The Depot: Live Game Blog, News and Notes

Posted on May 16th, 2009 4:25pm by Evan Grant
Filed under AL West race, Baseball, Live blogs, Texas Rangers

Comin’ at you in a moment.

4:48: Mmm, something is starting to smell like a pennant race. L.A.’s John Lackey lasts just two pitches into his first start of the season. He threw the first pitch behind Ian Kinsler, then plunked him in the ribs with the second. Home plate umpire “Balkin’ Bob” Davidson didn’t waste any time in making his presence behind the plate known by throwing Lackey out. There are a lot of reasons to consider why Lackey might have lackey-ed control today.

First, perhaps he was simply trying to send a message to the Rangers to get off the plate after there were foour hit yesterday. Kinsler hit two of them.

Second, with RHP Vicente Padilla on the mound for the Rangers and his history of hitting people, maybe Angels were settling some old score, that I can remember.

Finally, the thought must at least cross one’s mind that Lackey simply  lacked control and that Davidson,  the umpire known for making a lot of judgement calls on things like balks, mistook two wild fastballs for purpose pitches.

Thoughts on the issue?

5:10: With the Angels needing nine innings out of their weary bullpen this afternoon, I must point you back to re-examine the key issues of this series. Bottom line: A tired Angels bullpen is going to be overworked to the max today. If the Rangers can squeeze out a win today, they could have a much easier time of making a sweep out of this.

5:23: Several broadcast questions. The Rangers-Angels game was supposed to be the late national broadcast for FOX sports with the Mets at Giants as a backup. But when rain delayed the start of this game by almost two hours, FOX switched all other markets that were supposed to be carrying this game to the Mets-Giants. The reason: It would have messed with the national prime time schedule in a whole bunch of markets. FOX was committed to airing the game in North Texas and Souther California, but switched all others  markets that were supposed to see this game to the Mets-Giants.

5:30: I will make sure all your comments regarding the FOX decision not to include other markets in the broadcast are seen by Rangers officials.

5:45: Third inning starts with a pair of hits. Ends with nothing. DH Hank Blalock flies out to left, advancing nobody, for first out of inning. Blalock’s walk-off double against Seattle on Wednesday was his only hit with runners in scoring position since May 2. He is 1-for-16 (.063) and batting .195 for the season. Still feel this way: A frustrating player to watch. Maybe that’s because at times he looks like is just unstoppable at the plate and then he goes through long stretches like he is in now.

5:47: Ran into a scout this afternoon who has spent more than 60 years in the game this afternon. Guy is not shy about expressing opinions. Here’s what he said about Elvis Andrus: “I think he’s going to be the best shortstop to ever come out of Venezuela.”

That’s a pretty strong opinion, considering that Venezuela has produced current Rangers INF Omar Vizquel, Luis Aparicio, Dave Concepcion and Carlos Guillen. … So, Andrus has that going for him.

6:00: Rangers officials have called Major League Baseball to ask for an explanation on the ruling regarding FOX broadcasting. All that can be offered at this point is suggestion to call local affiliates to see if they would switch the games. I suppose in Waco, Austin and San Antonio this might make some sense. But after you spoke up here, the Rangers did try to get an answer. It all has to do with the regular schedule.

6:10: Meant to place this up here earlier. The Rangers have signed 26-year-old LHP Mike Hinckley to a Triple-A Oklahoma City contract. The Moore, Okla., native will report immediately. Hinckley is a good example of how quick perceptions can change in baseball. He was ranked as the Washington Nationals No. 1 prospect prior to the 2005 season. After reaching the majors last year, he pitched 13.2 innings without allowing an earned run. This season, however, he compiled a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 innings for Washington and was outrighted to the major leagues on May 7. He elected to take free agency and signed with the Rangers on Friday. Don’t know much about Hinckley but he seems to know how to grow a beard.

6:21: Blalock pops out to end the fourth with a pair of runers on base; now hitting .186 with runners in scoring position.

6:39: Just for kicks, here’s video of the Georgia high school pitcher/catcher combo that allegedly did the ol’ duck-down-and-I’ll-hit-the-ump-in-the-mask trick. The pitcher, in this instance, happened to be Ethan Martin, Los Angeles’ No. 1 draft choice from last year. Had Justin Smoak not fallen to the Rangers, Martin was very much in play as a possible first-round pick.

7:02: Padilla is out there for the start of the eighth with 105 pitches.

7:16: C.J. Wilson will attempt to close out the game. He’s got the Nos. 8-9-1 spots to get through to get it done. If he doesn’t, well, there will be talk.

