I was going to complain in great detail about the ill-advised bunts by the Rangers that are endorsed by Wash. Several major scoring opportunities have been twarted by bunts. But, like I said, I'm not gonna talk about that right now.
I mean, the Rangers had the Yankees' long reliever on the ropes last week w/ three straight batters reaching base to start the 6th or 7th inning. It was 5-2 Texas and we looked to really put them away. Then, Elvis lays down the perfect bunt to move runners to 2nd and 3rd with one out. The pitcher, who was struggling w/ control both inside the strike zone (the well hit balls) and outside the strike zone (the walk). The Elvis bunt enabled the Yankees to walk Hamilton and face Michael Young.
Young hits into a lot of double plays and taking the bat out of Hamilton's hands is rarely a good thing for the Rangers. He is only the best hitter on the team, and was the hottest at the time.
Needless to say, the bunt allowed the young pitcher to settle down and get out of the inning w/o further damage. I was seething, unintentionally giving the team bad vibes, the rest of the inning after the bunt fearing what would happen.
But, like I said, I don't want to focus on bunting. I'll leave those other instances for another time or try to let it go altogether.
Go Rangers.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Four Things that Got Me Hot In Baseball This Week
Gavin, the four year old, woke up this morning and asked if I could turn on the "baseball news".
*insert giddy smile and melting heart here*
Yes, Ranger Fever has taken over our household. And I'm totally fine with it.
"Embrace it family!! Bathe yourselves in the glow of Rangers victories!!"
Here's a few things that have made me smile over the last week/week and a half:
1. YUUUUUUU!!! "Yu had me at Konnichiwa".
Holy crap, was that a fun game to watch. Watching Yu face off against the Yankees was FINALLY not a nerve-wracking experience. I savored every single strike. He's cocky. He's got swagger. And he kicked ASS! He keeps getting better and better...and with harder and harder teams. (Fact: I just got turned on writing this last sentence).
2. Robbie Ross!!! MY boy! MINE!
The first major league pitcher to earn 4 wins in 6 games. And he didn't even think he'd make the team this year...he was happy to just be invited to Spring Training. Ugh..I love the innocence, the prayer on the mound before he goes to work, the way he has embraced the "hazing" from the team (pink backpack, chaps, stuffed horse on a stick), AND the fact that he's gonna keep on kicking ass this year.
3. The Number 9
As in...the Angels are NINE GAMES BACK in our division (as of now)!!!
What? What's that? The sound of CJ crying because the Rangers didn't love him enough to give him a big a$$ contract like we did a Japanese guy our team had been stalking all year because we knew we wanted CJ gone anyway? (yes, I realize that was a big run-on sentence) Yes. Yes it is. CJ Wilson - perhaps the HOTTEST douche this side of the Mason Dixon - HAS to be looking at his former team and sulking...just a little bit. But he's not gonna let anyone know "his wittle feewings got huwt". Nah. He's gonna be like, "It's alright. We planned to start the season like this. Albert and I. Yeah, we talked about it during Spring Training. We thought it would give the press something to talk about. In the meantime I'm gonna go race my cars. And meditate. And learn Portugese. See you guys later.(drives off in one of his 10 Porshes)".
4. The sound of a BROOM, and the look of a "W"
The Rangers have won all SIX of the opening series, not having lost back to back games since the World Series. And...twice they've SWEPT the series...first against the Red Sox, then the Twins. I love winning.
You know what? LOSERS just don't look quite so hot this week.*Holds up my right hand and makes an "L" with my thumb and pointer finger*
So I'll just give you my first ever Rangers Top Five instead: Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz and ...drumroll...(Cathy, hold on to your panties)....Yu Darvish. Yes, his performance on the mound the other night was just enough to bump him onto the coveted list.
Disclaimer about "The List": this list if flexible and not set in stone. Players can at any time be removed from the list, and being on the list does not indicate superior playing performance over others NOT on the list. An elaborate equation factoring in Hotness, Talent and "it factor" qualities are calculated...this equation is top secret and not up for discussion.
