Brunette Ball

New Ownership Gets Crackin' Fast

2010-08-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

The new Texas Rangers ownership, headed by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, didn’t wait long to start on a series of fan initiatives. Improvements started only hours after MLB approved the new ownership for the Greenberg-Ryan group. New prices for parking, concessions and fan merchandise were unveiled at the Friday home game against Boston.

Hot dogs were reduced from $4.50 to $4, soda in souvenir cups was down from $5.75 to $5 and bottled beers were cut from $7 to $6. The most-reduced concession was hot chocolate from $3 to $1, but with temperatures as hot as they have been, that is not a big seller.

Then the most exciting and fan-tastic idea... there is the “Cap Exchange”. Fans can receive a 20 percent discount on all Rangers caps at the gift shops if they bring in another team's cap in exchange. Sound like a good idea?

"It gives you amnesty and a little bit of a break to put the right cap on," Chuck Greenberg said. "We have a whole series of initiatives as far as the fans, but that's the best we would do in 24 hours. This is just the beginning of an extended program that will never end as far as this franchise in being responsive to the fans."

There are also plans for significant improvements to the 16-year-old Rangers Ballpark, including new video boards, which many fans have asked about. Also, additions and enhancements have already kicked into gear. These moves include t-shirts being thrown into the stands on all levels of Rangers Ballpark, adding ball and strike counts to concourse monitors, re-instituting radio play-by-play sound on the concourses, and new elements on the scoreboards, video boards, and in the seating bowl. (Maury Brown) Immediate changes like the price adjustments, and fan interaction just show the fans how dedicated this new ownership team is to helping the fans enjoy such a dynamic and talented team.

Kinsler & Winning Streak Snap

2010-06-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

MLB home plate umpire Eric Cooper and Texas Ranger Ian Kinsler exchanged some nasty words after Cooper threw Kinsler out of the game Friday night against the Houston Astros.

Kinsler was tossed in the third inning for throwing equipment after a called third strike. He quickly snapped, turned around and started yelling at Cooper, while being restrained by third base coach Dave Anderson. It was apparent during Kinsler's at-bat that he was not pleased about another pitch he took that was called a strike by Cooper.

The Rangers ending up losing the game to the Astros 7-4, which also ended their 11 game winning streak.
After the game Kinsler was no very happy.

"We lost the game ... amazing, isn't it?" second baseman Ian Kinsler snapped. "We're not going to win them all."

Clemson Defeats No.1 Arizona State

2010-06-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Clemson took landed a 6-3 victory over No. 1 Arizona State as they knocked around ASU’s ace Seth Blair for five runs on seven hits in the College World Series on Monday morning.

Blair was also called out for two balks, which in turn costed the team runs. Both balks were questionable and the umpires later notified the coaches that there was a “rocking motion” present once the pitcher had stopped. Seems unfair and subjective by many, even the ESPNU commentators.

In total, the Tigers took a fourteen-hit onslaught to defeat the Sun Devils, all with singles.

Clemson’s starting pitcher Casey Harman was awarded Player of the Game after he pitched six solid innings for the Clemson Tigers.

Blair (12-1, 3.64 ERA) walked four of the first 12 batters he faced. He left in the fifth inning after John Hinson put the Tigers up 3-1 on a RBI single.

Harman (8-3, 3.77 ERA) was relieved by Alex Frederick after ASU loaded the bases in the seventh inning. Sun Devil left fielder Drew Maggi's RBI groundout cut Clemson's lead to 6-3, but the threat ended when second baseman Zack MacPhee struck out for the Sun Devils.

Clemson (44-23) advances now to the winners' bracket game against Oklahoma on Tuesday. The ASU Sun Devils (53-8) meet South Carolina in an elimination game Tuesday, if the weather can hold up.

Should Clemson lose to Oklahoma on Tuesday, the Tigers would face the winner of the South Carolina-Arizona State game for the right to a rematch against the Sooners.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2010-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Rosenblatt Stadium during a rain delay while South Carolina against Oklahoma try to compete at the NCAA college World Series baseball game in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, June 20, 2010.

The Arizona State against Clemson game has been postponed to Monday at 10 a.m. CT due to NCAA curfew.

Bittersweet Baseball for Arizona State

2010-06-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

There are two sides to every story. In most cases, it's either the truth, or what someone thinks is the truth. Not in the Valley of the Sun and not for the Arizona State Sun Devils. It depends which way you think, if you follow your heart, your mind or tradition. Thoughts differ from fans, to former players and to those who are out there daily sporting the maroon and gold, playing for a program that has deserved their trip to the College World Series this year.

It only took two games, both ending in 12 innings, to lift Arizona State over Arkansas in the Super Regionals last weekend and for them to advance to their 22nd College World Series appearance. ASU was named the No. 1 overall seed in the 2010 NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. It is going to be the last year for Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE, to host the College World Series.

After all, the 2010 trophy will be dripping with nostalgia, with the winner closing down a stadium synonymous with college baseball. A place where the best players in baseball, once stood, where the best coaches have taken their teams to victory, and where the ASU Sun Devils will embark this year without that one famous coach, Pat Murphy.

"This is the year they're going to win a national championship," said Dustin Pedroia, former ASU star and current Red Sox slugger. "And Murph isn't going to be there. That's going to be tough. That would be bittersweet. That would leave a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths."

ASU's story looks like one right out of a prime time drama. After it's contentious split, after 15 years, with notorious coach Murphy, the team responded by starting their season 24-0 and ending it heading one last time to Rosenblatt. Former Sun Devil player and assistant head coach, Tim Esmay, spent 10 years under the lead of Murphy and will now lead the Sun Devils to Rosenblatt as the head coach. If Esmay wins the championship that eluded Murphy for 15 years, it will also feel like instant confirmation, proof that the Sun Devils program can survive just about anything.

