Dang, Evan, you took a 90 minute detour at night in Oakland?!? Guess you are glad you opted for the bullet-proof glass upgrade at the car rental place, huh?

@badspellr: I told my co-pilots to never lose sight of the highway. We could always see it, we just couldn’t get on it. We’re adventurers!

It seems that Wash is now just being stubborn in his refusal to move Andrus to the top of the order. The idea that he will suddenly stop hitting the ball or getting on base just because he bats lead off is ridiculous. And the idea that the leadoff position is not that important because “the leadoff hitter only leads off one inning” is also ridiculous. It’s simple mathematics that the leadoff hitter gets more plate appearances over the long term than the 9th hitter. Not saying Andrus would be the best leadoff option on this club… Young and Murphy would both be better options, but it’s getting really old seeing Wash hold the leadoff spot for Kinsler, when it is apparent that he is horribly miscast in the leadoff role.

There, I feel better now.

is it to early to say that today is a must win not only for the season but for the teams mindset

Level of importance? Yeah, its high. I wouldn’t say its a do or die just yet, but its very close to that.

yw scooper if they lose we win tonight? 3.5 division 2 in wild card

Hello everyone. Lets go Rangers!

5 to 1 white sox bottom 6th

Just something to keep in mind before we get too discouraged: if we can come back to split this series, that will improve our road record to 24-25… good baseball teams go .500 on the road! If we drop one or both of these, however, a little panic may be appropriate.

Anyone wanna start a vamp topic between innings? Favorite Ranger foe? Favorite Ranger BB card? Suggestions?

I like TAG’s tie. Too bad it really doesn’t match his suit.

Haha Romo. I meant Texas Rangers nemesis on the field, ala Vlad the Impaler….

rays 6 to 4 bottom 8th

Good lord, badspellr. If you’re gonna go there, I’m goin with the Lone Rangers from the movie Airheads. Pow!!!!

I have to say, Red Arnold LOTR. He pulled a gun on my dad’s buddy after he caught them night fishin on somebody’s ranch. Or so the story goes.

I doubt very seriously its the approach. Its the players. Which one of these guys has ever been a high OBP guy or patient hitter. Hamilton and Kinsler have really underachieved, but that is not a philosophy issue. Bradley played under Rudy last year and led the league in walks. He left Rudy and leads the NL in “what the hell happened to you.” Rudy has a long, long, track record of teams that score more than anybody figured they would. Show a little faith.

evening all!!!!

Vlad more than Chone, easily. But yeah, he’s got some skins. Here’s a random one for ya: Matt Stairs. He kills us.

Howdy Ehren

Heeeeeeeeeeeyyyyy yoooooouuuuuu guuuuuuuuysss! Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

rudy has helped some bad hitters also.
Think the angels would like a do over on the mattews jr. deal?

Also as has been mentioned before when you are getting blown out (like the Rangers in years past) you often get cheap runs by facing the other teams worse pitchers. (Or in the case of Aroid your SS buddies tip pitches). This year the pitching staff has keep every game close so the rangers are facing nothing but the best of the opposing team. The hitting approach is bad but this had been a contributing factor.

@P1 I like/hate Figgins because he not only can he hit, once he gets on base he causes all kinds of problems.

If you give credit for those who hit well here and gone on to be duds elsewhere, then the inverse is true also. If Hammy came over hitting out of his mind, then after a year and a half of Rudy his production should have increased. Also, under your reasoning if A.Rod was unbelievable here he should have fallen off the map in NY.

Does Teabag have the arm to get Davis? I think not.

ryans dad, arod kills me but he is a great hitter, he will hit anywhere he plays.

wow this is great little league baseball we are playing

Why are we giving this guy extra bases?

at least the extra bases didn’t matter!

