The Depot: Live Game Blog, News, Notes

Posted on May 7th, 2009 2:32pm by Evan Grant
Filed under Uncategorized

OAKLAND, Calif. -Don’t think there is need for a separate notebook before the game today. With a day game, it should be plenty easy to gather them after the game. So, I think we can keep everything self-contained here for the afternoon. If something separate comes up, I’ll be sure to alert you.

You won’t see RHP Frank Francisco today. Manager Ron Washington insisted he’ll get the day off after converting saves in each of the last three games. Washington said he was hoping to stay away from Francisco last night, but the reliever assured the Rangers he was ready to go. In fact, Francisco jumped up on his own after the eighth inning was complete to start getting ready for the ninth.

“He beat me to the punch,” Washington said. “I was still going to call down there, but he got up before I ever had a chance.”

Francisco has thrown 52 pitches over the last three days and he has thrown 65 pitches in a five-day span. This is the first time he’s pitched three consecutive days in the majors since 2007. So, since he took over as closer last August 25 (he  didn’t get in a game in that role until the 27th), he’s now gone 25.2 scoreless innings while converting 14 saves and compiling a 2-0 record. Truly amazing numbers: He’s allowing hitters a .124 batting average and has allowed just 20 baserunners  while striking out 31.

2:35: Friend of Inside Corner OF Ben Harrison has been moved from Triple-A Oklahoma City to Double-A Frisco. Former Ranger minor leaguer 1B-DH Nate Gold has been re-signed and added to the Oklahoma City roster.

2:45: 3B Michael Young wastes no time extending his hitting streak to 11 games with first inning single.  In his career, Young has 17 hitting streaks of at least 10 games. Only C Ivan Rodriguez had more double-figure hitting streaks while with the Rangers (19). Rafael Palmeiro also had 17 streaks of at least 10 games.

3:25: This, I think is significant: The Rangers have allowed a total of two runs IN THE FIRST THREE INNINGS since April 28. One run scored on an error and another on a sacrifice fly. The significance is that it not only gives the pitchers more confidence, but it relaxes the offense more. I’ve long maintained that the offense starts to press when the starting rotation falls into one of those ruts where the team is constantly behind 5-1 or 7-3 after two or three innings. Don’t have to worry about having big innings every inning? Then you can focus more on specific situations and manufacturing runs. Manufacturing a run when the deficit is five or six runs doesn’t mean squat.

3:51: Sudden loss of command by Brandon McCarthy. But Kris Benson has sat down, so maybe the Rangers will give McCarthy that chance to rebound. McCarthy is at 74 pitches through four innings after that 32-pitch fourth.  That was a stressful inning. He’s got have enough in the tank for one more.

3:55: Chris Davis has struck out and homered today, bringing his all-or-nothing (homers and strikeouts divided into plate appearances) to .495. Remember, Jack Cust led the majors last year at that rate.

4:00: Benson in, McCarthy done at just four innings. Most significant aspect: It’s the first time since April 22 the Rangers have had a starter go less than five and only the third time this year. In the first month alone last year, the Rangers pulled a starter before the end of the fifth on seven different occasions.

4:03: OK, it’s 8-1. Here’s how the Rangers handle the rest of this game: After their next at-bat, they stop trying to win and use the rest of it as an off-day for the key parts. Benson remains in until the finish, no matter how ugly it might get. Marlon Byrd gets the last couple of innings off with Greg Golson going to center. Andruw Jones to first, Chris Davis to third, Michael Young to the bench. Omar Vizquel to second, Ian Kinsler off. That would be my plan if the club makes no significant comeback in the top of the sixth. Better to concede this one, give guys some extra rest after a hectic five days and get ready to go try and win two of three at Chicago with a rested and ready bullpen.

4:12: When Kris Benson allowed a homer to the first batter he faced as a reliever, it added to an ugly number for the Rangers bullpen. They have now allowed 22 of 45 inherited runners to score this year (48.9 percent). The Rangers entered the day ranked 26th in baseball at keeping inherited runners from scoring and 11th in the AL. Entering today, only Minnesota (51.1 percent) and Detroit (51.4) have worse percentages.

4:19: Judges are generous. Awarding Andrew in Boston a HR Pool win today even though he missed on the men on base (it was a solo blast; Andrew had one guy on). He did, however, take Chris Davis in the fifth.

4:25: Elvis Andrus just made first error in his last eight games. Went into outfield threw off back leg, overthrew Chris Davis, who was running a fade route to the retaining wall along the fence. First thought: I saw Romo miss that pass plenty this past season.

