Wow...talk about an interesting brawl. I think that was better than the Feldman-Kennedy side-arm punch debacle a few years ago.
My favorite part was Tom Grieve's comments...
“If Kason Gabbard’s going to hit anybody, he’s going to hit one of their good hitters. He’s not going to hit Richie Sexson.”
“You’ve got a chance to hit Ibanez. You’ve got a chance to hit Beltre – two good hitters. You got a guy coming up there who can’t hit water if he fell out of a boat, and you think he’s going to throw at him?”
"Sexon threw his helmet like a little girl!"
...and later...
"I shouldn't have said Richie Sexson threw the helmet like a girl. I don't think even girls would have done that. So to any girls watching, I apologize."
I just pray Kason isn't seriously hurt. That was the dumbest move I've ever seen. We just got Gabby off the DL, and he was throwing a good game.
I hate Richie Sexson.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Padilla, Rangers keep on rolling
On April 27, Vicente Padilla threw a complete game shut out to defeat the Twins. I was impressed then. But I think he was even better tonight. He just seemed completely locked in. Granted, he let two runners on with no outs in the 7th, but he proceeded to sit down the next three in order -- courtesy of the strikeout. The fastball was completely working for him tonight. Simply spectacular.
While Padilla kept the Rangers in the game, the veteran-rookie combo of Milton Bradley and Brandon Boggs brought in the runs needed to win. Six of the Rangers hitters were hitless for the night, but Bradley was 2 for 3 with a walk and Boggs was 2 for 4. Brandon hit an RBI triple in the 4th to get the visitors on the board and then Bradley added a home run in the 6th for good measure. Two runs didn't seem like a lot, but, fortunately it was one of those nights where it was enough.
KISS: It's gotta be Padilla. He pitched seven innings of two-hit, shut out baseball with eight Ks. It doesn't get much better than that. (Well, a no-hitter or perfect game would be better, but I can wait for those.) Now, he did hit one -- Ichiro with his first pitch -- but he calmed down and only walked two.
MISS: Poor Salty was 0 for 4 with three Ks. But he handled Padilla very well, and that's the part of his game I'm most concerned about. We know the bat is there -- it just wasn't tonight.
The Rangers already have a winning roadtrip (I'm beginning to think they prefer playing away from Arlington). It had been my hope they could return 4-3. And they still have a chance to make it 5 and 2. I hope I didn't jinx them by saying that.
Young is out: Michael Young exited the game after his first AB tonight. Josh and Tom speculated that it could be his lower back, but the FWST is reporting that it's his hip flexor and he is listed as day-to-day. Yikes.
Botts is back...sort of: So Jason Botts cleared waivers. And he's joining the RedHawks roster. For some reason, I feel like this is worse news than when he was DFAed. Honestly. I just don't think he has any more chances left in this organization. And that makes me sad for him.
Picture imperfect: Am I the only one who thinks Ramon Vasquez and Frank Catalanotto look kind of silly in their Yahoo! player headshots? I'm just not digging the facial hair. At all.
While Padilla kept the Rangers in the game, the veteran-rookie combo of Milton Bradley and Brandon Boggs brought in the runs needed to win. Six of the Rangers hitters were hitless for the night, but Bradley was 2 for 3 with a walk and Boggs was 2 for 4. Brandon hit an RBI triple in the 4th to get the visitors on the board and then Bradley added a home run in the 6th for good measure. Two runs didn't seem like a lot, but, fortunately it was one of those nights where it was enough.
KISS: It's gotta be Padilla. He pitched seven innings of two-hit, shut out baseball with eight Ks. It doesn't get much better than that. (Well, a no-hitter or perfect game would be better, but I can wait for those.) Now, he did hit one -- Ichiro with his first pitch -- but he calmed down and only walked two.
MISS: Poor Salty was 0 for 4 with three Ks. But he handled Padilla very well, and that's the part of his game I'm most concerned about. We know the bat is there -- it just wasn't tonight.
The Rangers already have a winning roadtrip (I'm beginning to think they prefer playing away from Arlington). It had been my hope they could return 4-3. And they still have a chance to make it 5 and 2. I hope I didn't jinx them by saying that.