How ugly was that? Padilla doesn’r hold him on; TT bounces a throw; Padilla throws away a pick off and then loses focus and grooves one

F it, at least let’s see a good fight

oh=no.
Looks like young will get plunked.

well maybe a brawl will liven up this team hec a pennant race sure isnt

All I’m saying 1. Rudy has had a long record of producing teams that score more than expected and 2. Rudy like most high level teachers/coaches does not remake players to be one way. All his players have followed their career profile as far as power and patience. He gets no credit for fixing them or blame for breaking them in my book. 3. This team has underachieved offensively, not because of approach, but beacuse its two best hitters have sucked. Have they done so on Rudy’s watch? No question. I just point to number 1. 4. There does not exist a coach who will make Michael Young or Marlon Byrd or any of the others into OBP machines. They are what they are and were that way before they got here.

irish p1 is that pow what you are doing like the drop on the ticket and that is from step brothers correct

young or hamilton i take young

On the bright side, if they hit one of our guys at least someone will get on base…

6 to 1 white sox top 9th

Badspellr, would you say the same about Maddox?

good point…

Course. Maddox is on record as saying he doesn’t believe in teaching one way two success. His philosophy isn’t as a power approach or a control approach or any such thing. He is all about conviction.

Anyone wanna call Hambone gettin tossed out at 3rd? Wash is crazy enough to send him.

Lol Irish, I emerged as a fan of this team in ’86. Maybe the win% since then is my fault.

So you would give no credit to Maddox “fixing” the pitching staff? It’s the same cast of characters as last year.

Damn good at bat TT.

I’m surprised, but happy, TT. Good job

Maddox is the mvp, he has this group pitching very well.

one run tonight have we met our quoata for the game lets hope not

Well, I would say that what looks like improved pitching is mostly improved defense and the rest is vastly upgraded bullpen membership and health.

+/- on hit batsmen tonight? Anyone?

I’m guessing Irish is an Aggie

@Ryans: So what you’re saying is Rudy is more like Hank Haney and not Steve Williams? Yes?

Angels lose again

Now lets score 3 this inning.

predicting a loss. another night to get a good night sleep. plus, I do not enjoy watching padilla pitch. his pace is agonizing (though not bad tonight) and he just won’t be here when things matter (I know, I know, I shouldn’t be throwing in the towel on this season, but I’m sorry, this offense isn’t a playoff caliber offense).

Ryan’s Dad & Irish arguing=young and younger

@Fred, Jack Daddy: You guys gotta stay with us here a little. Giving up after two complete? That’s not like you. Though I’ll admit, Padilla is agonizing to watch with runners on base.

On an iPhone tonight but just wanted to say I heart padilla and it’s good to see my boy’s back! And i’m sorry Omar, Elvis or my will get hit. But it feels like all is back right with the world

there’s a shock! thanks vicente.

Sorry I’m not really old and have a five year plan Fred. POW!

@irishp1 – class of 93 (I think – I feel like i’m 60).

why would they retaliate by putting on the tying run?

Padilla’s giggling about MY getting hit. Teammates love him!

Wake up Jack Daddy!

i like david murphy. I don’t get why all the seamheads hate him. oh wait a second, yeah I do — they don’t understand what their eyes are seeing.

frickin internet has gone haywire on me! good to go now.

excuse my ignorance, but what is a seamhead?

I know you guys hate to admit it, but Padilla might have actually WOKEN UP the Rangers bats!!!! Something needed to be done and it’s worked so far.

It looks like a great way to help the rangers get on base is have padilla hit someone.

@Jack: very nicely put.

Greg, a seamhead is a baseball fanatic.

Evan, under normal circumstances I agree with you but because of padilla’s rep the a’s are going to make the best player pay.
I see the a’s side, they have to make sure padilla doesnt bean 2-3 more.
You dont think young is not going to give padilla the stare when he gets back in the dugout?

@wacogreg – i’m not really using it right. it techically just means a hardcore baseball fan (which i pretty much fall directy into that category). but it has derived into a word to describe the sabr geeks that blindly argue statistcal anaylsis over traditional baseball “rules”.

think keith oberman, money ball, adam morris

Why don’t we just plunk Davis in the knee or something next time he’s up?

Whaaaaaaaaaat?! Davis was out.

@badspellr- Thanks never heard that, not sure if I qualify but:
I like murph though, in fact I love me some OBP and guess who is second behind MY?

How the hell was he safe?

I don’t know if it was mike Maddox inspired or not but I’m not sure i’m in favor of the Teagarden soulpatch. But that’s just me

What is it again that everyone loves about TT again?