Esmay has been everything that this program needed. According to Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic, "Esmay has shown the perfect touch. He has deferred to his players. He makes sure the story isn't about him, or his improbable twist of fortune. He's brought calm and consistency to a group that had been weaned on drama and unpredictability. At times, he's been a refreshing change. And he's endeared himself to the passionate base of hardcore fans by stressing a fundamental lesson: No man, or manager, is bigger than the program."

"This is a Sun Devil brotherhood," Esmay said. "No matter who you play for, it's still Arizona State. At some point, somebody recruited by Bobby Winkles had to play for coach Brock. At some point, somebody recruited by Jim Brock had to play for Pat Murphy. And at some point, somebody recruited by Pat Murphy has to play for Tim Esmay. At the end of the day, what I want to convey is that the base is strong, and that base is an ASU brotherhood."

A very delicate ASU brotherhood.

This is where the different sides of every story come in to play. Whether you believe Murphy was the man the media portrayed, the "reckless renegade"or not, this much is true. "There's a new wave of former Sun Devils currently tearing up Major League Baseball, from Pedroia and his MVP trophy to blossoming stars like Andre Ethier, Ike Davis and Mike Leake. They shine a glorious spotlight on the program, and they are all Murph's guys." (Bickley)

"I watch all the games on television, I root for the guys and I want them to win," Pedroia said. "But I didn't go there for the tradition and all that BS. I went there because of Murph. Murph made me into the player I am today, and all the guys feel that way. He's very well-loved."

Murphy is currently working for the San Diego Padres as a special assistant in baseball operations, and while he appreciates thought, he said that he will not watch the Sun Devils play baseball this year in Omaha.

"It's too emotional and too painful," Murphy said. "I've received hundreds of text messages from people telling me that it isn't fair, that this is really my team. And it's not. I'm very proud of everything I accomplished at ASU, but this is not my team."

And now, if the Sun Devils win their first baseball title since 1981, it wouldn't have been possible without Murphy.

"These are Murph's players," Pedroia said. "Murph recruited all of these guys, and now, I think they're the best team in the country."

All we can do now, is sit back and watch to see how the rest of this story unfolds, as the boys touched down in Omaha this morning, ready to take on Clemson.

The Sun Devils first game against Clemson on Sunday at 4 p.m. MST will be on ESPN2 and will be broadcast nationwide on SIRIUS channel 122 and XM channel 143. I'm supporting them and always have! GO DEVILS!

Follow The Brunette on Twitter

2010-06-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

@StephBloom

Alright, I know I have been quiet on here for the first part of this baseball season, but Twitter is another story. If you want to follow my thoughts on a daily basis, go ahead... treat yourself, I won't tell.

A Record Opening Day

2010-04-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

The Texas Rangers got their very first walk-off win on Opening Day in Arlington today!

A slow start to the game quickly became exciting in the seventh inning when the Rangers got to Blue Jays' pitching after Vladimir Guerrero broke up a no-hitter, followed by Nelson Cruz hitting a three-run home run. The Rangers then trailing by a run, rallied for two in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4, walk-off victory on Opening Day at the Ballpark in Arlington.

When catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia came up to bat with one out and the bases loaded, he belted one into the right-center-field alley to drive home the winning run, a red and blue clad crowd of 50,299, the eighth largest in Rangers history, went crazy.

"That was an unbelievable feeling," Saltalamacchia said. "I've never had that before. I've never had a walk-off hit before. It was amazing." (According to T.R. Sullivan, MLB)

Following the game, Ashley Saltalamacchia congratulated her husband.

What an exciting start to the season.

One down... only 161more to go.

Snapshots From The Yard

2010-03-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

After a solid week or two at numerous games and
ballparks, here is what I have to show for it.

(C.J. Wilson on third base... not too bad for a pitcher)

(Chris Davis watching his huge smash to left center and then CD fouling one off)

(Hamilton tagging up on third just in time against the Angels)

(Mitch Moreland at bat in the 9th inning against the Brewers)

(Elvis Andrus and C.J. Wilson post pep-talk)

Family Matters

2010-03-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

By now, we are all familiar with the sports and fame related letdown. We have witnessed Tiger Woods, Michael Vick, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Dwight Gooden all stun us with various innapropriate events. What do you do when your heroes let you down? Do you follow your heroes or follow your heart?

I follow my heart. I don't have to do the same things that said individuals have done to be fan of them. Each and every individual makes their own choices and their own mistakes. Who am I to judge them? No one is perfect. What one person thinks is a deal breaker, might be small enough to shrug off to the next person. I can forgive.

When the Texas Rangers front office found out about Ron Washington's cocaine use/failed drug test last fall, they stood by him. That's what a family does. Washington completed the MLB drug probation terms and testing programs that were assigned to him. Washington offered to resign, but this family decided to stick together. He is good at what he does and he is passionate about his team.

When someone in your family does something wrong, it is only natural to be disappointed, but do you love them any less? Are you willing to help them overcome that wrong doing? Do you still consider them a part of your family?

It is a thin line for media and what is news and what isn't news. Public figures do need to take into consideration that their "private business" is no longer private by law once they are seen as a public figure. This is how the media can ruin reputations in some cases, when if the neighbor next door was caught doing the same thing, no one would care. These figures need to be responsible for their actions and realize the circumstances that follow.

