The boys of September have done it again.
Yes, I said it. The boys of September. You can figure that nickname out, I have faith.
Again, the Rangers pull out the heart's of their fan base, throw it on the ground (the pitch was called a ball in the process), and trot off into the sunset.
Last year, the Rangers were the feel good story of the year. No one expected a World Series team, and they somehow got past the Rays and Yankees to surprise the world before bowing out after just five games.
2011 was a different story. The Rangers were expected to be a playoff team, and expected to do well in them by their fan base.
They did well, until once again bowing out. This time, in the 9th inning of Game 6.
A good closer doesn't throw a pitch that can be hit 300+ feet, especially in a 2 strike count. Period. End of story.
I'm a Neftali Feliz fan, but what in the world were you thinking?
Whatever, we still have Game 7 right? Wrong.
I made an effort to not watch any ESPN or listen to anything but The Ticket radio station out of DFW all day because I knew they would rule the Rangers out.
But then again, everyone kept harping on "Well the Rangers haven't lost consecutive games in 46 contests!"
The Rangers also weren't in Busch Stadium against Chris Carpenter in any of those 46 games, so I wasn't sold.
I just didn't have a good feeling about it, and turns out I was right. They started out hot, but it turned into a game of Rangers walking to the plate, guessing, and turning around to head to the dugout.
I was confused by that. The Rangers took almost every first pitch, and almost every first pitch was a strike. Then they'd watch the next (Especially Elvis, every time), as a fastball sped right down the middle. Their at-bat would finish with them trying to dig a curve ball out of the dirt almost every time.
I've got to tip my hat to the Cardinals though. They showed up when they needed to show up. Chris Carpenter put the team on his back (Is that term overused yet?) and got it done in the biggest game of his life.
The Cardinals bullpen slammed the door closed, something the Rangers bullpen probably saw as foreign.
And even though this was the greatest season in Texas Ranger franchise history, I'm still not happy with it.
Last year was the year to GET THERE. I know I'm ready to WIN ONE, and I know the 300 other fans that showed up to games back in the mid-90's feel the same way.
I don't mind the bandwagon fans, I wrote a post on that last October.
But I am proud to say that my parents raised me as a Ranger fan from birth. As I put on twitter earlier, I even named my hamsters I got in kindergarten after my two favorite Rangers -- Pudge and Juan (who we later found out was Juanita...)
So yeah, it may be "the greatest season in history", but it wasn't. It ended with a loss, which the Rangers have in common with every other playoff team except for the Cardinals in 2011.
I'm tired of saying "That's how baseball go", so I'm not going to say it. I'm done with that.
MAKE the baseball go where you want it to go instead of heading to the plate guessing and gazelle-jumping into the right field wall as Freese slides into third.
I stand behind Ron Washington. I stand behind Jon Daniels. I stand behind Nolan Ryan.
However, I do not stand behind the mindset I saw from that team in the last 12 innings. Whoever needs to fix that problem, fix it.
See you in the spring, it's now fully football season at Oklahoma State.
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Describing The World Series So Far
My friend Justin (@JustinSouthwell) tweeted last night: "Baseball = World's slowest rollercoaster"
Looking back at this world series, I fully agree with him.
I mean, this is ridiculous. If my doctor was in the room for any game, she'd hospitalize me for ridiculously high, neck vein bulging, face reddening blood pressure.
But I thought about Justin's tweet more and more, and I realized it matches a roller coaster perfectly... So I'll match it up with my favorite. The Titan.
The Build Up:
Clank clank clank clank, there goes the chain as we leave the station and start going up for the first drop. The suspense is building up. We beat the Ray's, this is going to be a sweet ride. We're struggling with the Tigers, this drop is going to be huge... I'm getting kind of nervous. I think I can see Fort Worth... Alright, we're at the top. Commence screams.
