The Depot: Live Game Blog, News And Notes

Posted on May 17th, 2009 1:08pm by Evan Grant
Filed under AL West race, Baseball, Live blogs, Texas Rangers

I gotta be a little more prompt with these. Sorry, here’s your thread. Pithy comments, coming up.

1:32: Perhaps one thing that went overlooked in yesterday’s little beanball controversy is that RHP Vicente Padilla didn’t get involved. Padilla, perhaps you are aware, has been known to hit a batter or 92. He leads the majors in hit batters since 2002. But Saturday, after the Angels John Lackey started the game by throwing at Ian Kinsler twice, Padilla didn’t risk a suspension by getting involved in retribution.

“I think he knows how important this is to us,” Manager Ron Washington said. “After that stuff in the first inning, we still had to go out and play good baseball. And that is what we did.”

2:18: Why am I moving so slow today with the updates? Not really sure. But am apologizing in advance.

2:21: Scott Feldman is at 84 pitches through five innings. His career his is 109, sent five days ago. Yet, nobody warming up in Rangers bullpen. About to face the lineup a third time through, which has usually been a trouble spot for him. Even if he needs 100 pitches to get through six shutout innings, the Rangers would be very pleased.

2:44: Huge out by Feldman to get Kendry Morales on a full-count pitch with two on and two out to end the sixth. Ian Kinsler makes a nice catch looking into the sunlight and close enough to the railing along the right field line that he had to look and see where he was. And he still was able to find the ball again. If Feldman doesn’t get the out there, he’s out of the game. I still think he won’t pitch the seventh. Even with a shutout. He’s at 106 pitches.

2:51: Bad AB by Kinsler, followed by a not-so-hot one by Michael Young. Rangers had runners on first and second with nobdy out thanks to a pair of walks from Jered Weaver. Then  Kinsler, Young amd Josh Hamilton combined to see four pitches for the final three outs.  Overanxious?

3:02: When the whole press box gasps, you know you’ve just seen an amazing play. Josh Hamilton’s catch on Howie Kendrick as he leaped into the wall in right center is as good as any catch ever made at the ballpark. Now, the question is how bad is he hurt. Because he is hurting right now. Been squatting in the outfield between pitches. There is a level of discomfort on the left side, which was the side he hurt earlier in the year.

3:13: Think I just witnessed the loudest ovation of this decade in Arlington for a sacrifice fly. David Murphy did EXACTLY what he needed to do with runners on first and third, get the ball in the air and deep enough to right to get the run home.

3:16: Marlon Byrd in center.

3:17: Word on the streets (and in the concession stands) is the Rangers hadwalk-up sales of 10,682 tickets today. It created long lines near the box office and also some long concession stands. I’m assuming the Rangers can open more concession stands, but it might be helpful, if you are planning to go to a home game on the next homestand (which starts with the New York Yankees), it might be smart to buy the tix ahead of time so you don’t miss any of the game waiting in a ticket line.  Wait. Something being handed to me. This just in: Announced crowd today was 37,346, giving the Rangers more than 104,000 for the three-game series with the Angels. It’s the highest  three-game series ticket figure since 2004.

3:28: Scott Feldman’s six shutout innings lowered his ERA as a starter to 2.17. Also, it extended his streak of innings without a homer to 29. Among AL pitchers, only Zack Greinke (60 innings) has pitched longer without allowing a homer this season.

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257 Comments to “The Depot: Live Game Blog, News And Notes”
  • adiosmofo @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    I feel oddly serene about Feldman starting the final game of a huge series.

    Loved the 1-pitch, 1 out start.

  • James H @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    alright guys – lets get this thing going!

  • James @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    Isn’t that the second time that Feldman has had some wacky balk like that?

  • James H @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    WHOOP DP!

  • adiosmofo @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    And can we talk some today about the weirdness of the makeup of this bullpen?

    Jennings and Benson both!?

    Loved Perryman’s blog at the DMN about creative ways to use the 25th slot on someone other than Benson. But Wash is always going to make quircky lineup decisions, and what this team needs more than anything is a reliable, right-handed power arm out of the ‘pen.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Comment of the night from Friday:

    everready @ May 15th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
    what’s the deal with baseball players and necklaces?