Duel in the Desert

2010-03-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow should be interesting in terms of pitching. Both Neftali Feliz and C.J. Wilson are slated to toss 4 innings a piece in the game against the Cubs. I'm excited to see them in action and to compare their skills. Wilson has been more outspoken than usual lately and I want to see him put his money where his mouth is. They both were great in relief last season. The Texas Rangers have quite the competition for pitchers and both Wilson and Feliz want to be in the starting rotation. I want to see Feliz master his secondary stuff while still throwing gas. According to Rangers reporter, T.R. Sullivan, "in the battle for the fifth starter spot, Wilson and Feliz are in a crowded field. Matt Harrison, the early leader, has not allowed a run over five innings. Right-hander Brandon McCarthy and left-hander Derek Holland each pitched three scoreless innings in their last starts."

I'll be at the game tomorrow and commentary will follow the match.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

Texas came out strong with a victory over Kansas City in the opening game of Spring Training yesterday.
Final Score:

Rangers 13

Royals 3

Noteworthy points from the game:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a three-run homer in his first at-bat of the spring after Nelson Cruz singled and Chris Davis walked. In the eighth inning, after Matt Brown doubled, Chad Tracy hit a RBI triple and then Brown came through again with a three-run homer in the ninth. Mitch Moreland went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Julio Borbon is also off to a good start as the Rangers' leadoff hitter. He went 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored yesterday.

Newly acquired pitchers were successful in their debuts. Starter Rich Harden threw 29 pitches in two innings and Colby Lewis threw 11 in one inning. Texas' first-round Draft pick from last season, Tanner Scheppers, pitched for the first time ever against a Major League team in the sixth inning. Outcome? He retired the side on three grounders.

Extras: Ron Washington told reporters this week that Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden are “dead even” in the battle to win the starting catcher job. -Jamey Newberg.

Competition Is In The Air

2010-02-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of ESPNDallas.com writer Richard Durrett.

Follow him on Twitter @espn_durrett

Pitchers and catchers officially reported for business on Thursday and their first workout came this morning for Spring Training.

Of the thirty-one pitchers that hit the field this morning in Surprise, Ariz., starters Scott Feldman, Rich Harden and Colby Lewis, closer Frank Francisco, right-handed setup reliever Darren O'Day and left-handed reliever Darren Oliver were the six that already had defined jobs on the Texas Rangers staff.

According to MLB.com blogger T.R. Sullivan, “there are also seven pitchers who aren't likely to make the team, including Eric Hurley, who is coming back from shoulder surgery, and Alexi Ogando and Omar Beltre, who just got here after a five-year odyssey dealing with their visa issues. Minor League left-handers Michael Kirkman, Kasey Kiker and Zach Phillips are all in big league camp for the first time but are unlikely to make the team.”

I’ll save you from doing that math… that leaves 19 pitchers left competing for spots, including C.J. Wilson who is guaranteed to make the team, but would like to find his place in the starting rotation.

"I have no idea what will happen," Wilson said. "All I know is I asked for the chance. I don't know what I'll get. I'm ready for it. I'm ready to go out and perform."

It should be a great show this spring to see all the arms at work.

The Rangers will also be looking at young flame-throwing Neftali Feliz as a starter. Last season's bullpen regulars Wilson and Feliz, will compete with Tommy Hunter, Matt Harrison, who just lost near 30 pounds in hopes of beating out his competition, Derek Holland and Brandon McCarthy for the final two spots in the rotation.

Reports state that Hunter is the front runner for the fourth spot in the rotation, but he knows it is not just given to him as does McCarthy after going through this process three times prior. Holland

The others had to look around at their competition and know that this Spring Training was going to be hard work.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux said that there are going to lots of slots that need to be filled. "Inner competition is good. It's healthy. It pushes guys and it might pull guys.” Maddux said. “In the past we had some guys who may have been rushed to the big leagues because of a lack of competition. Now we have competition."

Tim Steggall's Blog to be Named Later (2/18)

2010-02-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Tim Steggall's Blog to be Named Later (2/18): "College shortstop-turned-professional pitcher Tim Steggall is about to embark on his first season with the Texas Rangers' organization. Throughout the year, Steggall will chronicle his experiences as a minor league baseball player in this journal."

Catch Me While You Can!

2010-02-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Texas Rangers currently have three catchers on the 40-man roster, Taylor Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Toby Hall, who was signed last month, but are thought to be looking for one more. The Texas Rangers weren't able to snag veteran catchers Jose Molina and Rod Barajas after offering minor league contracts. Barajas is thought to take the offer with the New York Mets, while Molina is represented by the same agent as recently signed Hall, which some think might have been seen as a conflict of interest. The Texas Rangers are reportedly still interested in Molina.

Back in Action

2010-01-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile, but I am back! I had to watch my Cowboys get kicked out of the playoffs before I could fully gear up for baseball season again and get excited for the Texas Rangers to start spring training in a few weeks.

I was pleased to find that Neftali Feliz (number 7), Justin Smoak (9), Martin Perez (18), and Tanner Scheppers (39) made their way on to the MLB Network Top 50 Prospects special last night, featuring Jonathan Mayo and John Hart as the lead analysts.

We still have tons of talent on the farm that we can be proud of too!

Baseball America’s top 10 Rangers prospects:

1. Neftali Feliz, RHP2. Justin Smoak, 1B3. Martin Perez, LHP4. Tanner Scheppers, RHP5. Jurickson Profar, SS6. Kasey Kiker, LHP7. Robbie Ross, LHP8. Mitch Moreland, OF/1B9. Danny Gutierrez, RHP10. Wilmer Font, RHP

You can view the report in detail here.

Tough Moments

2009-09-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

This past homestand was rough for the Texas Rangers and walking away with three straight losses to the Oakland A's can be discouraging, especially in the Wild Card race. Here are some Associates Press photos that might make you happy you weren't there on the field.

2009-09-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

The University of Oklahoma opens this football season September 5, and there are many opinions of how this year's team will stand up to the expectations. I hope this year won't be another "choke-lahoma" show.