@all- Ah well that makes sense. Still, money ball/OBP go together like PB&J right?

not a great inning for TT. I for one find him overrated. I’m chalking up his popularity to all the t-sippers living here that are Rangers Fans. I personally wouldn’t take his defense over Salty. Now, I’ll admit it could be due to some rust, but salty is better at blocking balls in dirt RIGHT NOW, imo. That tag was weak.

Remember when the Rangers had the Best depth at the Catcher position? Wasn’t it 2008? Pow!

To all you Saltalamacchia fans, compare the two catcher’s batting averages with Runners in scoring position and you’ll be surprised to know that TT’s average is almost .100 points higher

Great!

We take the lead and give it right back up… I’ve seen this before.

Padilla’s back to normal in the impossible to hit one out park

For what it is worth, seamhead has been around much longer than Bill James, and if there is a connection, its a new one. I always thought of seamhead as a generic term for someone with baseball on the brain.

The Murphy dislike from certain corners is that he has never put up either the minor league numbers nor does he posses the scouty tools to justify the playing time he has gotten. That said, the dude keeps making it hard to take him out of the lineup and has been that way for quite a while now, so I think you are starting to see some retreat from the Math people.

Ah, the shut down inning…a concept that is completely foreign to Rangers pitchers.

Thanks for providing great Veteran leadership Mr. Padilla.

Another full count…

Is Max Ramirez REALLY that banged up? I thought he was amazing in his brief run here last year.

Plunkage and poor pitching … our old pal Padilla. I liked the new Vince better than the old. Whatz up w/ Padilla 2nite?

And like clockwork, here come the UT fans to defend one of their own.

He was so bad on the PB and the tag that they must resort to attacking Salty.

As if we’ll somehow forget those plays.

M-Ram wishes he was having as good a year as Hamilton and Kinsler. Regretably, he isn’t.

padilla is taking FOREVER

Padilla = human rain delay.

@badspellr – your first paragraph is accurate – see my explanation. admitted the same thing.

i think the biggest issue on murphy is a insistence by some that he can’t hit lefties. well 2 things: if he isn’t given the chance, he won’t. secondly, all he’s done in 2+ years here, at the major league level, is hit.

irish, I have sat by him several times and he was never a problem, great guy to talk to at games also.

Time to put Padilla on waivers again?

@Phi…Like Salty was so good last year when he was playing as much as TT right? Come on dude, if you’re going to compare the two, at least try to pretend like you could be fair and knowledgeable enough to know that there’s NO WAY you can compare the a starter’s performance to a backups…

@Phi- I missed the PB but the tag looked like he bobbled the ball a bit. Completely his fault on a good throw, but if he looked slow to get the tag down keep in mind you have to catch the ball before you tag the guy out.

And yes I am a UT fan, but I like have enjoyed watching Salty work behind the plate this year.
Not so much when he is positioned in the batter’s box.

@Evan-agree on retaliation. Stupid and cowardly. Not gonna make friends.
@Jack-Not sure it;s Seamheads (Evan’s DMN followers) vs. Murph, but his friends at LSB vs Murph, and MY, too.
Prolly cause most of them spent a lot more time with a sliiderule in their hands than a bat or glove.

Max Ram at OKC .238 Avg, .308 OBP (hey, better than Hank!), 3 Homers in 208 AB (not so much)

@Horns_Rule: did you not just compare a starter’s performance to a backup’s by comparing salty’s BA w/ RISP with TT’s? am i missing something here?

@Clearwater-suspect it was because Aria had ML experience and hit well in his call up, last year. Looks like they quickly figured out it was a bad move

@bertie:You obviously are…You probably were never a catcher, but as a former college catcher, I can tell you that it kills your performance on the field when you don’t catch every day. It’s easier to hit and keep your timing then it is to be as sharp on your defensive skills. I also made the point about hitting because it goes to show that even for a backup who doesn’t play as much as HE SHOULD, he still is more clutch with RISP than Salty

@Fred: and German wasn’t on the 40-man roster

Hey look! Another fly ball out! Stop swining for the fences. Thanks, Rudy.

@IrishP1: I’ll defend that as well as I expect you to defend Salty’s .200 average and 200 STRIKEOUT PACE… That’s something I’m ready to hear an explanation for

This is a delightful game to watch.

Un-believable.

Seriously, did Monday’s loss completely take the wind out of this team’s sails?

Get Feliz warmed up, please? This is about to get ugly….