Young is out: Michael Young exited the game after his first AB tonight. Josh and Tom speculated that it could be his lower back, but the FWST is reporting that it's his hip flexor and he is listed as day-to-day. Yikes.
Botts is back...sort of: So Jason Botts cleared waivers. And he's joining the RedHawks roster. For some reason, I feel like this is worse news than when he was DFAed. Honestly. I just don't think he has any more chances left in this organization. And that makes me sad for him.
Picture imperfect: Am I the only one who thinks Ramon Vasquez and Frank Catalanotto look kind of silly in their Yahoo! player headshots? I'm just not digging the facial hair. At all.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Almost boring...almost :)
I hate to call a Rangers win boring. Because I don't want the gods of baseball to take that the wrong way and take Rangers wins away from me again. So, this game wasn't boring, but it was certainly a lot more relaxed than recent other wins.
My pal Sidney Ponson continues to show good stuff out there on the mound. Of course, being spotted a 10-run lead in the third might help a pitcher relax. Overall, though, Ponson, who now boasts a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.33, really was good on his own. He threw 103 pitches in seven innings, giving up one run on seven hits and one walk. He only struck out two, but he seemed to be able to get the Mariners to hit right at the defenders behind him. Especially David Murphy, who had a spectacular diving catch early and ran down a few others I wasn't sure he would get to. What was I thinking? This is David Murphy, not Milton Bradley.
The Rangers were actually outhit, knocking all six hits in the first three innings. They chased Batista --- I'd be scared after that MONSTER home run from Josh Hamilton too (no way was that only 425 feet). The boys in blue were subsequently stymied by Baek (who worked similar magic on them last year), Rowland-Smith and Lowe. But the damage had already been done, and the Rangers emerged victorious.
My boys are now 14-20 and tied with the Mariners for the bottom of the AL West. Keep on climbing, boys. You're not out yet.
KISS: A bit ironically (if only in my mind), it's Ponson. For a guy who hadn't won a game in a year prior to May 1, he has been outstanding in a Rangers uniform. I wasn't thrilled about him signing, but he can stay in that uniform as long as he keeps up what he's doing.
MISS: It was tough to find a downer in this game, but I guess I'll go with Milton Bradley. He earned one walk, but was 0-4, and it's always disappointing to me when the designated hitter doesn't get a hit.
I wish I had more thoughts and more time. But these west coast games are killing me. Especially when Wednesdays are my early days in the office.
My pal Sidney Ponson continues to show good stuff out there on the mound. Of course, being spotted a 10-run lead in the third might help a pitcher relax. Overall, though, Ponson, who now boasts a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.33, really was good on his own. He threw 103 pitches in seven innings, giving up one run on seven hits and one walk. He only struck out two, but he seemed to be able to get the Mariners to hit right at the defenders behind him. Especially David Murphy, who had a spectacular diving catch early and ran down a few others I wasn't sure he would get to. What was I thinking? This is David Murphy, not Milton Bradley.
The Rangers were actually outhit, knocking all six hits in the first three innings. They chased Batista --- I'd be scared after that MONSTER home run from Josh Hamilton too (no way was that only 425 feet). The boys in blue were subsequently stymied by Baek (who worked similar magic on them last year), Rowland-Smith and Lowe. But the damage had already been done, and the Rangers emerged victorious.
My boys are now 14-20 and tied with the Mariners for the bottom of the AL West. Keep on climbing, boys. You're not out yet.
KISS: A bit ironically (if only in my mind), it's Ponson. For a guy who hadn't won a game in a year prior to May 1, he has been outstanding in a Rangers uniform. I wasn't thrilled about him signing, but he can stay in that uniform as long as he keeps up what he's doing.
MISS: It was tough to find a downer in this game, but I guess I'll go with Milton Bradley. He earned one walk, but was 0-4, and it's always disappointing to me when the designated hitter doesn't get a hit.
I wish I had more thoughts and more time. But these west coast games are killing me. Especially when Wednesdays are my early days in the office.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Too little, too late
The Rangers tried to rally, but a seven-run defecit was just too much.