Let's take a look of the leaders in talent that we have returning this season in red.

Passing: Last Year's Heisman Trophy Winner, Sam Bradford, QB. 4,720 yards

Rushing: Chris Brown, RB, 1,220 yards

Receiving: Jermaine Gresham, TE, 950 yards

Tackles: Travis Lewis, LB, 144

Sacks: Jeremy Beal, DE, 8.5

Interceptions: Dominique Franks, CB, 4; Travis Lewis, LB, 4

QB Sam Bradford's decision to stay at OU is one that Sooner fans are thankful for. Three other players, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, offensive tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jermaine Gresham would not have been too far behind Bradford in last years draft. Instead, they are all back in Norman, dedicated and ready to make yet another run at a national championship. Can they do it? Personally, I hope so. I am sick of hearing all the hype about Florida and Texas. But I'm ready to see Bradford, Tebow and McCoy duke it out again this year.

2008 Record: (12-2, 7-1)

The third-ranked Sooners meet No. 20 BYU Saturday in the first official game played at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with kickoff set for 6 p.m. (CT).

Click here to see transcript from OU press conference Tuesday

September Solute

2009-09-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

It's September, which means it's time to talk roster. By this time in the season we normally have seen quite an array of players. The 40-man was filled today after the following adjustments.

Reinstated infielder Esteban German and lefthander Eddie Guardado from the 15-day disabled list and righthander Brandon McCarthy from the 60-day disabled list
Recalled righthanders Warner Madrigal and Guillermo Moscoso from Oklahoma City
Purchased the contract of outfielder Craig Gentry from Frisco and catcher Kevin Richardson from Oklahoma City
Placed Oklahoma City outfielder Brandon Boggs on the 60-day disabled list with a left shoulder dislocation
Designated righthander Thomas Diamond for assignment

But, let's take a look at Rangers and their call-ups to the show (or back up to the show):

This season:
#44 - Pedro Strop (Aug 27 - Major League Debut)
#43 - Ivan Rodriguez (Aug 18)
#42 - Kevin Richardson (Aug 15 - Major League Debut)
#41 - Esteban German (Aug 5)
#40 - Neftali Feliz (Aug 2)
#39 - Dustin Nippert (Jul 7)
#38 - Julio Borbon (Jun 29 - Major League Debut)
#37 - Jason Grilli (Jun 9)
#36 - Doug Mathis (Jun 3)
#35 - Brandon Boggs (Jun 2)
#34 - Guillermo Moscoso (May 29 - Major League Debut)
#33 - Tommy Hunter (May 29)
#32 - Joaquin Arias (May 9)
#31 - Greg Golson (May 4)
#30 - Max Ramirez (May 1)
#29 - Luis Mendoza (Apr 23)
#28 - Darren O'Day (Apr 22)
#27 - Derek Holland (Apr 18 - Major League Debut)
#26 - Willie Eyre (Apr 15)

original 25:
#25 Kris Benson,
#24 Scott Feldman
#23 Frank Francisco
#22 Eddie Guardado
#21 Matt Harrison
#20 Jason Jennings
#19 Warner Madrigal
#18 Brandon McCarthy
#17 Kevin Millwood
#16 Vicente Padilla
#15 Josh Rupe
#14 CJ Wilson
#13 Jarrod Saltamacchia
#12 Taylor Teagarden
#11 Elvis Andrus (Major League Debut)
#10 Hank Blalock
#9 Chris Davis
#8 Ian Kinsler
#7 Omar Vizquel
#6 Michael Young
#5 Marlon Byrd
#4 Nelson Cruz
#3 Josh Hamilton
#2 Andruw Jones
#1 David Murphy

Umpire: Please Designate for Assignment!

2009-08-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Picture: Thanks to Jamey Newberg & MakaveliThaDon from the Newberg Report message board.

Rangers fan don't want to make excuses for that loss, but that was an absolutely pathetic and singular call to end the game last night against the Twins.

The game ended on a pitch that Chris Davis "would have foolishly swung at in the first half of the season but did his job, presumably earning a walk to load the bases for Elvis Andrus rather than trying to do too much himself," said Rangers blogger Jamey Newberg.

Sport announcer Eric Nadel said Umpire Mike Estabrook (who has filled in for vacationing big league umpires each season since 2006 but has yet to secure a full-time major league job himself) should be embarrassed when he sees replays of that pitch, and that’s a much more professional way of expressing what was going through my mind, and still is.

Can we designate Estabrook for assignment? Pathetic.

Moments From New York

2009-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Texas Takes Series: Rangers Go Yard

2009-08-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Winning 2-3 games against the New York Yankees, I'll take it.

Series at a glance:

Tue. 08/25: TEX 10, NYY 9
Wed. 08/26: NYY 9, TEX 2
Thu. 08/27: TEX 7, NYY 2

Today's Final Game: Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis hit a pair of three-run home runs that helped boost the Rangers to the 7-2 victory this afternoon.

Texas Rangers Reliever Jason Grilli, picked up the victory in relief of Dustin Nippert, after retiring seven straight hitters after entering the game with two outs in the 4th inning.

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, The victory was Texas' second in three games against New York and the club is now 3-3 on its nine-game road trip. The Rangers open a three-game series against the Twins on Friday night in Minnesota.

Kinsler hit his second home run of the afternoon with nobody on base in the 8th inning. He has 5 multihomer games this season and 7 in his career.

Sooner-O-Later

2009-08-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Can the Oklahoma Sooners' O-Line get it together in time? This is not a season that welcomes inconsistency after loosing 4 of their 5 starting linemen. The linemen were part of the team that helped Sam Bradford execute his 50 touchdown passes, and the only one remaining; Trent Williams.

It will be great to see Colt McCoy back battling Sam Bradford for another eventful season.