4:37: Not sure if anyone mentioned this already, but Seattle has lost again (fourth straight loss). Rangers will remain in first place, regardless of the outcome.

4:38: No emptying of the bench. That’s a shame. By the way, if I was going to make a pitching move, I’d be trying to get Eddie Guardado some time on the mound. Perfect situation to work on things that might help win games down the road in a game that is now lost.

4:46: Apparently reading us in the Rangers dugout. Guardado now up. Omar Vizquel loosening. Where is Greg Golson?

4:56: Golson goes to center and Vizquel to second. Young remains in game and Guardado is on to pitch.

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111 Comments to “The Depot: Live Game Blog, News, Notes”
  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    I know we’re like 2 months early on this – but is Hersheiser’s record something Frankie’s eligible to break or is that like a different category?

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    Just a note to everyone who thinks we need to get rid of Guardado – Holland apparently follows him around like a puppy and Benson said he’s going to go sit by Eddie to learn how to be a reliever. His positive influence stretches much further than simply his ability to pitch.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    @Evan – at the beginning of the season, didn’t you have us give our predictions on the Rangers’ final record this year? If so, make sure you have that handy at the end of the year. we’ll need to review it.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    Doubt I predicted here, but I always go with 100-62.

    First time I did that was in 2004, and on a mailing list, I was the only one over .500. It wasn’t like price is right, so I won despite going over.

  • Clint @ May 7th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    Evan – is there something to Andrus, Young, and Blalock all taking the first pitch for a strike? Is this just an anomaly, or are we finally trying to work some counts?

  • Jed E. @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    Man, this team is starting to leave way to many men on base and poor Davis will turn into Rob Deer if he is not careful.

  • Marcus @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    Wow, either D Servers are slow today or it’s just a slow day.

    @ Evan, when Hamilton comes back, would Wash consider moving MY to 4th or 5th in the lineup?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    The good news is that they get a lot of men on, so they can afford to have alot of them left on. The more runners you get – the more LOB, but also the more runs.

    I’d rather leave a guy stranded than have on one on at all.

  • Chris @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    the mini sirloin burgers Jack in the Box commercial gets a laugh from me every time.

    the menopause Jack in the Box commercial gets a strange look from me.

  • Jed E. @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Marcus,

    I think 5th would be a good place for him. He will see some good pitches with Cruz behind him.

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    @Last: I would say you are jumping the gun a teeny bit. But Francisco is eligible to break the all-time scoreless streak set by Orel Hershiser (59 inning). More realistic: The Rangers’ franchise record for scoreless innings by a reliever, which is currently held by Jeff Zimmerman with 29.2. The Rangers overall record is 39, which Kenny Rogers set in 1995.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    my personal preference would be MY 3rd with Hammy 4th. I really like Andrus in the 2 hole. Brings the sac bunt to the offense, the hit and run, bat contol and energy. You waste his skills at 9. It also pushes power down to the bottom of the lineup, where you can live a little more with a KO.

    I would also consider Young 5th. I WOULD NOT move Kinsler from leadoff.

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    @Marcus: The Rangers never considered movinc Young to another spot in the lineup. Certainly, Elvis Andrus’ play make the idea more tempting, but I think the simple plan here is the best: Put your best hitters in the top three spots. Young remains one of the three best hitters on this team.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    @JackDaddy – I agree, but what would you think of MY at 4 behind Josh?

  • Jed E. @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Evan,
    I guess I’m more the 1-2 positions being table setters and then having 3-4-5 drive them in. Young fits the latter more than the former, IMO.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    i think my favorite closer was akinori otsuka. he never really posted moster numbers like Zim did, though.

    and didn’t his arm essentially explode in 1,000 pieces after he left the rangers?

  • Chris @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Chris Davis is driving me crazy. Is the only other option Smoak?

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    @Evan – how many scoreless does Frankie have right now?

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    @chris: is hank not an option? are they only going to use him to DH?

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Hey, becca! How’s my favorite 30-year-old?

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    if Davis were not at 1st, I think they’d use Hank there and DH Andruw.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    ha. i’m working. have to save to my retirement in about 8 years.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    ah, to retire at 38! whatever will you do, oh ancient one? travel the world?

  • Doug Fu @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    It sure seems like we’re getting those double plays to get us out of innings here lately. I really dig it.

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    @scooper: Frank Francisco has 27.1 scoreless, dating back to August 22 of last year.