  • James H @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Alright – we have two James es here. I have the same problem at work – my boss’ name is James so they just call me Junior.
    So I am going to change my name to Junior

  • Junior @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    @Last – superstition?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    @AMF – you want strange lineup decisions?

    The Rays wanted to DH Longoria and have Zobrist at 3rd today.

    They turned in the lineup with the positions reversed – so now, Longoria is on the bench, Zobrist at 3rd and the pitcher will hit.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Ready for your comments Evan – got my pith helmet on.

  • Evan Grant @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    @James (not James H): This is the second time Scott Feldman has fallen off the mound and been charged with a balk this year. I believe on the other occasion, he got his cleat stuck in the dirt on the mound.

  • adiosmofo @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    @last: you are right…and I want an answer! What’s the blue thing that DH wears– looks like one of those things you drink out of of– or CJ’s bridle, or the Vegas medallion CD wears?

    Perhaps Becca can weigh in.

  • James @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    So Lackey was “trying” to bust Kinsler inside, but everything from Weaver in his first AB was away, away, away.

  • Man Hands @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    Wow the park is packed. No more ranked 21 in attendance after this series!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    I dunno, Junior – I just thought it was an interesting comment that made me laugh.

    Observation more than reaction counts in selection.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Lackey shaked off the catcher who was calling for down and away.

  • Junior @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    What I don’t get about the whole Lackey thing – is that they – the Leader – is that he hasn’t pitched in six weeks – well what about rehab assignments? I mean c’mon – he still has game situations.

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Going back to yesterday, looking at the incident to begin the game, how often do you see a pitcher throw behind a hitter to start a game, and hit him with the next, and actually stay in the game? not very often I would think

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    from rotoworld: The Rays listed two third basemen on their lineup card on Sunday, causing them to lose their designated hitter.
    The plan was for Evan Longoria to DH and bat third on Sunday, but he was listed at third, along with Ben Zobrist. Since he didn’t take a position in the top of the first, the Rays have now had to go to starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine as their No. 3 hitter.

  • Junior @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    walrus – ML pitchers just don’t do that – if they are going to miss – they are at least smart enough not to try again on the NEXT PITCH

  • adiosmofo @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    @last: could you imagine the reaction if Wash did that?

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    lots of guys seem to be catching their cleats on the mound this year.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Be great to see Sonnanstine go 3-3 with a homer to win the game :)

  • Junior @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    rofl Josh just gave BAD Radio a shoutout

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    If Wash did that, they’d be running him out of town.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Comment of the day, Saturday:
    ———————————-
    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.
    ———————————-

    Becca edged out her own comment about avoiding all things Yankee with this gem. I figured that nothing I had ever come across had more accurately described women.

    We have 3 points in her comment here:
    1. Knew she was Wrong
    2. Argued about it
    3. Happy about it

  • James @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    Blalock must have attended the Rod Barajas school of popping out. I miss the use the whole field, doubles machine that he used to be.

  • AJM @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Evan — How long will the Rangers keep hitting Hank cleanup with a well below .300 OBP? Does he start sitting for Andruw a little more often?

  • adiosmofo @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    @AJM- my guess is that as long as the Corkscrew (Hank) is on the roster, and Wash in managing said roster, Corkscrew will be 4th or 5th. No matter the matchup or the metrics.

  • James @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Corkscrew really doesn’t need to be out there against lefties.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    A few notes on the upcoming Tiger series.

    1. The Tigers went to their pen just 2 outs later than the angels did yesterday.
    2. Magglio is going to miss the series (edit: Rangers radio said “the first 2 games” of the series.
    3. I hate Armando Gallaraga. He’s done forever on my fantasy team. He’s ruined all his good will, and I’m glad we DFA’d him.

  • JustSaying @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    Still got that image of Nolan with Scioscia in a headlock in my head……..

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Feldman’s stuff is looking good today. Shame they’re fouling off so many

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    Feldman really does look good.
    I know everyont talks about harrison and how he turned things around but every pitcher seems to have turned it around.
    If this continues for too much longer we might see a statue of maddox next to ryans.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    By the way – speaking of my Fantasy team, I started weaver today.

    When I start someone vs the Rangers, they’re always terrible…. this is the fantasy version of taking one for the team.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    @OB – I’m thinking they should start the construction here in about 3 weeks, too soon?