OU faces Texas in October and they need to perfect their game by then. The Sooners have out-played the Longhorns, winning 5-straight games in an average of 27 points earlier this decade, but since then, Texas has won 3 of 4 in the bitter Red River Rivalry.

Pudge Reacquired: Murphy changes No.

2009-08-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Almost a year after this collision between then New York Yankees Pudge Rodriguez and Texas Rangers Davis Murphy, they reunite in Texas. Murphy has offered to give up his jersey #7 to Pudge, who was #7 when he played for the Rangers from 1991-2002. (Murphy will now be #14).

Pudge joins the Texas Rangers once again, but this time to play back-up to Texas catcher Taylor Teagarden as Jarrod Saltalamacchia remains injured. The Rangers reacquired 14-time All-Star Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriquez today from the Houston Astros. Houston will receive a pair of minor leaguers, expected to be Class AA Frisco infielder Jose Vallejo and Class A Hickory hard thrower Matt Nevarez.

Pudge is a 13-time Gold Glove award winner. Over a 19-year big league career, Rodriguez has a .299 batting average with 303 homers and 1,251 RBIs.

With the Rangers: Rodriguez originally signed with the Rangers and played for them from 1991 to 2002 before leaving as a free agent. He was a 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner for the Rangers, starting catcher on three division championship teams and the 1999 American League Most Valuable Player.

The Texas Rangers now have four Gold Glove winners on the current roster: Omar Vizquel, Andruw Jones, Michael Young and now Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. (First Base Coach Gary Pettis was also a 5-time Gold Glove winner with 11 season in MLB)

Battle for the Lead: Rangers v. Angels

2009-08-07T16:44:00.001-07:00

The Rangers have done well in the past 3 rounds when facing the Angels and they can't give up now as both teams are battling head-to-head for the division lead. The Angels might be 4 1/2 games ahead of the Rangers for the division, but Texas has won 7 of 9 when facing the Halos this season, but 6 of those have been in Arlington. Will the home turf make the difference?

According to MLB:

Texas RHP Scott Feldman allowed two earned runs over seven innings against the Mariners on Sunday. It came on just three days' rest. He earned his 10th victory of the season, which extends a career high. Feldman also posted his 13th quality start. He is 9-1 with a 2.60 ERA in those starts. Since joining the Rangers rotation on April 25, Feldman is 10-4 with a 3.42 ERA. The Rangers are 13-6 in Feldman's starts this season. He is 2-3 over 15 games -- six starts -- with a 5.23 ERA over 43 innings pitched against the Angels in his career. On the road in his career, he is 11-10 with a 5.19 ERA over 164 2/3 innings pitched in 60 games -- 21 starts.

Angels southpaw Joe Saunders wasn't razor-sharp in his last outing, but he kept his team in the game and lasted six innings on Saturday night at the Metrodome. He finished strong after yielding a pair of runs in each of the second and third innings, creating optimism that he has ironed out some command issues. Still, he has given up four or more runs in seven consecutive outings, his ERA soaring from 3.66 on June 24 to 5.07.

Flame Throwing Feliz Made His Debut

2009-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Despite the tough 2-3 loss in the last inning of the game last night, the 21-year-old RHP Neftali Feliz made his Major League debut for the Texas Rangers. He struck out the side in the 6th inning when he came in relief of Dustin Nippert, with the Rangers leading the A's 1-0 in Oakland.

For Rangers fans, it was nothing new, but for everyone else, they got to see what all the hype was about. Feliz faced the top of the order, striking out Adam Kennedy, Kurt Suzuki and Scott Hairston. In the next inning he struck out Jack Cust, then retired Ryan Sweeney on a grounder to Texas' second baseman Joaquin Arias and retired Tommy Everidge on a foul pop to first baseman Hank Blalock. Click here to see his 100 mph fastball.

It only took 8 pitches for Feliz to hit the triple digit mark and hit 99 mph 8 other times. He hit 101 mph on the final pitch of his two-inning perfect performance Monday night against Oakland.

It was interesting to see a change up that was clocked at 92 mph, but that's just Feliz throwing gas as usual. All of his pitches were working for him, but the vicious combination of two-seam and four-seam fastballs with a few curveballs mixed in there, is what got the opposing batters.

The last pitcher to strikeout 4-in-a-row in their Major League debut was back in 1962 for the Dodgers and that pitchers had 6 Ks.

*Feliz was the first Rangers ever to strike out the first 4 batters in a career debut.

Dutch Treat for Texas

2009-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight's ballgame was anything but boring.

Texas Ranger 22-year-old southpaw Derek Holland earned a career high 10 strikeouts over going the deepest he has ever gone in a ballgame (8 2/3 innings) and giving up only 2 hits in the 7-1 win over Seattle. It also helped that his team hit 5 homers and Michael Young had 2 of them.

Holland had to face the same home plate umpire for his second straight start, which is unusual. Holland struck out the hottest Seattle hitter to start the night. Holland quickly had control on the mound, locating his fastball on the outside corners and showing his great slider, down and out.

Hank Blalock hit his 20th homer of the season in the bottom of the 2nd inning to take to 1-0 lead. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a 2-run homer deep into center to push the Rangers ahead 3-0 in the same inning.

In the 3rd inning, Michael Young hit is 15th home run of the year, making the score 4-0. Seattle made a pitching change, Jakubauskas replaced Olson. Young hit his second homer of the night (16th of the season) on a 2-3 count, elevating the Rangers over the Mariners 5-0.

In the 7th inning, Young singled on a line drive and scored when Marlon Byrd hit his 10th homer of the season, propelling the score 7-0. Nelson Cruz doubled on a line drive, Blalock singled, which advanced Cruz to 3rd base. With runners at the corners, Andruw Jones stepped to the plate and grounded out into a double play.