*insert giddy smile and melting heart here*
Yes, Ranger Fever has taken over our household. And I'm totally fine with it.
"Embrace it family!! Bathe yourselves in the glow of Rangers victories!!"
Here's a few things that have made me smile over the last week/week and a half:
1. YUUUUUUU!!! "Yu had me at Konnichiwa".
Holy crap, was that a fun game to watch. Watching Yu face off against the Yankees was FINALLY not a nerve-wracking experience. I savored every single strike. He's cocky. He's got swagger. And he kicked ASS! He keeps getting better and better...and with harder and harder teams. (Fact: I just got turned on writing this last sentence).
2. Robbie Ross!!! MY boy! MINE!
The first major league pitcher to earn 4 wins in 6 games. And he didn't even think he'd make the team this year...he was happy to just be invited to Spring Training. Ugh..I love the innocence, the prayer on the mound before he goes to work, the way he has embraced the "hazing" from the team (pink backpack, chaps, stuffed horse on a stick), AND the fact that he's gonna keep on kicking ass this year.
3. The Number 9
As in...the Angels are NINE GAMES BACK in our division (as of now)!!!
What? What's that? The sound of CJ crying because the Rangers didn't love him enough to give him a big a$$ contract like we did a Japanese guy our team had been stalking all year because we knew we wanted CJ gone anyway? (yes, I realize that was a big run-on sentence) Yes. Yes it is. CJ Wilson - perhaps the HOTTEST douche this side of the Mason Dixon - HAS to be looking at his former team and sulking...just a little bit. But he's not gonna let anyone know "his wittle feewings got huwt". Nah. He's gonna be like, "It's alright. We planned to start the season like this. Albert and I. Yeah, we talked about it during Spring Training. We thought it would give the press something to talk about. In the meantime I'm gonna go race my cars. And meditate. And learn Portugese. See you guys later.(drives off in one of his 10 Porshes)".
4. The sound of a BROOM, and the look of a "W"
The Rangers have won all SIX of the opening series, not having lost back to back games since the World Series. And...twice they've SWEPT the series...first against the Red Sox, then the Twins. I love winning.
Finally...this week's HOTNESS Scouting Report:
You know what? LOSERS just don't look quite so hot this week.*Holds up my right hand and makes an "L" with my thumb and pointer finger*
So I'll just give you my first ever Rangers Top Five instead: Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz and ...drumroll...(Cathy, hold on to your panties)....Yu Darvish. Yes, his performance on the mound the other night was just enough to bump him onto the coveted list.
Disclaimer about "The List": this list if flexible and not set in stone. Players can at any time be removed from the list, and being on the list does not indicate superior playing performance over others NOT on the list. An elaborate equation factoring in Hotness, Talent and "it factor" qualities are calculated...this equation is top secret and not up for discussion.
I Love the Rangers
I have been a Rangers fan for twelve years. The past ten years have been spent watching many hours of MLB and highlights thanks to my Husband Greg. These days I prefer to watch a live game instead of my taped shows. If you would of said ten years ago that I would know players from other teams I would of thought that was crazy. Living in Texas people often think that football is the sport to love. I don't really understand that. Where else can you go watch a live game, eat a $5.00 hotdog, drink a $10.00 beer and get up close to your favorite players. That being said, it's time for me to brag about my favorite Ranger Michael Young. If you are not familar with number 10, let me enlighten you a bit. Michael's average batting average is .304 with over 2,000 career hits, and over 170 home runs. This is the Michael Young that hit the game winning two-run triple in the ninth inning of the 2006 allstar game, which made him MVP. I have to admit that I might just love the man, but not in the I want to take you home and make babies kind of way. I will save the hottie players for another time, and believe me I have a few. Michael will always have a special place in my heart. I will do my best not to trade him in my fantasy baseball league. Keep rocking Michael and go Rangers!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Intro to the Blog
Hello all, my name is Greg and I will be contributing to this wonderful blog. I have to say, that I'm very excited to be part of this. I want to give props to Kim for setting this up and getting it going. Her passion for everything Rangers in the past nine months is tough to match. You have learned a lot about baseball and the Rangers, girl, keep up the good work.