The Mariners left their bats at home while they were in New York, but seemed to have found them in time to battle their division foes. They pounded out seven runs early and chased Kevin Millwood after just three innings. Millwood was trying to break his nine-game road losing streak, but instead it extended to 10. He just got hammered tonight, and it was ugly. It's too bad, really, because up until tonight Millwood has looked pretty good and has often pitched better than what his record shows. Not sure what was missing from his repertoire tonight.
Josh Rupe did a fine job over the next four innings. He only gave up one hit and struck out three as he held the Ms scoreless. Rupe's job as the long man is not an enviable one, but he sure has become valuable a few times already this season.
Speaking of valuable -- how about the young guys ... Duran and Boggs. Duran broke up Washburn's perfect game in the top of the 3rd and held his ground at third base. Boggs ended his six-game hitting streak, but ran down a very well-hit ball in the 7th to rob Adrian Beltre of extra bases.
I'm not going to comment on Milton Bradley's defense. I don't think I need to.
KISS: Honestly, I think I gotta go with Rupe here. He came in and held the Ms for four innings, trying to give his team a chance. That they didn't capitalize is not his fault.
MISS: Frank Catalanotto swung and fouled back ball four TWICE with two on and two out in the 9th with the Rangers down by four runs and Josh Hamilton on deck.
Now, taking a page from Jon, I'm going to start doing a Kam Watch. Oklahoma lost tonight, but Kam was credited with a hold as he pitched two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out one.
The Mariners left their bats at home while they were in New York, but seemed to have found them in time to battle their division foes. They pounded out seven runs early and chased Kevin Millwood after just three innings. Millwood was trying to break his nine-game road losing streak, but instead it extended to 10. He just got hammered tonight, and it was ugly. It's too bad, really, because up until tonight Millwood has looked pretty good and has often pitched better than what his record shows. Not sure what was missing from his repertoire tonight.
Josh Rupe did a fine job over the next four innings. He only gave up one hit and struck out three as he held the Ms scoreless. Rupe's job as the long man is not an enviable one, but he sure has become valuable a few times already this season.
Speaking of valuable -- how about the young guys ... Duran and Boggs. Duran broke up Washburn's perfect game in the top of the 3rd and held his ground at third base. Boggs ended his six-game hitting streak, but ran down a very well-hit ball in the 7th to rob Adrian Beltre of extra bases.
I'm not going to comment on Milton Bradley's defense. I don't think I need to.
KISS: Honestly, I think I gotta go with Rupe here. He came in and held the Ms for four innings, trying to give his team a chance. That they didn't capitalize is not his fault.
MISS: Frank Catalanotto swung and fouled back ball four TWICE with two on and two out in the 9th with the Rangers down by four runs and Josh Hamilton on deck.
Now, taking a page from Jon, I'm going to start doing a Kam Watch. Oklahoma lost tonight, but Kam was credited with a hold as he pitched two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out one.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sweep spoiled
Usually, the Rangers and As like putting on a hit show. Today, they were all about the pitching in the 3-1 Rangers loss. Each team had a fantastic performance from their starting pitcher as they wore those throwback uniforms (although it was very weird seeing my boys in red/grey threads with a Washington W on the hat).
Rangers hitters were held to just four knocks, one of which was German Duran's first major league home run. It's always exciting to see firsts. Especially in a season that, so far, has had very little else to celebrate. I think (and hope) that'll change, but for now, I'll take every little pleasure this team has to offer. Right now, that's a lot of individual firsts and honors, and that's fine with me.
Other than Duran's homer, the Rangers had just one other extra base hit -- a double from Brandon Boggs in the top of the 9th. It's too bad Gerald Laird couldn't keep the inning alive and bring Boggs around, but I guess that's just the way it is.
KISS: Scott Feldman. I have to admit, I was skeptical but hopeful about converting Scott from a reliever to a starter. I like Feldman and think he's a good guy, but he certainly had his share of struggles as a reliever. As a starter, I feel like we're looking at a different player. He had good stuff today as he shut down the As for six innings and gave his team a shot to win. They only gave him one run to work with, as they attempted to figure out a very good pitcher in Greg Smith, but Feldman took that one run and stayed with it. Things unfolded for him in the 7th, but I'm not holding that against him. In 6.1 innings, Feldman was charged with three runs on six hits (including a two-run homer) and one walk. He also struck out five.