Holland's career high 10th strikeout came in the 8th inning when he struck out Hannahan and Wilson back-to-back. In the 9th inning, Holland walked his only batter, Rob Johnson.

On Holland's 118 pitch of the night, Gutierrez singled on a ground ball to center and advanced Johnson. Rangers manager Ron Washington then made the tough decision to take Holland out of the game. The crowd, including club president Nolan Ryan, gave the young pitcher a standing ovation as he walked back to the dugout.

The shutout was knocked out of reach when Texas reliever Warner Madrigal gave up a hit that scored Ichiro (the only run of the game), a walk and pitched to Shelton who popped out to end the game.

The Great Eight

2009-07-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Texas Ranger Scott Feldman looked like a poised professional on the mound tonight out-dueling Kansas City's All-Star RHP Zack Greinke. Lucky for him, he proved that, too, with a career high of 8 shutout innings. Feldman had only 4 hits, 3 walks and struck out 2.

The Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 tonight, even though Zack Greinke struckout 10.

The Rangers took the 1-0 lead when Greinke gave up his 5th homer of the year to Marlon Byrd with 1 out in the 4th inning. Byrd scored again in the 8th from Hank Blalock's RBI double off of Kansas City reliever Josh Bales.

C.J. Wilson stepped in for the 9th inning and recorded his 10th save of the season for Texas, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 1.

Now winning 5 straight, for the first time this season, the Rangers are 12 games over .500 and are now within 3 games of the Angels, their division rivals.

Swine Flu Fear

2009-07-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Rangers masked themselves with their gloves after the big Red Sox sweep on Wed. (photo by fan Erin Stambaugh)

According to the Texas Rangers, RHP Vicente Padilla has tested positive for the "swine flu" but is currently the only Ranger who has done so even though there are flu symptoms traveling throughout the clubhouse. The team reports that he resting back at his hotel room in Kansas City, and currently is still slated to be the started Tuesday night when the Rangers take on the Detroit Tigers back at home in Arlington.

Can the Rangers hit Greinke's stuff?

2009-07-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Rangers play their first game in Kansas City tonight and the match up should be exciting. There is no doubt that the Rangers can hit, but Kansas' starting pitcher can throw! He has struck out over double the batters that Scott Feldman has, but he has also pitched more innings. It should be exciting to see if the underdog Feldman can prove to everyone else just how good he is.

Ranger's starter Scott Feldman allowed 3 earned runs over 6 innings in his last appearance against the Twins on Saturday, earning his 11th quality start of the season. According to MLB, Feldman has now thrown between 5 and 7 innings in 18 consecutive starts dating back to last season. Including Saturday, Feldman has issued fewer than 3 walks in 13 of his 16 starts and has held opponents to a .222 average (77-for-347) as a starter this season. In 6 games -- one start -- at Kauffman Stadium in his career, Feldman has posted a 1-0 record with a 2.51 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. Away from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in his career, he is 10-10 with a 5.46 over 156 2/3 innings in 59 games (20 starts).

The much talked about Royal's starter Zack Greinke started off his second half with 7 strong innings, but still couldn't get a win. Greinke allowed just 1 run while scattering 9 hits with 7 strikeouts. Greinke's last win came against Pittsburgh on June 28, when Greinke allowed 2 runs over 6 1/3 innings pitched. His raw numbers are still among the league leaders. He has 136 strikeouts against just 24 walks, and he's gone at least 6 innings in 17 of his 19 starts.

Stealing the Game

2009-07-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Flu symptoms traveling throughout the Texas Rangers clubhouse didn't keep them from the 3-1 win tonight nor sweeping the Boston Red Sox in this home stand. The fact that there were absent Rangers from tonight's game just reiterated how important is was for the players to step up and tweak little things that added to a big change. By the 3rd inning, Rangers already had 3 stolen bases and by the end of the night, that number climbed to 6. The last time that the Rangers stole 6 bases in one game was back in 2000 against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle.

In the bottom of the 2nd the Rangers were able to pull of their 12th double steal, making both Nelson Cruz and David Murphy 1-1.

Boston player Nick Green hit his 5th homer of the season right above Josh Hamilton in center during the 3rd inning to take the lead 1-0. But, Ian Kinsler answered quick when he hit his 23rd homer of the year out to left to tie the game up 1-1.

It was a very long 4th inning for Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz, as Texas seemed to perfect it's base running. Just as David Murphy hit a double, Nelson Cruz took off running and made it to the bag in time on the high throw over to 3rd base. Catcher Taylor Teagarden hit a chopper over the mound, advancing Murphy the 3rd and bringing Cruz in to score.

The most impressive and exciting moment might have come next. Elvis Andrus bunted at the plate to produce a suicide squeeze - that actually worked! Normally the play is seen as a sacrifice, but Buchholz couldn't field the ball in time and Andrus made in on the bag at 1st. (Murphy scored to take the lead 2-1)

Another interesting, yet unfortunate event for Rangers fans, was when Byrd, after just stealing second when Hank Blalock struck out, was called out when running from 2nd base to 3rd when the ball, from Cruz's bat shattering hit, made contact with him. It looked like Byrd didn't know if he should dodge the ball or the flying maple bat particles.

In the 6th, Teagarden popped out to center field, Andrus got a base hit then stole his 19th base of the season when strike 3 was called to Kinsler; making that 6 stolen bases for Texas.

Doug Mathis got his 1st save tonight, in 3 1/3 innings of work and getting 4 strikeouts. The win went to Dustin Nippert, who threw for 5 2/3 innings with 5 strikeouts, 2 walks and 1 earned run.

The Rangers have changed their traveling plans to Kansas City and instead have the day off tomorrow, hoping that the rest helps the clubhouse get back to good health.