Bookmark and Share
176 Comments to “The Depot: Live Game Blog, News and Notes”
  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    @evan: will you please tell Josh Lewin that it is not officially a “one-hitter” unless the pitcher throws a complete game? just a pet peeve of mine.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    whoa. lakey thrown out

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    i meant lackey.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    what happened…gameday only shows ball 1

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    FOX isn’t showing the Rangers in Waco, so I’m listening to it. How bad did it look?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    2nd ball in the ribs.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    seriously threw lackey out of the game?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    @evan: any idea why they would hit Kinsler?

  • thomas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Gone, baby, gone

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    yup. he’s out. no warning or anything.

    and looks like we’re getting to the bullpen early.

  • Chris @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    VERY obvious that Lackey was throwing at Kinsler.

  • thomas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Because Padilla’s pitching?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    because he hit two homeruns last night.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    @Mike: the first pitch was behind his back and the second was in his ribs. yes, they threw him out.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    wow…certainly he wouldn’t put his bullpen in that kind of bind on purpose

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    looks like padilla has some big shoes to feel. lackey kinda threw down the gauntlet.

  • thomas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    Threw the first pitch well behind Kins and then beaned him on the next pitch. Ump didn’t hesitate about tossing him.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    fill. fill shoes.

    feel the pain of a fastball in the ribs.

    two totally different things

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    hope kins is OK…good for us to get into the bullpen

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    I love it! If Lackey doesn’t want to pitch today, that’s OK with me.

  • Ryans Dad @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    Anyone know why that happened?

  • Fisk72 @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    if Wash is smart he will get jennings up, let padilla nail the first Angel up and save him for another day

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    I hope Padilla waits until he’s coming out of the game anyway. Plunk someone good with his last pitch of the game!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Duh! Whenever he does it, it will be his last pitch!

  • jkdallas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Hope Padilla keeps his head right. If he can go 7, LAA’s pen is used up for tomorrow

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    yeah, other than the two HRs last night, no reason to hit Kins…he never shows anyone up…what a loser to hit Kins in the first inning…puts his team in a HUGE bind

  • thomas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Didja see the catcher take off his mask and follow Kinsler down the line like he would follow up on anything Kins might start?

  • thomas @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Kins didn’t even glance at him.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    These next 18 games with the Angels this year should be fun!

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Evan can you tell the guys at Fox to switch over from the Mets game to the Rangers game?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    what a crazy inning.

  • Chris @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Just spoke with Time Warner Cable here in Austin. According to them, Fox isn’t allowing the broadcast of Rangers games, so we get to watch Mets/Giants. This is really starting to make me angry.

  • Patrick @ May 16th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    EVAN! Please do some research and find out why only the DFW market is getting the Rangers game… this is ubsurd.

  • MIke in CH @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    Where is TAG?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    @evan: if Lackey thought he was ready to come off the DL, I can’t see him being that wild. I didn’t see the pitches, but one behind the back and the next in the ribs sounds like it was on purpose to me. maybe he thought he could get away with it because it was his first start and there hadn’t been a warning issued. maybe the Angels assumed that Padilla would plunk someone and wanted to get a jump on us.

  • CW @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Evan….No one outside of DFW is getting the Rangers game (even if scheduled to), any way you can let the Fox peopl on site know that they are angering a growning number of Rangers fans and they need to get it switched pronto?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    i just now realized that was mark grace in the booth with lewin. that’s fun!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    I e-mailed FOX asking why we’re not getting the broadcast in Waco. No response yet.

  • Lackey Doesn’t Last : baseballmusings.com @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    [...] Update: Evan Grant offers further thoughts. [...]

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Fox actually switched over to the Rangers a couple of times early in the top of the first, then immediately switched back to the Mets/Giants.

  • Mike in CH @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Mark Grace is great, but you can’t beat TAG!!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    I would give almost anything to be seeing Mark Grace right now!

  • CW @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    I guess Fox is worried about losing all the people who tune it to watch King of the Hill and Cops re-runs in Houston…..I wish I could sick John Lackey on them

  • James H @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    dang i just turned it on – i missed all the fun?

  • Chris @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Television coverage of the Rangers outside of DFW this season has been TERRIBLE. TWC recently resolved the conflict with Astros games, but I have no clue on why the national game is blacked out. This is crazy.

    FYI- From Rangers official site: Good news for Time Warner Cable customers living in Austin and San Antonio. Beginning Tuesday, May 12, Time Warner will begin carrying all available FOX Sports Southwest Rangers games in your market.