MISS: Hitters three, four and five in today's lineup. Hamilton, Bradley and Murphy had 10 of the Rangers' 12 strikeouts. It could be that they're all left-handed hitters and faced some TOUGH Oakland pitching, but it was still a major downer from what has been a pretty reliable chunk of the offense this season.
Now, it's onto Seattle for four. As I've said before, this is a great time to make up ground. And, I'll be honest, I'm anxious to see Iowa boy Jeff Clement with the Mariners.
P.S. I have a huge favor to ask. I really want one of those C.J. Wilson bobbleheads they'll be giving out on May 16. I'm willing to pay for a game ticket and shipping for anyone who will help me out. If that person wants anything from Iowa, we could also probably work that out. Just contact me -- laney895@hotmail.com. Please, thanks, hugs and kisses in advance.
Rangers hitters were held to just four knocks, one of which was German Duran's first major league home run. It's always exciting to see firsts. Especially in a season that, so far, has had very little else to celebrate. I think (and hope) that'll change, but for now, I'll take every little pleasure this team has to offer. Right now, that's a lot of individual firsts and honors, and that's fine with me.
Other than Duran's homer, the Rangers had just one other extra base hit -- a double from Brandon Boggs in the top of the 9th. It's too bad Gerald Laird couldn't keep the inning alive and bring Boggs around, but I guess that's just the way it is.
KISS: Scott Feldman. I have to admit, I was skeptical but hopeful about converting Scott from a reliever to a starter. I like Feldman and think he's a good guy, but he certainly had his share of struggles as a reliever. As a starter, I feel like we're looking at a different player. He had good stuff today as he shut down the As for six innings and gave his team a shot to win. They only gave him one run to work with, as they attempted to figure out a very good pitcher in Greg Smith, but Feldman took that one run and stayed with it. Things unfolded for him in the 7th, but I'm not holding that against him. In 6.1 innings, Feldman was charged with three runs on six hits (including a two-run homer) and one walk. He also struck out five.
MISS: Hitters three, four and five in today's lineup. Hamilton, Bradley and Murphy had 10 of the Rangers' 12 strikeouts. It could be that they're all left-handed hitters and faced some TOUGH Oakland pitching, but it was still a major downer from what has been a pretty reliable chunk of the offense this season.
Now, it's onto Seattle for four. As I've said before, this is a great time to make up ground. And, I'll be honest, I'm anxious to see Iowa boy Jeff Clement with the Mariners.
P.S. I have a huge favor to ask. I really want one of those C.J. Wilson bobbleheads they'll be giving out on May 16. I'm willing to pay for a game ticket and shipping for anyone who will help me out. If that person wants anything from Iowa, we could also probably work that out. Just contact me -- laney895@hotmail.com. Please, thanks, hugs and kisses in advance.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
"We've got more bounce in California..."
It wasn't long ago I DREADED games in California. It was in Oakland that Laynce Nix injured his shoulder in 2005, which kept him out for most of the rest of the season. It was also in California that Kameron Loe was hit in the head with a line drive off the bat of Vlad Guerrero. Oh...and those teams always seemed to enjoy delivering a nice beating as well.
Not so much lately. The Rangers took two of three from the Angels during their first homestand early in April, and now they've taken two of three from Oakland. I might cry if they get a sweep tomorrow. (I can't wait to see the THROWBACK uniforms!!)
Maybe playing in California isn't so bad anymore.
A.J. Murray looked pretty good in his "spot" start. I always enjoy watching him pitch, and I was anxious to see tonight's game. He went through the first few innings with very little trouble, but lost a little bit in the 5th and 6th. I was hoping he could make it through a full six, but the As chased him with that little rally they had. Ah well ... shake it off, Pirate. You did fine.