Game 1: The First Drop
Straight down. CJ pitches alright, gives up 3 runs in almost 6 innings, but Carpenter is even better and gives up 2. It's a kick in the gut, but we expected this drop to be there and be steep, so it's not that big of a deal. Oh, and don't forget the photo booth at the bottom, that's all of your Cardinals friends talking mess. We've got 6 games and a lot of roller coaster left though, breathe.
Game 2: Cruising Straight Up
On the Titan, you go underground, then shoot straight back up. That's just what happened in Game 2. We were at the bottom, then all of the sudden (in the 9th inning) we shot straight back up to almost as high as the first drop. Sweet.
Game 3: What? Another Drop?
This roller coaster is crazy. Not only is this drop even steeper, but it's sideways. Adding to the scary-ness (Is that a word?) of the drop. This is when Pujols hit a ball to the east side of Dallas, and then crushed two more as the Cardinals racked up 16 runs on Matt Harrison, who will be our Game 7 starter if it gets that far. Oh great.
Game 4: Corkscrew
The roller coaster then goes into a two-story corkscrew drop, and this is my favorite part. Yeah, it's a drop, but it's really fun. You try to stick your arms up but you're going so fast they get slung to the side. That's the best way to describe Holland's start, it's so good but so scary at the same time. This is the same guy who threw 10 straight balls in last year's world series when he came out of the bullpen, and he just shut down the Cardinals lineup (except for Berkman) for 8 1/3 inning? Wow. That was a sweet corkscrew.
Game 5: Power Brakes
The Cardinals scored first, just like when you're going about 50 miles an hour and stop on a dime towards the end of the ride. You're thinking it's the worst, but then you go into another corkscrew drop, this time slower. Alexi Ogando somehow escaping an inning, then Mike Napoli doing his best superman impression. Sweet.
Technically, this would be where you cruise into the station on the Titan, jump out of the car and simultaneously kiss the ground and thank God you lived, aka a celebration? Hopefully that isn't a jinx, but I'm only speaking about the Titan if you want to get down to it.
Also, don't forget that the 2011 World Champion Dallas Mavericks series did the exact same thing as the Rangers have done so far. Loss away, win away, loss at home, win at home, win at home, then they won away and danced on LeBron's kingly court.
Could the Rangers dance on Prince Pujols' lawn? I predicted Rangers in 6, but no one can seize momentum in this so you never know. But I'd like to think so.
One thing is for sure...
All trains checked, all seats cleared. Please keep your seat fastened at all times, and enjoy your ride on The Titan at Six Flags Over Texas.
Looking back at this world series, I fully agree with him.
I mean, this is ridiculous. If my doctor was in the room for any game, she'd hospitalize me for ridiculously high, neck vein bulging, face reddening blood pressure.
But I thought about Justin's tweet more and more, and I realized it matches a roller coaster perfectly... So I'll match it up with my favorite. The Titan.
The Build Up:
Clank clank clank clank, there goes the chain as we leave the station and start going up for the first drop. The suspense is building up. We beat the Ray's, this is going to be a sweet ride. We're struggling with the Tigers, this drop is going to be huge... I'm getting kind of nervous. I think I can see Fort Worth... Alright, we're at the top. Commence screams.
Game 1: The First Drop
Straight down. CJ pitches alright, gives up 3 runs in almost 6 innings, but Carpenter is even better and gives up 2. It's a kick in the gut, but we expected this drop to be there and be steep, so it's not that big of a deal. Oh, and don't forget the photo booth at the bottom, that's all of your Cardinals friends talking mess. We've got 6 games and a lot of roller coaster left though, breathe.
Game 2: Cruising Straight Up
On the Titan, you go underground, then shoot straight back up. That's just what happened in Game 2. We were at the bottom, then all of the sudden (in the 9th inning) we shot straight back up to almost as high as the first drop. Sweet.
Game 3: What? Another Drop?
This roller coaster is crazy. Not only is this drop even steeper, but it's sideways. Adding to the scary-ness (Is that a word?) of the drop. This is when Pujols hit a ball to the east side of Dallas, and then crushed two more as the Cardinals racked up 16 runs on Matt Harrison, who will be our Game 7 starter if it gets that far. Oh great.
