Bradley and Javier Vazquez from the Braves for Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or Josh Hamilton.  Both of those had me squirming a bit, even though I never fully let them get to me.

Have I mentioned lately that I don't want Milton Bradley back?  I'm not sure how to make it any clearer.  I know his offensive numbers were good in Arlington in 2008, but that doesn't make up for his poor me, it's someone else's fault attitude.  I just can't handle that.  Plus, even though Kevin Millwood fell off in the second half of the season, the Rangers' starting rotation needs a veteran.  Who exactly would that be if Millwood was gone? 

As for the deal with the Braves, I don't know what to say. Obviously, I have a strong attachment to Davis, and I don't like the thought of him going anywhere.  I can't say I'd be thrilled to watch Cruz or Hamilton in another uniform either.  That said, I know one of those outfielders probably will need to find a home somewhere else in the near future.  I'll just cross that bridge when I get there.

Speaking of exits, apparently Omar Vizquel has played his final game in a Rangers uniform. Sources say he will not be returning and he "would prefer a high profile team."  Really, Omar?  If those are truly your words, were they necessary?  I know Texas doesn't have any rings, recent pennants or trophies.  I know your role required you to be a mentor 75 percent of the time and an actual player the other 25 percent.  I realize, at 42, you would like to have a ring before your playing days are over.  I can't blame you for seeing all of these things too.  I am offended, however, that you would take such a dig at a team that gave you the chance to get back in the game and play in 2009.  I really liked you, Omar, and I hope and pray those words were twisted and weren't really yours.  Even if you go play somewhere else, I'd like to feel OK still cheering for you to do well.