  • whip @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    I don’t wanna jinx him, but McCarthy is really dealing right now…

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    scooper, I wouln’t hate that lineup, but it seems better to have MY on base for Hamilton, who will hit more home runs. But I hear you – with Young’s bat (which IMO is the most clutch bat we have and one of the most in the AL over the past 5 years) behind Hamilton, I don’t think you could really pitch around him. I just wonder if that makes more sense to do it as 4-5 rather than 3-4 when, for example, Smoak is ready for the 3 hole.

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    @scooper: Once again, you are right. If the Rangers decide to sit or demote Davis – something that still isn’t on the table yet – they’d most likely go to Blalock and DH Jones regularly.

  • Clint @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    I know it’s early, but this is shaping up to be another low-scoring, close game. If we have a 1-run lead heading to the 9th, who does Wash trust? CJ? Holland? Jennings?

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    @JackDaddy – just a thought
    @becca – sorry. no more age cracks!

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    @Evan – I’m not saying that I would sit Davis. I have no intention of giving up on him. I think he’s real close to figuring it out.

  • Marcus @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    IMO, Smoak may very well end up 3rd in the lineup, but it wouldn’t be this year or next year. Remember, when Davis came up last year and was tearing everything up, Washington constantly kept him low in the lineup. I would anticipate the same with Smoak. Besides, I don’t know that anyone takes Hamilton out of the 3 hole for the foreseeable future.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    @Clint – not Holland. probably CJ. possibly Jennings.

  • raoul @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Jus took a really big dump. Huge. I’m walking on air now!

  • Jed E. @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    It may be based on the situation. We could have three guys pitch the 9th if needed.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    @evan – do you mean the Rangers’ starters have only allowed 2 runs? You’re right, that is significant. And you’re also right that the hitters seem more relaxed.

  • whip @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    I jinxed him :(

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    @ raoul – way TMI

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    you know, Mike Maddux is taking advantage of a wonderful situation. If you have success with our pitching staff, you’ve made your reputation as a pitching coach forever.

  • Marcus @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    Way to go, Whip, LOL

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    This is the situation where you like to see a guy who is AON at the plate. YOu have the odds and…… Well, this is the situation where you hate an AON guy at the plate.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    @evan – sorry! I need to learn to read!

  • Doug Fu @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Bum, bum, ba, bum.

    Well, let’s see if we can battle back.

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    @scooper: My fault. Left the first three innings phrase out initially. Had to go back and fix it.

  • b.money @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    @Marcus
    Tom Hicks / Jon Daniels are the most likely candidates to move Hamilton out of the 3-hole. . . by irritating him to the point that he refuses to re-sign here.

  • Marcus @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    It’s time for the patented Dave Burchette peck away theory

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    @Doug – Of course we can battle back! We are teh Mighty Rangers!

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    Is Kris Benson warming up?

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    All time favorite setup man and the best season I’ve ever seen a Ranger pitch (I was too little for Fergie’s dominance) was Zimmerman’s first season here, particularly before the break. Utter dominance. By the way, was on a conference call and just saw the grand slam. bummer.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    it’s good to see McCarthy still throwing his fastball after the grandslam.

    of course, it set up another hit…but at least his attacking the plate.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    @JackDaddy – you’re right. Zim was great!

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    @scooper: Benson is warming up, yes. I believe McCarthy is done since Benson is warming, but it would be important for McCarthy to go back out and get through at least one more inning. That to me is the idea of “pushing” guys. Want them to go a little farther, to recover after a rough inning, etc.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    lemons to lemonade? at least no pressure to use FrankFranc today!

  • Doug Fu @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    This is one of those innings we need to grab back a couple of runs and not let Oakland get that “shutdown” inning.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    Whoa, Big Boy! It’s still early!

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    by the way, I am responsible for this loss. Just saw that AFraud is coming back Friday (who is on one of my fantasy teams) so I dropped Mike Lowell and had a spot for a pitcher. Not much left to choose from so I picked up who? You guessed B Mac. 18 seconds later he gives up 5 runs.

    Nice ding dong by Crush.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    and facillitate an oakland hammy pulling run as well!

  • b.money @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Don’t lose faith in Davis!

  • Dr Pepper presents Batface McGee @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Mr. All or Nothing Chris Davis strikes again.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    Query? Is what Greinke doing on par with Oral Hersh crazy year with the 50 something scoreless innings? Its better than what Fat Butt did last year for Milwaukee isn’t it? I don’t think I ever seen a stretch of this kind of dominance.

    Check out this line:
    IP W L KO BB H ERA WHIP
    45.0 6 0 54 8 30 0.40 0.84

    Absolutely filthy.

  • b.money @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    Blalock wore that crown for years. . . from the moment he hit the All-Star Game HR off of Gagne until sometime this year.