Game 4: Corkscrew
The roller coaster then goes into a two-story corkscrew drop, and this is my favorite part. Yeah, it's a drop, but it's really fun. You try to stick your arms up but you're going so fast they get slung to the side. That's the best way to describe Holland's start, it's so good but so scary at the same time. This is the same guy who threw 10 straight balls in last year's world series when he came out of the bullpen, and he just shut down the Cardinals lineup (except for Berkman) for 8 1/3 inning? Wow. That was a sweet corkscrew.
Game 5: Power Brakes
The Cardinals scored first, just like when you're going about 50 miles an hour and stop on a dime towards the end of the ride. You're thinking it's the worst, but then you go into another corkscrew drop, this time slower. Alexi Ogando somehow escaping an inning, then Mike Napoli doing his best superman impression. Sweet.
Technically, this would be where you cruise into the station on the Titan, jump out of the car and simultaneously kiss the ground and thank God you lived, aka a celebration? Hopefully that isn't a jinx, but I'm only speaking about the Titan if you want to get down to it.
Also, don't forget that the 2011 World Champion Dallas Mavericks series did the exact same thing as the Rangers have done so far. Loss away, win away, loss at home, win at home, win at home, then they won away and danced on LeBron's kingly court.
Could the Rangers dance on Prince Pujols' lawn? I predicted Rangers in 6, but no one can seize momentum in this so you never know. But I'd like to think so.
One thing is for sure...
All trains checked, all seats cleared. Please keep your seat fastened at all times, and enjoy your ride on The Titan at Six Flags Over Texas.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Weekend That Was
It's been an (almost) great weekend.
Audrey called me tonight while I was in my Daily O sports section meeting and left me a voice mail that pretty much summed it up.
"It was potentially the greatest sports weekend of our lives... Then the Cowboys played..."
This has become the story of my life the last couple of weeks.
First, Texas A&M handles Baylor and all order is restored in the world. If Baylor had somehow knocked the Ags off in College Station, I'm pretty sure the administrators would have closed the school. But the 'ol "Wrecking Crew" came through, and Ryan Tannehill came through.
Speaking of Tannehill, I'd like to issue an apology to the quarterback. I was among the Tannehill haters coming into last year when Jerrod was pulled. Jerrod was one of my favorite Aggies to ever play behind Dat Nguyen, Reggie McNeal and Jamaar Toombs (TOOOOOOOMBS!!!), and I think the fact that Tannehill had to come in and replace him is why I didn't like the guy.
I saw him as a conservative quarterback, and once called him an SEC quarterback (go figure...). He never slung the ball around like the rest of the Big 12, but he's coming into his own now. Had he played against Nebraska and OU last year like he did against Baylor this weekend, the Ags would've won by 50. So Ryan, if you're reading this, my bad buddy. My bad.
Then, Oklahoma State played. Blah. That's all I have to say about it. It was a good game because of the outcome, but not a great game. I thought the play-calling was sub-par, Weeden was about a step off and our special teams were suspect as usual. However, I was impressed with the defense. They locked down and only TRULY gave up about 10 points. Well done, Pokes.
Side note: As I put on twitter yesterday, Jamie Blatnick (defensive end, #50) is one of the scariest guys I have ever met and seen play. Next time you see an Oklahoma State game, watch him. He's a freak.
Finally, the Rangers took the field and sent the Tigers back to Detroit with their tails between their legs. Between a 9 run third inning and a steady flow of run support after that, the Rangers Cruz'd (pun intended) into their second straight World Series appearance, which will be played with what looks like the St. Louis Cardinals.
Take care of business this time, boys.
The weekend was great... Or should I say, the Saturday was great.
And just like Audrey said on my voicemail -- "Then the Cowboys played."
No comment.
Audrey called me tonight while I was in my Daily O sports section meeting and left me a voice mail that pretty much summed it up.
"It was potentially the greatest sports weekend of our lives... Then the Cowboys played..."