Frankie Francisco got the final two outs in the 6th (with a play I'll talk about in a few moments), then surrendered a lead-off walk in the bottom of the 7th. Fortunately, that walk didn't come back to haunt him. Then, it was Jamey Wright time. He got the first two outs and then walked Jack Cust with Bobby Crosby coming to the plate. I won't lie ... I held my breath. It was scary. But I got to let out a sigh of relief when Wright struck him out.
That David Murphy three-run home run was a thing of beauty. I was happy to see Chris Shelton's homer too. The insurance gave me a little peace of mind with Joaquin Benoit loosening up in the bullpen. Benoit finished out the game with some GREAT stuff. It's nice to see him in this kind of shape. And it's REALLY nice to know we have two capable closers.
Everyone in the lineup got a hit tonight. But no one had two. It was a strange line in the box score.
KISS: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who delivered my FAVORITE play in baseball tonight -- a strike 'em out-throw 'em out combo -- in the bottom of the sixth to halt an As rally. And that smile on his face as he went into the dugout was priceless. Simply priceless. (Oh, and belated happy birthday, Salty!) I'll admit I was worried about Salty being able to flash some arm strength and accuracy , but I like what I saw tonight.
MISS: Milton Bradley getting caught between 1st and 2nd base. That was ugly.
Last, but not least ... CONGRATS to Josh Hamilton on being named AL Player of the Month for April. The honor is well-deserved, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was named POTM again sometime this season. We've seen some greatness from him, but I have a feeling his best is still yet to come.
Not so much lately. The Rangers took two of three from the Angels during their first homestand early in April, and now they've taken two of three from Oakland. I might cry if they get a sweep tomorrow. (I can't wait to see the THROWBACK uniforms!!)
Maybe playing in California isn't so bad anymore.
A.J. Murray looked pretty good in his "spot" start. I always enjoy watching him pitch, and I was anxious to see tonight's game. He went through the first few innings with very little trouble, but lost a little bit in the 5th and 6th. I was hoping he could make it through a full six, but the As chased him with that little rally they had. Ah well ... shake it off, Pirate. You did fine.
Frankie Francisco got the final two outs in the 6th (with a play I'll talk about in a few moments), then surrendered a lead-off walk in the bottom of the 7th. Fortunately, that walk didn't come back to haunt him. Then, it was Jamey Wright time. He got the first two outs and then walked Jack Cust with Bobby Crosby coming to the plate. I won't lie ... I held my breath. It was scary. But I got to let out a sigh of relief when Wright struck him out.
That David Murphy three-run home run was a thing of beauty. I was happy to see Chris Shelton's homer too. The insurance gave me a little peace of mind with Joaquin Benoit loosening up in the bullpen. Benoit finished out the game with some GREAT stuff. It's nice to see him in this kind of shape. And it's REALLY nice to know we have two capable closers.
Everyone in the lineup got a hit tonight. But no one had two. It was a strange line in the box score.
KISS: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who delivered my FAVORITE play in baseball tonight -- a strike 'em out-throw 'em out combo -- in the bottom of the sixth to halt an As rally. And that smile on his face as he went into the dugout was priceless. Simply priceless. (Oh, and belated happy birthday, Salty!) I'll admit I was worried about Salty being able to flash some arm strength and accuracy , but I like what I saw tonight.
MISS: Milton Bradley getting caught between 1st and 2nd base. That was ugly.
Last, but not least ... CONGRATS to Josh Hamilton on being named AL Player of the Month for April. The honor is well-deserved, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was named POTM again sometime this season. We've seen some greatness from him, but I have a feeling his best is still yet to come.
Friday, May 2, 2008
No quality start, but definitely a quality finish
Hopefully, that'll be the summation of this season. But certainly it was the story for tonight.
The Rangers have a lot of ground to make up, and with the calendar turned to May, there's no better time to start. April was rough, but there's still plenty of time to pull this together and have a respectable season. Now's the time to start building that. With 13 games against division rivals in the next two weeks, it's the perfect setting for a resurgence. Can the Rangers do it? I think they can. Especially if they play more games like last Sunday's game (Padilla's complete game shutout, which featured solid defense to go with stellar pitching and timely hitting). I'm ready to return to the optimistic fan I once was. And the first two games of May have helped me with that a little.