  • Evan Grant @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    @AJM: Blalock entered today hitting .250 in the fourth spot with a .299 on-base percentage. Thing is, that’s his good split. At No. 5, he’s hitting .218 with a .237 OBP.
    So if you move him to five right now, you potentially risk messing with two spots if you move him to five. For now, I think the best route is to try and get him to swing his way out of it and spot Andruw Jones there whenever possible.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Last, you win either way.
    If he pitches great your fantasy team does well, if he stinks the rangers win.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    at this rate, Feldman may not get past the 6th inning, even though he’s pitching pretty well. they’re just making him work so hard

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Eh, I’m 9th of 14 – I’m pretty much going to lose there no matter what.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    @Jeffrey – all they want is him to get through the 6th. We can’t be THAT spoiled already can we?

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    @Last lol ya it’s easy to forget how the starting pitching used to be. but i will say it feels a lot better to be “spoiled” by good pitching!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    I’m listening to the game, not watching – sounds like they’re getting a lot of solid contact, just not falling – correct or incorrect on my part?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    40 pitches in 3 innings for Weaver.

    Really wish the Rangers could draw out their ABs like the Angels hitters can, only way we can take advantage of this depleted bullpen of Anaheim

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    @Last kinsler’s line out was solid, Nellie’s ground out in the 2nd was solid, so ya some solid contact. also some bad looking strike outs though

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Feldman at 62 pitches

  • Michael in LH @ May 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    #Last – Your Becca comment is hilarious and dead on. :)

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Not a web gem but a nice play by young.

  • JustSaying @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Now I go to the kitchen when the Rangers are hitting……I know they’ll hit so what I want to see is good pitching……learning what it looks like……..

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    M. Young is looking more and more comfortable over there at 3rd. Sure, he “missed” one earlier, but that was a smooth play

  • AJM @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Evan — he’s hitting 5th against lefties, though, which is why his split there is so bad. Which reminds me…is it safe to assume that Ron no longer thinks Hank is so hot that he has to sit Nelson Cruz against LHPs to get Hank and his 400 OPS against lefties into the lineup?

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    Blalock’s time in the majors is limited…

  • Becca @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    Red wins dot race. She’s a filly!

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    another solid hit that just couldn’t get through

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    angels showing some good defense.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    andruw jones anyone?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    And with another waste of air time here’s Jim Knox!

  • Evan Grant @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    @AJM: Like I’ve said before, Blalock is a frustrating player. Your points are all good ones, but I ask this simple question: Where would the Rangers winning streak be without Blalock? I ask it because I can guarantee you that’s how Washington will explain it.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    If that was your kid you wouldnt think it was wasted air.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    This game is flying by.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    Napoli can hit.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    It distracts from the game and the opposition always seems to get something done whenever he interrupts.

    Knox will always be the bane of my baseball-watching existence.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Let’s go Scooter. Bear down!

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Our pitchers are still getting squeezed. They just showed the tracker on Mathis, who had a 3-1 count, but three were in the strike zone.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Nice escape Feldman, hope you can survive to the 7th.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Gotta love Feldman.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    maybe I’m confusing my pitchers, but isn’t the knock against Feldman that the hitters always seem to start getting to him after/around the 2nd time through the order? If so, the next inning could be rocky with the heart of the line-up coming up

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Yep, next inning will be interesting for Scooter.

    Need to make Weaver work a bit… he’s in a groove.

  • J. Blake @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    You can’t say enough about the job Feldman’s doing. Do you think he could be a player we could sell high on at the deadline?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    Busby on the telecast timewarps me to a little kid watching David Hulse and Jim Palmer.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    It is hard to get a pitcher out of a groove once he gets comfortable.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Come on Crush!

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    we’re not doing ANYTHING against Weaver…let’s hope out bullpen is ready to throw some scoreless innings

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Look on the bright side – if weaver keeps this up, they’ll turn to Shields with the game on the line.

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Busby and Tag would make a great team.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    This has all the makings of a CG shutout for Weaver unless something changes in a hurry.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    At least Davis got the bat on the ball. 2 Ks in the 5th? Maybe Crush will break his K streak.

  • Michael in LH @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    @Clinton – Lighten up! Knoxie rocks!

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Looks like cruz could have got to that one.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    great effort cruz…what the hell?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    @Michael

    You’re in luck, they put Renner on the screen to distract my ire from Knoxie. :)

  • Chris @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    huge crowd today.