This has become the story of my life the last couple of weeks.
First, Texas A&M handles Baylor and all order is restored in the world. If Baylor had somehow knocked the Ags off in College Station, I'm pretty sure the administrators would have closed the school. But the 'ol "Wrecking Crew" came through, and Ryan Tannehill came through.
Speaking of Tannehill, I'd like to issue an apology to the quarterback. I was among the Tannehill haters coming into last year when Jerrod was pulled. Jerrod was one of my favorite Aggies to ever play behind Dat Nguyen, Reggie McNeal and Jamaar Toombs (TOOOOOOOMBS!!!), and I think the fact that Tannehill had to come in and replace him is why I didn't like the guy.
I saw him as a conservative quarterback, and once called him an SEC quarterback (go figure...). He never slung the ball around like the rest of the Big 12, but he's coming into his own now. Had he played against Nebraska and OU last year like he did against Baylor this weekend, the Ags would've won by 50. So Ryan, if you're reading this, my bad buddy. My bad.
Then, Oklahoma State played. Blah. That's all I have to say about it. It was a good game because of the outcome, but not a great game. I thought the play-calling was sub-par, Weeden was about a step off and our special teams were suspect as usual. However, I was impressed with the defense. They locked down and only TRULY gave up about 10 points. Well done, Pokes.
Side note: As I put on twitter yesterday, Jamie Blatnick (defensive end, #50) is one of the scariest guys I have ever met and seen play. Next time you see an Oklahoma State game, watch him. He's a freak.
Finally, the Rangers took the field and sent the Tigers back to Detroit with their tails between their legs. Between a 9 run third inning and a steady flow of run support after that, the Rangers Cruz'd (pun intended) into their second straight World Series appearance, which will be played with what looks like the St. Louis Cardinals.
Take care of business this time, boys.
The weekend was great... Or should I say, the Saturday was great.
And just like Audrey said on my voicemail -- "Then the Cowboys played."
No comment.
Monday, October 10, 2011
TCU Makes Sense (And Cents)
It will be official any minute now. TCU has accepted the invitation to join the Big 12 as of July 1, 2012.
And I like it a lot.
Bringing TCU to the Big 12 makes a world of sense, and I still don't quite understand why it didn't happen sooner. You can blame it on Beebe or whoever, but it just doesn't make sense as to why they weren't Big 12 members earlier.
For those of you who aren't caught up on the TCU history, when the Big 12 was formed, they invited Baylor instead of the Frogs, which is one of the story lines that runs wild when TCU and Baylor match up against each other in every sport.
Now, that rivalry will now become an annual game.
But it's not just about Baylor and that rivalry. TCU is developing into a premier footbal team, and they will challenge the traditional Big 12 powers of OU, Texas and now OSU year in and year out.
This doesn't mean that TCU will beat them year in and year out, but it will add another speed bump to their schedules and hopefully bring a balance of powers system to the conference in football.
But as most people can't fathom, this isn't all about football. TCU is a very good and balanced program. They've been a powerhouse in baseball recently, have a great location for basketball recruiting (which will explode once this move is official), and boasts one of the most diverse small-sport programs I've ever seen (They have a RIFLE team).
Not only will this move help the football Big 12, but it will help it overall. TCU is a great overall athletic program with an exploding fan base, and for the sake of the Big 12, let's hope that continues. It'd be nice to see something other than Crimson or Burnt Orange hoisting the Big 12 trophy.
And I like it a lot.
Bringing TCU to the Big 12 makes a world of sense, and I still don't quite understand why it didn't happen sooner. You can blame it on Beebe or whoever, but it just doesn't make sense as to why they weren't Big 12 members earlier.
For those of you who aren't caught up on the TCU history, when the Big 12 was formed, they invited Baylor instead of the Frogs, which is one of the story lines that runs wild when TCU and Baylor match up against each other in every sport.
Now, that rivalry will now become an annual game.
But it's not just about Baylor and that rivalry. TCU is developing into a premier footbal team, and they will challenge the traditional Big 12 powers of OU, Texas and now OSU year in and year out.