    The majority of the games will be shown on the FOX Sports Plus secondary feed, which airs on a separate channel and allows fans to view Rangers games whenever there is a conflict with Houston Astros telecasts and other live event programming on FOX Sports Southwest. Games on FOX Sports Plus are available to Time Warner customers on Channel 77 in Austin, and Channel 50 (STUF TV) in San Antonio.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    @james H – well, maybe not. padilla’s still in. and he brings his fun lots of times.

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Evan can you walk down to Nolan and let him know how Fox is screwing his ballclub out of a national audience?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    this is going to be long long day for angels pitching.

  • James H @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    @becca – i sure hope so lol

  • James H @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    SCORE YES YES YES

  • Little O @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    Methinks the Rangers have rattled the Angels cage

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    do the angels have any outfielders or something that could possibly pitch if the bullpen gets all used up? stuff like that doesn’t ever really happen anymore. i’d love to see it today though!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    @becca: Nick Swisher pitched an inning for the Yankees earlier this year.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    I’ll bet Gary Matthews would be willing to pitch.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    as a rule, i try to ignore all things yankee. :) but that’s good to hear.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    @becca: that’s a good rule!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    @evan: I started to point out that Loux has been in the rotation, but he’s their long man now so it doesn’t really matter. Especially since it doesn’t look like he’ll be in there long anyway.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    for those not getting the broadcast, maddux just said that he thought lackey was just rusty.

    and that padilla pitches on the inside and he’ll keep doing that. but warnings were issued to each teams.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    and mike maddux’s soul patch is something to behold.

  • Fred @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Can’t even get it on mlb.com due to agreement with Fox

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    @becca: thanks! but I think Maddux is lying through his teeth about Lackey. that’s OK. we’ll get them back!

  • adiosmofo @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    so abreu was a roids user, yeah?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    @fred: you can’t watch, but you can listen to it. that is the positive part! i get to hear Eric Nadel!

  • Chris @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks Evan, I like COPS and all, but I think I’d rather have the Rangers. Enjoy the rest of the game!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    @evan: so they think other parts of texas don’t want to watch the Rangers, huh? that sucks!

  • Fisk72 @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    so the ump runs Lackey and is now going to squeeze Padilla all day

  • JimBob @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    I know I’m late to this discussion, but didn’t Kinsler hit two HRs last night? I would say that Lackey went to the mound instructed to send a message to Kinsler and the Rangers. Angels figured no way would an ump run a player after hitting the first batter, especially a pitcher who was making his first start of the year. It was a built-in excuse. Kinsler seems to be a lightning rod for opposing teams right now. Must be a sign that he’s doing something right!

  • Little O @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    @Evan- So they can’t ship the game off to FoxSW for those other Texas markets?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    @JimBob: I think you are absolutely right!

  • James H @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    How long yall think Loux can go?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    if he gives up a homer, i bet he’s yanked. i’d like him to be done now. but that’s just because i want a bullpen parade.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    @LittleO: that’s the difference between FOX and ABC/ESPN – they’ll switch off to an ESPN Alt.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    hooray! no dr pepper play!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    @evan: thanks! it’s crazy that we can’t watch the game, too.

  • bigskinny @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    Count me in on the complaint about the telecast. I have sent a complaint to my local Fox affiliate in OKC

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    Does anyone know if Josh is twittering during this game or whether he might be able to express Rangers’ fans displeasure?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    @mike: josh might be twittering personally, but he’s not doing the FS Southwest twittering any more.

  • adiosmofo @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    Angels wanted 50 pitches out of Loux. Hes’s at 44, so they’ll likely roll him out there again to try to get thru the bottom of the order

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    angels pitching coach talked with the booth. said too that it was totally unintentional.

  • keith @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    As somebody born and raised in Dallas, I was a Dr. Pepper Jr Ranger and now live in Jefferson City, Mo. I am completely bummed about the Rangers national exposure. The only time I get to see them is when they play the Royals, or on fox or espn. Eventually I will get the mlb package so I can at least watch games on the computer, but will not be doing that until the price comes down. Or when Holland or Feliz are in the rotation…which ever happens first

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    too many lead-off men reaching base for VP…little rhythm right now

  • David @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    Very upset in San Antonio that Fox won’t broadcast the Rangers game.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    @Keith….I feel you. I get them against the A’s and when they are on WGN VS the Sox

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    @becca: what else would he say? I still think it was intentional.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    I e-mailed our local FOX station, too, but still no answer.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    @evan: would they pitch Lackey tomorrow?

  • Michael in LH @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Padilla’s gonna plunk someone here pretty soon. He looks pretty frustrated.

  • Little O @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Of course he’s going to say it was unintentional, he doesn’t want anyone to be $750 lighter in the wallet :)

  • adiosmofo @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    this sucks. looking like we’ll see benson.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    @Michael: when he’s had enough and is ready to call it a day, he’ll drill someone.