  • Chris @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    wth? What is Cruz doing?

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    … a cruz ship??

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    ground ball, ground ball, ground ball…

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    4-6-3 would be really nice right now.

  • Chris @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    no hitter alert! Anyone know if we get the florida, dodgers game on TV here in DFW?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    Gameday is ahead of the radio stream today – it’s tempting to “look into the future” so to speak.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    … What a great manager that Joe Maddon! Sonnanstein has a RBI double.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Come on feldman, finish this inning fast.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Feldman’s doing ok….1 more out now

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    @Chris

    Looking for an online stream of the game now.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    LA no likey the small ball.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    All I can find of the game requires a download of a streaming tv program I won’t bother with here. You can always try http://www.thegamelive.com for radio feeds of the game if that suits your fancy.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    TBS may switch over to that game from Yanks/Twins – but the wife is watching some show about cakes since I’m listening to the game.

  • J. Blake @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    I say we let him go out for 7. Give him the ball as long as he can take it. Send a message to the perennial division leader that things have changed in Arlington.

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    Feldman is still getting squeezed.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    that walk hurt

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    @ Clinton – I wouldn’t know, but I’ve heard the station in New Mexico on that site is an easy way to get Ranger games

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    Jennings warmed last night also so he will be in next inning if not before.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    @Romo:

    I’m talking of the LAD/FLA potential no-hitter, I’ve got the game we care about in front of me in gorgeous HD.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Just enough room to make the catch.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    escaped from that inning…now let’s get a run or two!

  • Chris @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    FYI, the Dodgers – Florida game is free right now on MLB.com! No hitter in the 8th!

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    If it were my call (god help us if it were) I’d take out Feldman now.

  • Chris @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    No Hitter, Over. nevermind.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    no mo no no

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    No more no-no

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Holy crap a baserunner!

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    How long before Knoxy interviews the guys dressed up in LF or did I luckily miss that?

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Maybe the start os a rally?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Hey, a baserunner. What a novel idea.

  • JT in Delaware @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Detroit has 11 runs against Oakland in the 7th. Their offense is on a serious roll and will be a stiff test for our pitching.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Someone tell the Rangers that they’re playing in Arlington and aren’t supposed to be in a pitcher’s dual.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    omar doing a good job of protecting the runner.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    Is this a AL West matchup or NL West?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    PS – only tell the position players.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    great ab

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    2 on for Kinsler…let’s go MVP

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    Weaver losing his nigh-flawless command.

    I LOVE it.

  • J. Blake @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I hate to see Murphy struggling. I hope he finds his groove. We’d all like for him to be a Ranger for a long time.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    dang

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Wow way to kill any momentum Ian.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    followed by a terrible ab

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    M-E-Y is who you want up right now.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    *sigh*

    Small-ball? Naaaaaaaaaaah

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    and another terrible AB.
    The pitcher is struggling and we go up there hacking.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    That was about as bad as it gets, you cant make it that easy on weaver when he is in trouble.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    This is a game where you waste 1st 2nd no out you lose. We probably aren’t getting a better setup than that the rest of the way.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    blew a golden opportunity there

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    OH MOSES SMELL THE ROSES! RISP with NO outs and he just sits at 2nd.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Here you go. Incaviligia

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    @Clinton – until Blalock gets up vs. their closer.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    there is always next inning.

    Go Scooter!

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Man give the Super Mario Bros. some love guys…geeez.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Oops! Go JJ>

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    How do you get your first 2 to walk and then your MVP guys go 1-2-3 on 4 pitches?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    Who are the Super Mario Bros?

    Well, I know, Mario Mario and Luigi Mario, but in the context of the baseball game???

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    @Romo

    Oh did they deal Morrow to the Angels before the game today? ;)

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    patience at the plate, of course.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Nope, but Shields sucks just as bad.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    last, they just interviewed some fans that were all dressed in costumes.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    What a catch!

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    SPORTSCENTER.

    NEXT.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Theres the web gem for the day!

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    wow

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Awesome play Josh! way to go.

  • JasonO @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Bad move by Wash…you HAVE to bunt those guys over with Kins. If it was a 5-5 game where the ball was carrying and someone, ANYONE, on the team was having good AB’s during the game, then I could see swinging away…but a scoreless game in the 6th? You only may need one run to win it.