This doesn't mean that TCU will beat them year in and year out, but it will add another speed bump to their schedules and hopefully bring a balance of powers system to the conference in football.
But as most people can't fathom, this isn't all about football. TCU is a very good and balanced program. They've been a powerhouse in baseball recently, have a great location for basketball recruiting (which will explode once this move is official), and boasts one of the most diverse small-sport programs I've ever seen (They have a RIFLE team).
Not only will this move help the football Big 12, but it will help it overall. TCU is a great overall athletic program with an exploding fan base, and for the sake of the Big 12, let's hope that continues. It'd be nice to see something other than Crimson or Burnt Orange hoisting the Big 12 trophy.
Monday, October 3, 2011
First Set of College Football Predictions
I don't like predictions.
They only go one of two ways -- You looking good, or you looking bad.
That being said, I've had some success in the prediction department.
I called Mavs in 6, Rangers to the World Series (Although my series prediction didn't prove true), and even last week in College Station. As the clock hit 0:00 for halftime, Audrey Ryon, my "date", turned to me and said "Is that worry I see on your face?"
I smirked, and answered "Nope, just wait until the second half."
Due to a pact with Ms. Ryon, that is the last I will be speaking of the OSU vs. A&M game, but to clear things up, I will simply say we won. Go Pokes.
But back to business, this will be my first set of College Football predictions for the season. It will include a few big games left on the schedules, conference championships, and the national championship.
Big Games
Alabama over LSU.
I think Alabama is "The team" this year. LSU has played incredible on the road early this season, but Tuscaloosa is a completely different story. Last year, Auburn went in and dug out of a big hole to come out on top, and I don't see the Tide letting that happen again. The problem with LSU is that the quarterback situation. They're questioning Jarrett Lee, who won three tough road games for them, and with the return of Jordan Jefferson, I can see Les Miles trying to make that situation work and having it blow up in his face in the end. Especially in Tuscaloosa.
Wisconsin over Michigan State & Ohio State 10/22 & 10/29
Wisconsin has to go to the horseshoe, but I don't see much resistance this year. The media will hype this game up just because it's "THE Ohio State", but Wisconsin's true test will be the week before against Michigan State. This will be a tradition game, but I see Wisconsin finishing off the MSU/OSU two step wonderfully, especially due to neither of the opponents
Oregon over Stanford 11/12
Stanford doesn't have the firepower Oregon does. It'll be a track meet that Oregon wins easily, especially after having so many "tune up" games before.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma 12/3
Call me a homer, I don't care. I genuinely think this is the year. OSU is loaded on offense, and the defense shows up when it needs to. Look at the second half of the A&M game, the Cowboys defense completely took Cyrus Gray and Christian Michael out of the game. They also forced Tannehill, widely regarded as a conservative passer, into a handful of turnovers. That amount of defense will be enough for OU, who looks good when they line up against Ball State and beat them by 80 points, but struggled against true opponents such as Florida State and Missouri. And don't forget, Florida State was in Tallahassee... Don't forget where Bedlam is. I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Stillwater.
Conference Champions
Big 10- Wisconsin
Big East- Pittsburgh
ACC- Clemson or Florida State
Big 12- Oklahoma State
SEC- Alabama
Pac 12- Oregon
Who cares- Boise State
National Championship
Alabama over Wisconsin
This is a tough one. I think these are the two best teams in America because they've built their football team the right way. I was just talking with Harrison, and I said that a football team is only as good as their offensive and defensive lines, and that is the case here. Alabama has some of the most athletic lineman in the nation, and Wisconsin's offensive line may be as good as their Green Bay Packer neighbors. I've gotta give the edge to Bama though, their defense will get it done, as well as the diversity they face all year in the SEC.
My Top 10 Teams in the Nation (Not taking into account the time of their losses, one of the biggest flaws of the BCS and the main reason OK State wasn't in a BCS bowl last year)
1- Alabama
2- LSU
3- Wisconsin
4- Oklahoma State
5- Oklahoma
6- Clemson (I'm a believer!)