@horns_rule- I was with you on the debate but please don’t resort to this…”You probably were never a catcher, but as a former college catcher” Puulease, you may have been a former college catcher but there is no need to use it front your argument on an online message board. Give us all a break and use logic please, not your resume.

becca, he has been the most solid starter? Seriously?

Perhaps Padilla some spend some on the DL to fix that ailment between the ears.

It was time for the hook two innings ago.

We should be all over the A’s pitcher. AAA stats didn’t look impressive and he’s a righty.

TT and Salty have been our best catching situation since Pudge was here. Offensively they are about as good as the average catching situation out there and defensively they don’t get enough credit for the teams improvement. They have been a huge part of how much better we have been on defense. I’d love to have Mauer, McCann, or that kid in Baltimore, but there are like five teams who have guys who can really hit at catcher and twenty five who don’t.

Irish, is your real name Antoine Walker by any chance?

@Waco: Deginitely with you.

@IrishP1: Five.

Well top 3 starters. Since there are only 3 from opening day roster still starting. That’s still something, right?

horns rule, are we supposed to bow down now or are you still giving us youe wisdom?

@scoop-you don’t know how good it is to hear from you. I was about outta here. Of course, you’re right about the 40. They paid dearly for those judgments.

Yay Murphy.

@jack daddy: thought about making that argument to mr. beane?

becca, I can go with that.:)

Way to go Murph!

Hey folks, ‘sup?

@ bs – lmao. Great comparison! Joe Morgan is the Lou Holtz of baseball when comes to announcing.

http://www.firejoemorgan.com/

Anyone else tired of the TV Broad cast? I have to listen to the game on the radio with the TV sound off

I’ll start the resume posts: I play t-ball with my 3 yr old in the backyard. Am I qualified enough?

1500 TOOB SOCKS! 11 BUCKS?! I love that commercial…

evan, have you heard anything about McCarthy?
Is he close to starting a rehab or is the year lost for him?

I may not be a Big Leaguer, but I play one on TV.

Anyone else tired of the TV Broad cast? I have to listen to the game on the radio with the TV sound off

Evan – I played football in college so if you need a new cowboy writer Im available

Fred, its hard for me to argue with you there. Lair and Beslowjas were better hitters, but they were a long way from being good hitters. Better, but not good. I think the current duo more than make it up with D, but the biggest Sabermetric types will tell you that nobody really know how to measure defense at catcher yet. Scouts will tell you that these are better than those we had. Better enough to make up for the hitting? Hard to say for sure.

@Jack-agree totally with you on AJ. Love his HR, but why is he here? Sosa all over again. Rather see Borbon or Boggs learning. Plus, everybody talks about his OBP–he clogs the bases when he walks, a double play in the making!

@obagain, from TR:

Brandon McCarthy is headed for Triple A Oklahoma City. McCarthy, who has been sidelined since June 9 with a stress fracture in his right shoulder blade, will begin a medical rehabilitation assignment on Saturday against Sacramento. He is scheduled to pitch 2-3 innings and it’s the first of at least four outings for him with the RedHawks.

“We’re certainly going to get him built up,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “We don’t want him back up here pitching on a pitch-count. We’ll go rehab start by rehab start and see where it goes.”

lol @ Jack

I’m really tired of seeing all of these guys up here striking out or swinging for the fences. The Angels score tons of runs because they get guys on base and start running all over the place. Borbon needs to be here and if German is as fast as they claim he is, then he needs to play as well…

@Chuck, OBagain: You guys aren’t reading this very entry:

8:57: Some brief notes for you: RHP Kevin Millwood through another session of live batting practice today, his last hurdle before returning to the rotation. Millwood pronounced himself ready to go for Saturday’s start at Los Angeles. … RHP Brandon McCarthy (stress fracture, right scapula) followed Millwood to the mound. He was then cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. McCarthy said he expects to make at least four appearances in the minors before returning, but still hopes to be back on the active roster before September 1. … Manager Ron Washington is hopeful Nelson Cruz will be able to return to the lineup by Saturday. Cruz (sprained left ankle) was not available Wednesday for the second consecutive game. If Cruz isn’t ready by the weekend, the Rangers may have to consider sending him to the DL. As it is, the only backup outfielder on the roster is just called-up Esteban German. German is an infielder by nature, but can play the outfield in a pinch.