    You HAVE to call for the bunt there and give MY the chance to hit that same Fly ball…then its 1-0

    HOLY SUPERMAN, ITS JOSH!!!!!

    He saves the day!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Hope his ribs are OK.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Maybe that will wake up the team.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    we won 1st place for web gems yesterday…that could win again today

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    Too bad Hamilton’s not coming up the inning after a great defensive play :(

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    HUGE strikeout….maybe that and Hambone’s catch will give us some momentum

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Is this the same Rangers team we were watching play a month ago? Amazing.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Great ovation for josh as he goes back to the dugout.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    pinch hit hank

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Does Jennings come back out for the 8th?

  • J. Blake @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    What’s the lowest team ERA in team history? Does anyone know?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    If anyone cares the Lakers look to be taking care of Houston so far.

  • jcouch @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    WOW @ Josh Hamilton

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    finally a good hit

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    hank with extra bases!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I wish ya’ll would quit doubting Hank the Hero and his birthday kharma

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    Okay guy’s let’s not waste another no out RISP opportunity, please?

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    Guilty as charged.

    Way to go, Hank!

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    Cruz being patient.

    Never thought I’d type that phrase.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    1st and 3rd with no outs. Surely they can knock in at least 1 run…

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    That was strange, the ump came out to clean the plate while cruz was still in his stance.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Something hard to the right side here.

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Scocia not in any hurry to go to his bullpen.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    That will do Murphy.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Now, we are at the meat of the lineup!

  • Evan Grant @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    @All: You guys are getting too quick too keep up with. At least for me.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    nice job murph

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    That will score a run. nice ab murph.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    I called davis in the 7th in the HR pool

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    So much for that. :)

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    The Ranger offense is alot like a night of drinking – once you break the seal, stuff happens often.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    @Evan

    Laptop + TV + Lazy Sunday Afternoon

    Way to easy to type a phrase and Shift+Space Bar today :D

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    nice job of playing “small ball” by the Rangers today and yesterday…sac flys aren’t spectacular, but they do the job

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Now we need a fast shut down inning here.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    thinking ahead….let’s hope CJ is ready to continue his solid outing from yesterday (if the Rangers can hold on to this lead)

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    Guardado? Eeeeesh…

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Ron pulling another head scratcher and puts in eddie.

  • Dylan @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    No way NOT to be nervous about Not-So-Everyday Eddie.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    oh lordy…eat everything eddie…

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    Evan, any word on hamilton?

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Wow that’s a tight zone.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    not so good to walk a man with tori hunter coming up

  • Evan Grant @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    @AJM: Blalock thoughts now? See he can be frustrating and tantalizing all in the same game.

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    now Guardado is being squeezed. 2 of the balls were in the strike zone.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    2 of the 3 pitches in the box and he gets no call.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    CJ and hank are the same way, when you finally think they need to go they show you why they are still around.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    What’s the story with that box any way? The 3rd pitch looked both high and inside to me…first pitch was a strike from what I could tell. How ‘true’ is that thing?

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    @OB – I’ve seen flames and stuff, but I think he has his kids names as tats or something.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    The recall button of my remote is gonna wear out with HOU/LAL and CHI/DET in NBA/NHL respectively.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    i’m really glad the Rangers snagged O’Day…he’s been great

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    @IWI

    Likely an approximation and by no means as authoritaive as Josh and Tom would have you believe.

    MLB Gameday strike zone did have those two pitches barely in as well, though.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Darren can patch O’Day long!

    Need a tater or two here…

  • walrus @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Who is going to close? Does C.J. go three days in a row?

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    thank you Omar!

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Omar ! triple.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Let’s hear it for the old guy!

  • JustSaying @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    We get no love from these umps

    YOU GO COACH OMAR

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Game = blown open.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    thank you Ian!

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Double for kins, we need a single and HR for the cycle.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Ian swinging at the first pitch. Mmmm….

  • Dylan @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    “There’s something happenin’ here…”

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    A few more runs here, and I’ll be comfortable in the 9th.

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Josh was “hamming” it up in the dugout when they showed Vizquel coming in…that’s at least a good sign.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    @Dylan

    What this is is actually QUITE clear.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    RBI for byrd.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    CJ may not even get a save opportunity…do you leave O’Day in for the right-handers?