7- Oregon
8- Texas A&M (Losses are due to coaching, not to talent level)
9- Stanford
10- Georgia Tech (They're the truth this year)
That's all I've got. I'll revisit this in a few weeks when all of my top 10 teams have lost and the college football landscape is completely different.
But then again, isn't that why we love this sport?
Go Pokes and Go Rangers, that's all folks.
They only go one of two ways -- You looking good, or you looking bad.
That being said, I've had some success in the prediction department.
I called Mavs in 6, Rangers to the World Series (Although my series prediction didn't prove true), and even last week in College Station. As the clock hit 0:00 for halftime, Audrey Ryon, my "date", turned to me and said "Is that worry I see on your face?"
I smirked, and answered "Nope, just wait until the second half."
Due to a pact with Ms. Ryon, that is the last I will be speaking of the OSU vs. A&M game, but to clear things up, I will simply say we won. Go Pokes.
But back to business, this will be my first set of College Football predictions for the season. It will include a few big games left on the schedules, conference championships, and the national championship.
Big Games
Alabama over LSU.
I think Alabama is "The team" this year. LSU has played incredible on the road early this season, but Tuscaloosa is a completely different story. Last year, Auburn went in and dug out of a big hole to come out on top, and I don't see the Tide letting that happen again. The problem with LSU is that the quarterback situation. They're questioning Jarrett Lee, who won three tough road games for them, and with the return of Jordan Jefferson, I can see Les Miles trying to make that situation work and having it blow up in his face in the end. Especially in Tuscaloosa.
Wisconsin over Michigan State & Ohio State 10/22 & 10/29
Wisconsin has to go to the horseshoe, but I don't see much resistance this year. The media will hype this game up just because it's "THE Ohio State", but Wisconsin's true test will be the week before against Michigan State. This will be a tradition game, but I see Wisconsin finishing off the MSU/OSU two step wonderfully, especially due to neither of the opponents
Oregon over Stanford 11/12
Stanford doesn't have the firepower Oregon does. It'll be a track meet that Oregon wins easily, especially after having so many "tune up" games before.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma 12/3
Call me a homer, I don't care. I genuinely think this is the year. OSU is loaded on offense, and the defense shows up when it needs to. Look at the second half of the A&M game, the Cowboys defense completely took Cyrus Gray and Christian Michael out of the game. They also forced Tannehill, widely regarded as a conservative passer, into a handful of turnovers. That amount of defense will be enough for OU, who looks good when they line up against Ball State and beat them by 80 points, but struggled against true opponents such as Florida State and Missouri. And don't forget, Florida State was in Tallahassee... Don't forget where Bedlam is. I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Stillwater.
Conference Champions
Big 10- Wisconsin
Big East- Pittsburgh
ACC- Clemson or Florida State
Big 12- Oklahoma State
SEC- Alabama
Pac 12- Oregon
Who cares- Boise State
National Championship
Alabama over Wisconsin
This is a tough one. I think these are the two best teams in America because they've built their football team the right way. I was just talking with Harrison, and I said that a football team is only as good as their offensive and defensive lines, and that is the case here. Alabama has some of the most athletic lineman in the nation, and Wisconsin's offensive line may be as good as their Green Bay Packer neighbors. I've gotta give the edge to Bama though, their defense will get it done, as well as the diversity they face all year in the SEC.
My Top 10 Teams in the Nation (Not taking into account the time of their losses, one of the biggest flaws of the BCS and the main reason OK State wasn't in a BCS bowl last year)
1- Alabama
2- LSU
3- Wisconsin
4- Oklahoma State
5- Oklahoma
6- Clemson (I'm a believer!)
7- Oregon
8- Texas A&M (Losses are due to coaching, not to talent level)
9- Stanford
10- Georgia Tech (They're the truth this year)
That's all I've got. I'll revisit this in a few weeks when all of my top 10 teams have lost and the college football landscape is completely different.