    ’04-’07 he would actually corkscrew himself into the dirt like a cartoon character.

    :)

    Davis is still young. . . he just needs to learn to drive it to both gaps instead of upper-cutting it for the dramatics.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    ugh. gagne. i wasn’t happy when we brought him here. but i laughed the loudest when he pulled a bottom muscle after his first outing. or something like that.

  • Dr Pepper presents Batface McGee @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    Welcome back, Benson. My God. NEXT!

  • b.money @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    Now we know why the A’s were so behind in HRs this season. They needed their fair share of Ranger’s pitching to keep up.

    . . . I will not become “that” guy. . . I will not become “that” guy. . . I will not become “that guy. . .

  • b.money @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    That was supposed to look like this, but the site stripped my fake HTML tags:

    [ Cynical Statement ]
    Now we know why the A’s were so behind in HRs this season. They needed their fair share of Ranger’s pitching to keep up.
    [ / Cynical Statement ]

    . . . I will not become “that” guy. . . I will not become “that” guy. . . I will not become “that guy. . .

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Where’d the favorite reliever stuff come from? Anyway, I’m a Zim guy – he’s actually one of my favorite players, ever.

    I once volunteered to donate an elbow ligament or 3 to him. Beyond that – Hideki Irabu.

    He was great for about 3 or 4 weeks, and those were a fun 4 weeks in ’02(?).

    Almanzar was a guy I liked, YOSHAAA was also good.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    who’s warming up now? because really, someone has to be.

    is there some way we can blame this on ana benson?

  • Doug Fu @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Time to call Martin Kove. This thing is over.

    (I reserve the right to claim this is a reverse jinx later)

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    anyone know how Zim’s doing with Seattle?

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    and after the first batter he faced, he’s shying away from his fastball. that was only 90ish mph. is there really nobody better out there?

  • Bob @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    Can we now call Benson a failed bit and move on?

    Seriously, who would be the next right handed relief pitcher brought in?

  • J. Blake @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Can somebody please get Benson a pink slip ASAP.

  • Dr Pepper presents Batface McGee @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Can we please end this Benson project? The dude just isn’t any good and is taking up a roster spot for a young pitcher. Who? I don’t know. But I’m POSITIVE there is someone in OKC or Frisco that can at least give up 4 runs in a third of an inning.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    I think this is good – you gotta overcome adversity, and this gives McCarthy a chance. Assuming he’s not on the DL in the morning.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    @batface – very good point.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    I blame everything on ana benson. Feldman didn’t want to be in pen and Benson didn’t want to be in pen. I think you saw and are seeing the results. My sense is that by June 1, Mr. Ana Benson will be off this team and somebody from AAA (AJ Murray?) will be on the squad. Feldman will hold down the spot until he falters a few times and then Holland will take his spot (unless B Mac or Padilla get hurt first)

    Not sure how we started talking about favorite relievers. I think it related to a discussion on FrankFranc. I like segues off topic. Keeps things lively.

    I needed a game where my stress level could come down.

  • Bob @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    @ Jack– just how many lefties are the Rangers gonna keep in the ‘pen?

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Bob, you’re right. AJ Murray needs to replace the corpse of Eddie Guardado.

    Vaughan to replace Benson? Diamond if he can get healthy (though he was underwhelming). My choice? Doug Mathis.

  • Jed E. @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    The guy that played Benson might be better than the real Benson at this point. Never thought Robert Guillaime would be worked into a Ranger-A’s blog.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    @Bob – I’d rather have too many lefties than too few; Murray will be here, we need to see what he can do.
    @Jack – you have a point, but I’d happily be stressed every day through the World Series!

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Evan,

    Enlighted me on Lizard Ramirez. I have never read anything written about him, he doesn’t make prospect rankings (he’s still only 26), yet he started the AAA playoff opener last year and has been in the AAA rotation since I started looking closely last year.

    Also – can you use your sources to see if there is ANY way that I can locate an old Kinsler RR jersey?

    Thanks!!!

  • Pei @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Scoop, no major league staff is gonna carry 4 LHPs.

    Mathis could be it.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    Robert Guillaime was awesome as Issiac Jaffe in SportsNight. The wife likes “New Christine” and every time i watch i think “quo vadimus.”

    I think Robert Goullet would also be a fine addition to the pen.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    btw, you let Benson and Guardado finish this trainwreck no matter what – I don’t care if they score 30 and their arms literally fall off (which is a distinct possibility with Eddie’s still living corpse).

  • WT @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    4 leftie relivers, could you imagine?