  • Dylan @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    I’m sorry, but I put this SQUARELY on Scoscia. He’s obviously left Weaver in too long here.

    I’m sure he’s got bullpen worries because of yesterday, but he’ll have to answer some questions in LA this week.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Oh MY oh MY….

  • I'm With Incaviglia @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    i’d definitely start the 9th with O’Day…

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    I doubt ron will. He seems to make decisions early and sticks to that no matter what the situation is.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Byrd!!!!

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    One mo’ tater for good luck.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I have a completely off-topic comment, but I’ll save it for after the game so as not to jinx the win

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Looks like Josh will get a repair bill for that sign :)

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    At least we have a little breathing room.

  • Dylan @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    @Little O – Screw that. Kia should have to pay to repair Josh’s ribs.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    Thank you for staying with O’Day, Rangers.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    @Clinton ditto

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Let’s get 3, and call it O’Day.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Oh my god.

    They are doing the WAVE at the Top of the 9th?!

    Are you kidding me?

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    He has to be one of the slowest throwers in the majos but he can make the ball dance.

  • J. Blake @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    It’s going to mean a lot to this bullpen to sweep this series without Frankie. Eddie’s been getting the job done lately.

  • Little O @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Just joking about the sign, best damn advertising they’ll get this year with all of the replays

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    O’Day is definitely one of the best new additions this year

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Day.. I say Day, I say day I say Da-ay-ay-O. O’Day throw and he need to stay in.

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    @Last comment of the day goes to you, my friend!

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    That must be an amazing atmosphere at the Ballpark right now.

  • Pat @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    Borat sez:
    Darren O’Day experiment = Great Success!

    Thanks, Minaya.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    Whew! Napoli gone.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    Teams will be trading top prospect to get a reliever that can do what o’day is doing for us.

  • Clinton V. @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Dear Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,

    GTFO

    Love,
    The 2009 Texas Rangers.

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    It would be nice to hang a big halo on the Halos. Go O’Day!

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    K on a 77 MPH pitch, great sweep!

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    SWEEEEEEP

  • Jeffrey @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    hello win column!

  • Buck @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    How Sweep it is!!!!!!!!!

  • JT in Delaware @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    I think this is the first shutout for the Angels all year. That will give them something to think about.

  • Pat @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    It’s beginning to look a lot…like…Christmas…

  • Dylan @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Unbelievable. I know it’s May, but playing yourself INTO the race in May is a whole lot better than playing yourself out of it. This is gonna be a fun summer.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Well, also with the sweep, that stat about the “record vs >.500″ people were pointing out is a little bit better for us, and a lot worse for them.

    I don’t think you can underestimate the sweep today, because it was a 2-game game. Now 4.5 up, if we lost it was 2.5.

  • Mike E @ May 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    Well now the Angels are an even .500. If they lose another game, then the Rangers can’t “count” them anymore. Just goes to show how much that stat really means this early in the season.

  • obagain @ May 17th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    if the pitching continues like this thru the detroit series I think the media will have to start looking at what is happening here.
    And we owe detroit a few losses.

  • AC @ May 17th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    Very poor writing eVAN!

  • Becca @ May 17th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Game was so much better in real life. First place Texas Rangers to you all! Love Becca

  • Becca @ May 17th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    P.S traffic sucks leaving the game.

  • Last of the Romohicans @ May 17th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    @Becca – congrats on winning comment of the day yesterday :)

  • Auditor @ May 17th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    I agree with Becca, traffic sucked. The only blemish of the day (they need more police to direct traffic). But this seems to be a nice problem to have.

    And I do feel sorry for all the kids (and parents) who did not get $1 ice cream. The lines were 50 people deep.

    Let’s keep the momentum up for the TIGERS!!

  • Auditor @ May 17th, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    @Clinton, yes they started the wave. And it went around FOUR times. I was in the section where it started and they tried the whole game to get it going and it would NEVER start.

    I found the timing interesting that it actually caught on only when the had the 3 runs. I think the fans were enjoying the moment, rambunctious crowd, gorgeous weather, and about to leave on a road trip.

    Then again it is hard to start a wave with only 13,000 fans…. so we got that going for us, which is nice.

  • becca @ May 17th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    @last: i’m npt too sure i should be excited about my awesome win…