But then again, isn't that why we love this sport?
Go Pokes and Go Rangers, that's all folks.
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Michael Young Situation
Between three separate drives from Stillwater, OK to home, and back the last three weekends because of my little sister's state basketball tournament and spring break, I've been a busy guy.
But just because I haven't had time to write on this blog does not mean I haven't had my eyes set on Surprise, AZ, and all things Texas Rangers.
Overall, I've been excited about what I'm hearing out of the Cactus League. I'm ecstatic to see what Adrian Beltre can do this year, and Chris Davis' resurgence might be even more interesting - although I keep getting deja-vu on the subject from the last 2 years of his sudden explosion, only to falter in the big leagues.
But perhaps the biggest storyline that is developing in the Rangers clubhouse is the Michael Young trade that isn't happening.
The fan's perspective of the matter stinks, as seeing a Rangers lineup without Young would be like seeing Lady Gaga walking around in a pair of jeans and no makeup. But I don't see a huge loss. Yes, it would be great to always have a top player at every position in the infield no matter who is hurt, but when you look at Young's salary, which is one of the highest on the team, is it really worth it?
Instead of paying his salary, the Rangers could go pick up another starting or relief pitchers on the trade market, or put it in the bank until this off season to bring in another big name.
The Rangers are already stacked at every other position I can see when healthy. You know you're set when David Murphy is your fourth outfielder, and Mitch Moreland is your weakest infield link.
So what is the point of keeping Young around? Yes, he is the modern day "Mr. Ranger", but he's never REALLY embraced the role. I've been to a million games in the past five years, and have never once seen him signing autographs. His actions seem exclusive, and perhaps that's the reason it won't phase me if there is a trade.
The problem is, that Daniels can't get enough return value, which makes me hope they don't get tired of it and cut him or trade him for nothing next off season.
We'll all find out soon enough, but I fully expect to see Young in the DH spot on Opening Day, and most likely stay there until someone goes down in the infield.
That's all I've got, look for a March Madness update, as well as a Spring Training recap/season preview for the Rangers.
Questions? Comments? Follow me at @bmorris_ocolly on twitter.
But just because I haven't had time to write on this blog does not mean I haven't had my eyes set on Surprise, AZ, and all things Texas Rangers.
Overall, I've been excited about what I'm hearing out of the Cactus League. I'm ecstatic to see what Adrian Beltre can do this year, and Chris Davis' resurgence might be even more interesting - although I keep getting deja-vu on the subject from the last 2 years of his sudden explosion, only to falter in the big leagues.
But perhaps the biggest storyline that is developing in the Rangers clubhouse is the Michael Young trade that isn't happening.
The fan's perspective of the matter stinks, as seeing a Rangers lineup without Young would be like seeing Lady Gaga walking around in a pair of jeans and no makeup. But I don't see a huge loss. Yes, it would be great to always have a top player at every position in the infield no matter who is hurt, but when you look at Young's salary, which is one of the highest on the team, is it really worth it?
Instead of paying his salary, the Rangers could go pick up another starting or relief pitchers on the trade market, or put it in the bank until this off season to bring in another big name.
The Rangers are already stacked at every other position I can see when healthy. You know you're set when David Murphy is your fourth outfielder, and Mitch Moreland is your weakest infield link.
So what is the point of keeping Young around? Yes, he is the modern day "Mr. Ranger", but he's never REALLY embraced the role. I've been to a million games in the past five years, and have never once seen him signing autographs. His actions seem exclusive, and perhaps that's the reason it won't phase me if there is a trade.
The problem is, that Daniels can't get enough return value, which makes me hope they don't get tired of it and cut him or trade him for nothing next off season.
We'll all find out soon enough, but I fully expect to see Young in the DH spot on Opening Day, and most likely stay there until someone goes down in the infield.
That's all I've got, look for a March Madness update, as well as a Spring Training recap/season preview for the Rangers.
Questions? Comments? Follow me at @bmorris_ocolly on twitter.
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