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    If you use twitter I would send complaints to
    @MLBONFOX

    don’t know if that will mean anything though…

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    If Padilla hits someone there’s a chance he’d get suspended by the league.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    @Mike: it can’t hurt! let’s bombard twitter!

  • Lackey Doesn’t Last @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    [...] Update: Evan Grant offers further thoughts. [...]

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    @Mike: I don’t think Padilla worries about that.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    can rookies win MVP? i got in an argument at the rock and roll show last night. they said for sure elvis would win MVP this year. i didn’t think one could. a rookie could win rookie of the year, but not MVP, right?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    @evan: again, thanks! it’s nice to have someone who will stick up for the fans!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    @becca: there is no rule saying that a rookie is not eligible. was pedroia a rookie when he won?

  • Fai Mao @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Speaking of throwing at people.

    Evan, do pitchers ever throw at umpires? Suppose an umpire has an awful strike zone or is missing lots of calls (Kind of like today) Do pitchers, possibly working with the catcher, just bounce one of the umps mask? Maybe two in a row?

    Not that I’m a bad sport or would ever advocate that kind of thing.

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    yeah, i figured i was wrong in the argument. but i fought it passionately. so at least i’ve got that going for me.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    @becca: oops! i think it was pedroia’s 2nd full year.

  • adiosmofo @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    @becca: sure they can. I think cal ripken won as a rookie in ’83

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    @FaiMao: obviously it wasn’t in pro ball, but, as a catcher, I’ve done it. Not often, but I have. I’ve also umpired and I would swear that it was done to me a couple of times (again in amateur ball).

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    thanks smart people on inside corner!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Also, it never produced the desired results. The ump was always pissed off.

  • Michael in LH @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    @Fai: I recall a high school pitcher/catcher combo that did this. I think they got charged with assault. I have never heard of it the major league level. Seems to me it would be a really really long suspension.

  • CW @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    @Evan I knew you’d be the man to get somewhere on this broadcast issue. Don’t forget the Rangers are much loved in Houston.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Come on, Big Josh….GS time

  • Awesome @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    Why was Elvis held up. He would have made it easily.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    Let me throw in that all were body shots and not intended to injure anyone.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    Not that it matters to anyone else but me, but 15 years ago went to Ranger game on a first date with the lady who is now my wife…Oliver started for the Rangers…got beat by the A’s and Van Poppel

  • Mike E @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    @Evan: Thanks for getting the info to the powers that be, can’t ask anything more than that.

  • Little O @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    Always remember umps are like elephants, they hang together and they never forget

  • marc @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    Ichiro Suzuki won both ROY and MVP in 2001. I think

  • Brett in SD @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    I’m in San Diego and you’d think since San Diego County borders Orange County I’d be able to pick up the Rangers/Angels game, but no.

    I’m watching the Giants/Mets game – a classic (if you were born before WWII, but otherwise pretty lame).

  • marc @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    Ripken won ROY in 1982 and MVP in 1983

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    Davidson is a bad umpire……loves to be at the center of attention……but blind as a bat…….it’s not that he’s wrong……it’s that he is certain he is wrong and doesn’t seem to care……..that’s a dangerous attitude for an ump……

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    Fernando Valenzuela picked up both ROY and CY in the same year…not quite MVP, but impressive

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    mark grace said something like ‘blalock is the drama king’ when it comes to his batting. and i fully agree.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    @becca: blalock for hitting, CJ. for pitching!

  • Michael in LH @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Nice double play!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    @JustSaying: the scariest part of your statement is that he “loves to be at the center of attention”. Umps are taught that they should NOT be the center of attention. When an upm is doing a good job, you will barely notice him. That’s the way it is supposed to be!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    I am a blalock fan, but this is getting more and more frustrating.

  • HinckleyFan @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    That’s agreat picture of Hinckley. Can we also get a pic of his wife?

  • dj @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    Fred Lynn…ROY & MVP??

  • adiosmofo @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    Quality start (so far) for VP. Quick inning probaly puts him out there for the 7th

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    @dj–Fred Lynn in ’75 and Ichiro in ’01

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    @FaiMao and scooper…….you guys are killing me….stop…..LOL….I wonder how many times Vincente has thrown at an ump…..
    @Evan Ask Davidson if he knows how many times Vincente has plunked an ump?

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    VP–now he’s got it going. Can he get one more inning?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    @evan: those guys were too obvious! umps are taught to set up on the inside corner. the catcher should set up outside and get “crossed up” on the pitch.