That's 3 Straight for Texas

2009-07-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

The 4-2 win over Boston was a much needed confidence booster for Texas. Maybe the All-Star break was what the Texas Rangers needed, who knows. What I do know is that when Ian Kinsler hit a double then Andruw Jones walked right after, it put them in perfect position to advance bases on a double steal off Red Sox Pitcher Josh Beckett. Tonight the Rangers hit their record of 11 double-steals this season. In that same play, Kinsler made his mark as the 20-20 man, with 20 homers and 20 steals. Immediately after, both players were batted in by Hank Blalock, who is taking time off from playing in the DH spot to fill the spot for Texas' absent 1st baseman Chris Davis, who is working things out in the minors . We know the offense and the potential of the Rangers team so that is no surprise and it was great to see a superb bullpen backing the efforts.

Things were looking interesting when Beckett was pitching a perfect game by retiring 14 hitters in a row. But the Win was earned by the impressive pitching effort by 23-year-old Tommy Hunter who mixed his speeds, threw an impressive cutter and curve and had great command of his fastball. Hunter allowed one earned run, four hits and one walk over his six innings of work. Opponents are hitting .234 off him (25-for-107) this season. In his past four starts, Hunter is 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA, which has lowered his season ERA to 2.17 from 5.06. (MLB)

Kinsler's "sick-D"

2009-07-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

The Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers second game is still underway but I found it noteworthy thus far. Not only because the 23-year-old starting pitcher Tommy Hunter is showing his nice command and speed, or that the Rangers were on the board quickly with 2 RBIs, but maybe for the second baseman's defensive plays. Ian Kinsler has gone diving into the crowd in foul territory on the 1st base side twice, and with no surprise, came up with the ball in his glove at each attempt (and giving it to the devoted fan nearby, too). The Rangers gain their 11th double steal and it is no surprise to see their number 5 involved. Kinsler now is a 20-20 man, with 20 steals and 20 home runs.

The Young Glove

2009-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

You know it takes a special talent to supplant a Gold Glove player for defensive reasons (Michael Young), but Elvis Andrus has done just that. The impact he has on a game defensively is tremendous and impressive. He has massive defensive talent and presence and he has figured out how to handle himself in the fast pace of the big leagues. We have all seen plenty of players get overhyped and overexposed, but that hasn't been the story with this young 20-year-old. Young's move to third base has made the team better and made room for Andrus. As good as Young was at short, Andrus has superior range and an amazing arm and it is exciting to see such young talent making its way on the roster, it would be better to see him hitting above the 9th spot.

Leadoff then Walkoff

2009-07-21T00:43:00.000-07:00

Former Sun Devil, Ian Kinsler became the first player in Texas Rangers history to hit a leadoff home run and walk-off home run in the same game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Kinsler was also just the third Major League player to do so since 1969, following Darin Erstad for the Angels (June 25, 2000) and Reed Johnson for the Blue Jays (June 15, 2003).
Kinsler hit the second pitch he saw from Twins starter Francisco Liriano over the left-center wall to put the Rangers ahead, 1-0, in the first inning. Twelve innings later, the Twins brought in former Ranger, R.A. Dickey, who has since added a knuckleball to his repertoire. Kinsler swung hard at several pitches before connecting on his walkoff homer in the 12th to end the game.

Ryan on the Mind

2009-07-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

After a few days break of baseball I began to think deeper into the game. What is it that drives the competition? What is it that a fan loves seeing the most? And which part of the game is harder to succeed at? When I thought of the great pitcher duals I thought of the great Nolan Ryan. A quote that Reggie Jackson once said, started to get me thinking.

Every hitter likes fastballs, just like everybody likes ice cream. But you don't like it when someone's stuffing it into you by the gallon. That's what it feels like when Nolan Ryan's thrown balls by you.
~Reggie Jackson

Do all pitchers have great stuff? Or are there only some great pitchers? Nolan Ryan, now president of the Texas Rangers, wants the Rangers to employ the same workhorse mentality he had as a Hall of Fame player. Are times different now in this era of sports or is good athletic ability and talent available and obtainable? Nolan Ryan is trying to teach his work ethic and mechanics to his young pitching staff early on.

Dilemmas With Online Reporting

2009-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

So what happens if you are a reporter and you accidentally write a story with a crucial error and it gets published on the Web? Then the viewers read that story and leave your site for the day with the gained knowledge from your report. News spreads like wildfires, especially by word-of-mouth. The biggest dilemma I think with Online Journalism is that there is no way to contact those viewers and let them know about the error made.

This sparked my attention when I was previously on BleacherReport.com. I am aware that this site ha content generated by its viewers, but most people in the sports world click to this site daily for news and updates. In one report a few weeks ago, following the tragic death of Angels SP Nick Adenhart, the first line of the story marked a huge error! It read, "after the Los Angeles Angels beat the Los Angeles Angels..."

Being a baseball fanatic I knew that the Oakland A's had played the Angels the night before. To comment, one must be a registered user with an e-mail account attached. Because my comment was linked to my account, with my e-mail, the writer notified me when he got my comment stating that he was sorry for the confusion, that he had last minute sentence structure rearrangements, and that he had changed it. He also said thank you.

I was lucky because I knew what I read was wrong. Some errors aren't so obvious though. I was also lucky because I was contacted only because I left a comment which could then be linked back to my personal e-mail.

What do you do about the other users? How can they be notified with errors? How can users know when information is updated, changed, or corrected?

Texas Showdown Complete

2009-04-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Mavericks knocked the San Antonio Spurs out of the 2009 playoffs last night. The Mavericks beat the Spurs 106-93.

History was made as the No. 6 seed knocked the No. 3 seed out, especially for the great state of Texas.