I also want to mention that my lovely wife, Cathy, will be adding her thoughts from time to time here. She is a great wife and mother. I love the fact that I can watch Ranger game after Ranger game (too many games? maybe) and she will watch them with me. She is even quite versed in players on many other teams, even obscure players. Impressive.
I've been a huge fan of the Rangers since I moved to Texas from Arkansas in 1999. They were good then, for a year, then very bad for a decade or so. That was rough, but I battled through the terrible pitching and bad defense. I am a big fan of following the minor league teams of the Rangers. It can be fun to keep an eye on a promising single-A player or rookie level player as he progresses through the system.
I will get more Ranger intensive in the coming days and weeks. I hope you will join us. Go Rangers!!
I also want to mention that my lovely wife, Cathy, will be adding her thoughts from time to time here. She is a great wife and mother. I love the fact that I can watch Ranger game after Ranger game (too many games? maybe) and she will watch them with me. She is even quite versed in players on many other teams, even obscure players. Impressive.
I've been a huge fan of the Rangers since I moved to Texas from Arkansas in 1999. They were good then, for a year, then very bad for a decade or so. That was rough, but I battled through the terrible pitching and bad defense. I am a big fan of following the minor league teams of the Rangers. It can be fun to keep an eye on a promising single-A player or rookie level player as he progresses through the system.
I will get more Ranger intensive in the coming days and weeks. I hope you will join us. Go Rangers!!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Kim's Week 1 Snap Judgements
Kinsler - Hello, Homers! You always look like you have just rolled out of bed, but it works for you. I like it. A lot.
Andrus - good job helping Darvish pick out his warm-up song! It rocks. (Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat")
Hamilton - yum. Just yum. Way to play like your contract is up at the end of the year!
Cruz - congrats. You made my "top 5" Rangers list this year thanks to your little photo in the ESPN "body" issue. Aye carumba!
Napoli - Seriously? You're my only Ranger in the fantasy league. I expected more of you, but thanks for the HR today.
Moreland - you've impressed me this season. Get your teeth fixed, come back, and keep impressing me, country boy.
Lewis - I like you with the beard this year. Keep it.
Holland - you goofy mustached man, I love you. But not in a "I want to do you" kind of way.
Harrison - even though you continuously remind me of Sloth from Goonies, I like you. I will like you even more if you keep pitching like you do.
Darvish - You make me nervous. You need to thank our offense. I know it's only been 2 games, now bring some of that crazy Japanese pitching that got you the $100M+ contract. With the kind of money you're making to come here (money we DIDN'T spend on renewing CJ's contract), you should have me feeling so comfortable every time you take the mound that I feel like I'm doing yoga while being sung a lullaby and given a massage - all at the same time.
Feliz - I don't like the way you walk. Not as in, walking people on base, but the way you actually walk. But you can pitch. Keep on, keepin' on baby face!
Ross - I'm like a proud mama every time you take the mound (Note: I *called* that this kid would make the bullpen and I predict he'll be the next big Texas pitcher). Keep rockin' your rookie status...love the pink backpack.
Nathan - I kind of want to shoot you. But you have a kick-ass warm-up song. PLEASE don't eff up this season for us.
Adams - I can't figure you out. I don't like your weird pitching stance, and I feel like the theme to The Munsters should play whenever you come out of the bullpen. But you're a good guy to have on the mound.
This Week's Hotness Scouting Report:
Twins I'd Like to Do: Mauer, Hendriks (Hello, Aussie! An accent like that gets you bumped up the list ANYTIME.)