  • Jolly @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    I’m in SF Bay area market and my Comcast MLB package didn’t have today’s game either probably because of the ESPN deal but when ESPN changes its’ schedule the rest of the country is screwed……

  • midnitewriter @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    MVP and Rookie of the year in the same season, all time….
    Fred Lynn 1975
    Ichiro 2001

  • midnitewriter @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    Sorry Mike in Reno, didn’t refresh in time to see your post about MVP and ROY

  • midnitewriter @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    @ Throwing at Umps…
    I once heard a color commentator joke about a catcher letting a warm up pitch go by to get back at an ump. He was joking, but there was a hint in his voice that it was something that has happened.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    @midnite…lol no worries.
    Gamecast said both Elvis and Kins sacrificed…is that right?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    I love our infielders!

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    padilla through 7! i love it!

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    kinsler was a sac bunt.

  • midnitewriter @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    I hope not Mike, but I think Kins prolly tried to catch them sleeping and bunt for a hit. I would hate to think Wash would do that, even as bunt-loving as he is.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    @becca….thanks

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    @midnite…..totally agree. I was questioning that a little. Man, Padilla has turned it around the past two innings.

  • midnitewriter @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    by the by, “bunt-loving” sounds like something that can get you thrown in jail in some states.

  • brint @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    Heard about the crap Rangers fans throughout Texas are dealing with a lack of regional broadcast today…

    I sympathize from here in Chicago. Fox has been sticking it to out-of-market fans who pay for premium subscriptions for years. They black out 3/4 of the nation every saturday, for absolutely no good reason.

    Extra Innings and MLB.TV broadcasts are blacked out nationally, so that Fox can deliver an exclusive regional broadcast.

    Couldn’t watch the game today, so I made this facebook group in disgust.

    http://kl.am/hEX

    If you’re dissatisfied with Fox and MLB’s handling of blackout issues, please join this group.

    This is beyond ridiculous. Paying fans deserve better.

    brint crockett

  • Jeffrey @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    atta boy Padilla. 8 solid innings. let’s hope CJ doesn’t come out for the save…

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    I guess I was wrong about Padilla plunkin’ someone! That’s OK! I’d rather have him pitch 8 innings anyway.

  • Brent @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    Kindler slipped coming out of the box. I’m pretty sure that he was trying to get a hit.

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    lol

  • EricNadel(Verified) @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    @Vincente Do you lay in bed at night and fantasize about throwing at umps?

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    they’re gonna bring C.J. in.

  • Michael in LH @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    We are certainly seeing a different Padilla. Last year he would not have made it out of the 4th. Is this a contract year for him?

  • Jeffrey @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    ok. every start praying

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    the rangers have a club option.

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    Is Wash putting blalock in the 4 hole today just to screw with us?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    dangit dangit dangit. i was getting comfortable with how this game was going.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    TV thing is ridiculous…if you have any chance to get off of Time Warner and to DirecTV I highly recommend it…I get every game here in Austin except of course this national broadcast. I’ve spoken with MLB offices several times over the years and tried to explain my frustration. They just don’t get it.

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    I’m not sure Padilla can get that option picked up even if he walks on water……..

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    is CJ coming in to try and close this thing down?

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    that’s what i’m dangiting about. cj.

  • Jeffrey @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    2 more CJ

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    everyone on your feet! one more out!

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    well, he got 8 & 9.

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Thank you Ian and Chris!

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    davis is extremely bendy. great game.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Get the brooms ready!

  • Little O @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Glad Davis doesn’t have any groin muscles :)

  • Jeffrey @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    hello win column!

  • Mike in Reno @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    Way to gut it out VP! Everyone have a good evening.

  • CJsAgent @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    I just want to remind everyone that my client has had 7 consecutive scoreless games to today…..

  • CJsAgent @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    Excuse me…..make that 8

  • scooper @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    @CJsAgent: what about inherited runners? and all the drama?

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    I’m not ready to talk trash but can we get someone in the front office to crank up the bullpen search team……24 hour operation……..

  • Jeffrey @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    ya I’m not too thrilled about madrigal coming back up

  • JustSaying @ May 16th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Any chance we’ll see Lackey again tomorrow? LOL

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 16th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    …I’ve picked out the comment of the day – for the last 2 days as I’ve been absent.

    Maybe my schedule will permit me to post them tomorrow, since the “comment of the day” has been the “comment of 2 games so far in a week”

  • becca @ May 16th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    @last: good to see you’re commited to this. high-five in your general direction.

  • Bobby R. @ May 16th, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    My 11-year-old was quite disappointed not to get the Rangers on TV here in Oklahoma City.