Spurs:

It was obvious that the Spurs were playing a different type of game. It was interesting to see Tony Parker consistently step off open three point shots and hand the ball off to another player, like Tim Duncan.

Mavs:

Dirk Nowitzki, had a great game scoring 31 points and getting nine rebounds, while Jason Terry has a few good three point shots.

And for first time since 2006, the Mavericks are headed to the conference semifinals.

Two ASU stars drafted by NFL in 7th Round

2009-04-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Troy Nolan, pictured in blue, was selected in the 7th Round by the Houston Texans. He was the 14th pick. Click here for more information.

Paul Fanaika, pictured in black, was also selected in the 7th Round by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the 4th pick. Click here for more information.

Sooners Have Something To Be Proud Of

2009-03-31T01:01:00.000-07:00

The day after UNC Tar Heels beat the Sooners 72-60 to advance to the Final Four. Oklahoma sophomore sensation Blake Griffin had something to smile about. Griffin had been considered the frontrunner for men's basketball national player of the year honors for most of the season. Griffin led the nation in rebounding.

When voting came for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, members of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association left no doubt who their choice was for the best college player in the nation, Blake Griffin.

The 6-10, 251-pound Griffin was a unanimous choice by voters in all nine geographical districts of the USBWA to give the University of Oklahoma the school's first ever Oscar Robertson Trophy winner. He was chosen from a group of 15 finalists.

Over OU's four NCAA Tournament games, Griffin averaged 28.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting .780 from the field (46-for-59).

The Oscar Robertson Trophy is voted on by the entire membership of the association, which consists of nearly 800 journalists. It is the nation's oldest award and the only one named after a former player. The legendary Oscar Robertson was the USBWA's first player of the year in 1959. The USBWA renamed its player of the year award the Oscar Robertson Trophy in 1998.

Google Stalk at Arizona State University

2009-03-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

(this was for a class assignment)

I found information about Erika. I found out about her family, likes and dislikes, and where and when her next track meet would be.
Then I showed up. (It was all in good fun)

Google made it all too easy. I found out all her stats, the time and place at where she would be and personal information.
Needless to say it as all in good fun, it is scary to think our privacy could be at risk thanks to the Web.

The Sooners Shine

2009-03-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's not called March Madness for nothing.
Everything starts gearing up in overdrive in sports. Basketball has its NCAA Tournaments, baseball has Spring Training, and football awaits the draft. It seems like every move is under a microscope and more stress is in the air to perform at the highest level.

This year the University of Oklahoma can be a spotlight to shine on.
It is looking at two of the best athletes to come through their athletic program in the same year and in the same sport.

For women's basketball: Courtney Paris was named Player of the Year for the third straight season.
For men's basketball: Blake Griffin

Griffin and Paris are one of six standout male and female duos featured on regional covers of Sport Illustrated's college basketball preview. A great prediction came early for this shining combination.

The Hammer Hamilton

2009-03-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

Two seasons ago, Josh Hamilton played for the Cincinnati Reds. Last year, after the Texas Rangers acquired him for pitcher Edinson Volquez, he hit .304 with 32 homers, 35 doubles and 130 RBIs. He hasn't even reached his peak yet! Truly a gift to the game of baseball.

Here's a look of his talent and success that got him to those 28 home runs in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVmKPR6t-v8

Hamilton Beating Addiction... Again

2009-03-02T23:39:00.000-08:00

No it's not a relapse for the great Josh Hamilton, but it is newsworthy because of all he has overcome. His story of a broken drug obsessed past is one that he was lucky to pull away from with the help of Faith. His story is one to inspire many...

.

And now.. after quitting cocaine, Josh Hamilton has decided to kick his tobacco habit too.

"I started doing it when I started doing everything else," Hamilton said the other day.
Hamilton knew he'd eventually quit when his daughter Julia, 7, started regularly asking him to do it about a year ago.

"You know it's bad when your 3-year-old holds up a water bottle, and asks if daddy spit in this before she drinks out of it," said Hamilton, referring to his daughter Sierra. "That's when you know it's a problem."

It is inspiring to baseball fans and players because one has to think to themselves... If Josh can do it, anyone can. With spit tobacco having such an image associated with baseball, it might be tough. Hamilton also isn't quitting alone, fellow teammate Marlon Byrd has jumped on the bandwagon. It seems like a friendly competition but there is no lying that it is a great choice.

for the original story, visit http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/022309dnspotaylor.310c49c.html

Response to the A-Rod Hype...

2009-02-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

With all the talk of A-Rod's latest comments in the steroid scandal, I find myself torn. I'm a die-hard Texas Rangers fan, but everyone in the sports arena knows performance enhancing drugs are not only wrong, but illegal.

I think that the latest comments by the slugger himself, only created more problems then needed. C'mon A-Rod, if you have to get an "unknown" substance from the Dominican Republic because it's not available or legal in the U.S., that should be a red flag.

"I knew we weren't taking Tic Tacs." Rodriguez said. "I didn't think they were steroids."

Although he is a part of the New York Yankees organization now, the allegations go back to when he played in Arlington, Texas, for the Texas Rangers. It was great to see Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Jose Posada by his side and fellow co-workers, but although physically there, you know that they were disappointed. I'm curious to hear from the Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks or GM Jon Daniels.

There are so many talented athletes in the sport that don't resort to PEDs, and it's also sad as a baseball fan to see all the attraction to PEDs and baseball, when many other sports attract the same drug usage.

It just strange that he denied rumors for years, even after Sports Illustrated released a list of 104 players who tested positive in a 2003 survey.

Do you think he waited till he was successful with another team so he couldn't be punished through the Rangers?

ASU Baseball Interview

2009-02-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

Interview with ASU baseball. Excited for the new 2009 season.