Andrus - good job helping Darvish pick out his warm-up song! It rocks. (Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat")
Hamilton - yum. Just yum. Way to play like your contract is up at the end of the year!
Cruz - congrats. You made my "top 5" Rangers list this year thanks to your little photo in the ESPN "body" issue. Aye carumba!
Napoli - Seriously? You're my only Ranger in the fantasy league. I expected more of you, but thanks for the HR today.
Moreland - you've impressed me this season. Get your teeth fixed, come back, and keep impressing me, country boy.
Lewis - I like you with the beard this year. Keep it.
Holland - you goofy mustached man, I love you. But not in a "I want to do you" kind of way.
Harrison - even though you continuously remind me of Sloth from Goonies, I like you. I will like you even more if you keep pitching like you do.
Darvish - You make me nervous. You need to thank our offense. I know it's only been 2 games, now bring some of that crazy Japanese pitching that got you the $100M+ contract. With the kind of money you're making to come here (money we DIDN'T spend on renewing CJ's contract), you should have me feeling so comfortable every time you take the mound that I feel like I'm doing yoga while being sung a lullaby and given a massage - all at the same time.
Feliz - I don't like the way you walk. Not as in, walking people on base, but the way you actually walk. But you can pitch. Keep on, keepin' on baby face!
Ross - I'm like a proud mama every time you take the mound (Note: I *called* that this kid would make the bullpen and I predict he'll be the next big Texas pitcher). Keep rockin' your rookie status...love the pink backpack.
Nathan - I kind of want to shoot you. But you have a kick-ass warm-up song. PLEASE don't eff up this season for us.
Adams - I can't figure you out. I don't like your weird pitching stance, and I feel like the theme to The Munsters should play whenever you come out of the bullpen. But you're a good guy to have on the mound.
This Week's Hotness Scouting Report:
Twins I'd Like to Do: Mauer, Hendriks (Hello, Aussie! An accent like that gets you bumped up the list ANYTIME.)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Yu Know What? It's DEBUT DAY!
Today is Debut Day!
Yu Darvish faced the Seattle Mariners tonight in his first ever MLB game at home in Arlington.
SOME of us got to be there - in person - to witness this historical occasion.
OTHERS of us had a date with our TV's while we made dinner and put kids to bed.
SOME of us took pictures of the guys while warming up in the bullpen.
OTHERS of us were at home - sick, pregnant and jealous - listening to kids fight with each other.
But I'm not bitter, or anything. (By the way, I wasn't one at the game).
So, while I painfully endured the first inning - the LONGEST inning I have ever watched (42 pitches! Seriously?) - I decided to be productive.
Did I clean? No. Don't be stupid. Did I start on our taxes that are due in 7 days? Of course not.
What did I do?
Why, I created our blog!!!
This blog has been a long time coming. Well, ever since the end of last season. So, yeah - a LONG time! I decided to take the bull by it's horns and birth this baby! So without further ado...
Love Kim
Yu Darvish faced the Seattle Mariners tonight in his first ever MLB game at home in Arlington.
SOME of us got to be there - in person - to witness this historical occasion.
OTHERS of us had a date with our TV's while we made dinner and put kids to bed.
SOME of us took pictures of the guys while warming up in the bullpen.
OTHERS of us were at home - sick, pregnant and jealous - listening to kids fight with each other.
But I'm not bitter, or anything. (By the way, I wasn't one at the game).
So, while I painfully endured the first inning - the LONGEST inning I have ever watched (42 pitches! Seriously?) - I decided to be productive.
Did I clean? No. Don't be stupid. Did I start on our taxes that are due in 7 days? Of course not.
What did I do?
Why, I created our blog!!!
This blog has been a long time coming. Well, ever since the end of last season. So, yeah - a LONG time! I decided to take the bull by it's horns and birth this baby! So without further ado...
WELCOME TO THE DEBUT OF....
ALL ABOUT SCORING!!
Love Kim
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