    While your having that nightmare, imagine if the Rangers were not in the West?

    The right-handed side of this ‘pen is brutal.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    Ben Vareen is already in the ballpark. Throw him in!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    And Robert Goullet brings me back to Ben Vereen singing the anthem. And with Benson being thrown under the bus – I have 2 memories of Ben Vereen. One, was an appearance on the Jerry’s Kids telethon, when we had 5 channels and 3 showed Jerry all weekend, and the other was that he got hit by a bus – right?

    So with Vereen and Benson (and the whole pen, I suppose) in the same building – you have literally AND figuratively people who have been thrown under the bus. That’s rare!

  • Bob @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    @JD–

    you are so right; then ship those 2 off and ship AJ and Mathis in. And then close your eyes and hope for the best. Things will be bumpy this year with this middle-relief corps

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    @Evan – No Romo Jokes!

  • Evan Grant @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    @All: Benson’s first outing has been rough. Or rather pretty miserable. But again, you can’t simply take his first career outing as a reliever as the ultimate litmus test. He’s due more time to get situated in this long man role. How much time? I’m not sure. BUt more than one appearance.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    had forgotten that Mathis isn’t on the 40 man roster (Evan, remind me when they did that?) – so I would expect they will fill it with somebody like John Bannister first (unless of course they add Mathis in connection with Benson). I would love for Tommy Hunter to get his head right with ball and put some innings together and fill that role.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    Evan – agree, but this isn’t based on one outing. He has looked horrible all year (his era was 9 coming in), his stuff is average at best and he’s not part of the future or the present. I would rather take the lumps with Mathis, Bannister or Diamond.

  • Chris @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Benson’s stuff has never been good. I don’t think he should be allotted any more time. This team is competing now.

  • Patrick A. @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    I like Evan’s idea on sitting the old dog’s at this point and re-setting for the weekend series. Will it happen? Doubtful.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    Never mind – I see they non-tendered Mathis on December 12th and nobody claimed him (I would imagine nobody was going to put him on there roster in light of his injury last year) and they resigned him to minor league deal the 15th.

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    first place texas rangers! day 2!

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Really? Now I feel like a horse’s ass. Seriously, I really do. I didn’t realize these guys read this stuff. No more jokes about Eddie. And honestly, Benson has done of good job of eating innings to get us through this.

    Man, I feel terrible.

    What sucks is we’re these guys biggest fans and some of us now look like total duesches. Shame of us.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    Golson in CF, Vizquiel at 2b, but Young still at 3rd?

  • becca @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    I stand by my Ben Vereen comment. Even if he did read it.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    ahhh, you mean b/c they got Eddie up. Man, I really got flustered there for a minute. Seriously, my face is all red. Good lesson in any event not to be so mean spirited.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 7th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    @Jack – and they know your website. They can pull a Manning “cut that meat” on you!

    I wouldn’t get to worried – they expect a healthy level of criticism, it’s a trade off for the pay.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    @JD – please tell me you’re being facetious (it’s hard to tell in writing!)

  • alan @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

    I continue to be amazed that some want to apologize and defend Benson. The guy is terrible, has always been terrible, will always be terrible and he’s taking a spot that some young pitcher could be learning in.

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Scooper – I was actually being serious. I REALLY thought Evan meant they were reading this stuff (it’s been a long day at work and I’m fried). I definitly paniced for a second!!!

    But it did make me feel bad for the shots at Guardado.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    @JackDaddy – are you coming to the Happy Hour? I need to meet you so I can tell if you’re serious or not!

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    I’ll try to make it. I REALLY was being serious! But I am a goofball at the same time. I feel bad when I think I’ve hurt someone’s feelings, even if they are athaletes that made more money playing for a month than I make all year!!

    Be honest, if you thought those guys were reading this stuff, you wouldn’t feel bad busting Benson’s balls about his wife? Or referring to Guardado as his “barely lifeless corpse”? (which is really funny, by the way).

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    man, spell check has ruined my ability to spell!!

  • Jack Daddy @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    I am afraid if I go though that I’ll “Chris Farley” Kinsler to death.

    I can just see it now:

    Jack Daddy: “Hey Ian – umm, remember when you hit that home run off Danks? Umm, that was cool.”

    Kinsler: “What the hell is wrong with you, dude?”

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    @JD – yeah, I’d feel bad; but I try not to beat up on them personally too much.

  • scooper @ May 7th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    And if they bother to read this stuff, I’m guessing it’s because Evan shows it to them for a laugh!

  • JustSaying @ May 7th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    I’m really disappointed with Benson……not sure how long I want to keep him……