Vicente Padilla did not earn a quality start tonight in the first game of the West Coast swing, but he still got the win and had a decent outing. He had several of the Oakland hitters completely fooled. He only got into trouble in that 6th inning. Mostly, he seemed flustered and just couldn't seem to clear his head and just get it by them.
Jamey Wright pitched a successful one-third. Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit made me sweat a little through their two innings. And then C.J. Wilson came on to get the save in a one-run game.
Speaking of C.J., what's up with him lately? I'm not sure I've seen him smile in awhile. In fact, the other night, when he was exiting after the 11-9 victory, he seemed to almost be pouting. I understand having a "game face" on while on the mound (especially in his role), but I know C.J. isn't the brooding fellow he seems to be lately. Or maybe he is and I've just mis-read him. I don't know.
For once, the errors were not on the Texas side of the box score tonight. As I watched the first inning unfold for the A's, I felt some deja vu. But was grateful it was happening to them and not us. We've had enough of those. It's about time things went our way.
KISS: I gotta go with Hamilton again. That diving catch was one of the most spectacular things I've seen all season. Maybe even back to sometime last season.
MISS: All the technical difficulties, which made me miss the error charged to Ian Kinsler. I would have liked to have seen exactly how that ball managed to glance off Padilla and then be kicked by Kinz.
By the way, I didn't get to see yesterday's game, that's why there was no entry for the game. I will say I'm suddenly thankful for Ponson's presence on this team. I hope he can continue on the track he's on. (Mostly so I don't have to see him in Des Moines later this month...ha ha ha. Just kidding.)
Also, Ben Broussard's CD came in the mail today. I've listened to it a few times. He has a good sound. He won't be on "American Idol" anytime soon, but his voice is pretty nice too. I'll need to give it a few more listens before I decide how much I like it, but for now, I'm glad to have it in my collection.
The Rangers have a lot of ground to make up, and with the calendar turned to May, there's no better time to start. April was rough, but there's still plenty of time to pull this together and have a respectable season. Now's the time to start building that. With 13 games against division rivals in the next two weeks, it's the perfect setting for a resurgence. Can the Rangers do it? I think they can. Especially if they play more games like last Sunday's game (Padilla's complete game shutout, which featured solid defense to go with stellar pitching and timely hitting). I'm ready to return to the optimistic fan I once was. And the first two games of May have helped me with that a little.
Vicente Padilla did not earn a quality start tonight in the first game of the West Coast swing, but he still got the win and had a decent outing. He had several of the Oakland hitters completely fooled. He only got into trouble in that 6th inning. Mostly, he seemed flustered and just couldn't seem to clear his head and just get it by them.
Jamey Wright pitched a successful one-third. Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit made me sweat a little through their two innings. And then C.J. Wilson came on to get the save in a one-run game.
Speaking of C.J., what's up with him lately? I'm not sure I've seen him smile in awhile. In fact, the other night, when he was exiting after the 11-9 victory, he seemed to almost be pouting. I understand having a "game face" on while on the mound (especially in his role), but I know C.J. isn't the brooding fellow he seems to be lately. Or maybe he is and I've just mis-read him. I don't know.
For once, the errors were not on the Texas side of the box score tonight. As I watched the first inning unfold for the A's, I felt some deja vu. But was grateful it was happening to them and not us. We've had enough of those. It's about time things went our way.
KISS: I gotta go with Hamilton again. That diving catch was one of the most spectacular things I've seen all season. Maybe even back to sometime last season.
MISS: All the technical difficulties, which made me miss the error charged to Ian Kinsler. I would have liked to have seen exactly how that ball managed to glance off Padilla and then be kicked by Kinz.
By the way, I didn't get to see yesterday's game, that's why there was no entry for the game. I will say I'm suddenly thankful for Ponson's presence on this team. I hope he can continue on the track he's on. (Mostly so I don't have to see him in Des Moines later this month...ha ha ha. Just kidding.)
Also, Ben Broussard's CD came in the mail today. I've listened to it a few times. He has a good sound. He won't be on "American Idol" anytime soon, but his voice is pretty nice too. I'll need to give it a few more listens before I decide how much I like it, but for now, I'm glad to have it in my collection.
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