Texas_Rocks, I’m radio 80% of the time. The TV guys are fine, but too much about themselves and not enough baseball.

@ryans: you know why this happening, it’s the losing streak and it IS a streak. Bad things like this bring out the worst in people. The A’s are begging us to win this game, btw.

@Jack_Daddy: And I rocked on APBA dice/card game. Led the 1970 Braves to an 88-win season. Pretty big improvement over their actual record. I was a managerial genius.

this is silly. we’re hitting this guy like a pinata. we would have 8 HRs if this were being played in TBiA.

@RAT: He’s got two well-struck balls and that fly out. Remember, last year when he crushed the ball? He was not a patient hitter then, either. With Hamilton, it’s more about getting his swing straightened out than his approach. He’s going to be aggressive and swing at some pitches he shouldn’t, but if he fixes his swing, he can be plenty productive.

@Evan- do you agree with Newberg? To quote his tweet: “If Josh isn’t “back,” he’s damn close.”

@Fred – missed you last night. Salty COULD NOT get the ball back to Holland. 1 actually did get away. You’re the only one talking about it, but I’m afraid we’re THIS close to having a bona fide case of the YIPs on us. This could get ugly. There is without question something developing.

@Evan, I have the same issue as obagain. Have you thought about making all your top line posts also appear in chat? Is there a button for that? Can’t tell you how often I miss your notes for 20 minutes or more.

@OB: You are always forgiven here, but we just want to remind you we are out pounding the pavement (or the infield dirt) to find you notes and nuggets.

Over and Under ….the number of more runs Padilla gives up before Washington pulls him???? i say two…

Badspller-Actually, I think Salty gas gad a remarkable improvement with the mitt, and CS, this year Vry disappointed with his bat, tho.
Tt, on the other hand, has hit sporadicaaly, but been vey scary behind the plate. So my comment was as much D oriented as O.

somebody remind me why padilla is still in the game

@badspellr- I gotta say that is absolutely incorrect, he ALWAYS took the first pitch….now after that first pitch you are probably right though.

Think the offense will be happy if Padilla gives up a run immediately after they tie it up?

@tett – he called MY’s turnaround, about 1 week too soon.

Jamey knows his shiat muslim.

Speaking of coming out of a slump and getting in a groove — was there ever a Ranger that was more obvious when he was about to get locked in and streak than Juan Gone? When he was “on” it didn’t matter who was pitching. He would carry you. Let’s hope Josh has that in him.

Good gawd – Padilla is just serving up meatballs. Mathis time?

Padilla needs to get the hook now, before we give up this game.

Padilla doesn’t have it tonight and he’s not in the right frame of mind to grind it out. Pull him …please.

I know this will wear down the pen, but I do think we need to win this game.

Yeah, thought Salty would hit more and TT would catch better. Still, I tend to give them a lot of the credit for the improvement in team D. I had hoped we’d be better there too. Still think its pretty good though, and young enough to get better from both.

This is a 4 game series right?

Thanks for the tip Evan. I’ll try it.

@buck – this is a big one. the fact he’s still in there tells you how depleted the pen is. what’s weird is he’s throwing very hard. usually when padilla doesnt have “it” and has his meltdown, its because his fb is sitting at 88-91.

@Ehren: News McNuggets. They taste better and are less filling.

@tett: fair enough, but it’s hard watching him throw meatball after meatball…

Day game in OAK tomorrow, then a three game set in LA, Anahiem, or Orange Cournty, or whereever they are claiming to be from now.

5*9/5.667

Come on Feliz…bring the heat.

Irish@ There was nothing worse than the South African horns POW POW

You know him, you love him….
El Rrrrrrrrrrrrapido!!!!!

Thats it, cut him.

That is why they call them rookies.

right down the middle

That’s it for me.

Nite all.

@Evan-someday we have to share a beer. I lived for that Feb dat when the broen package of APBA cards would arrive. Would Maris get the unheard of 3 “!”‘s? Would Koufax get an “A”, “X”, “Z”? Would Clete get the coveted “6″ fielding?
We are bonded!!
By the way, on a lower level, welcome to MLB, Neftali

I know the kid gave up the run but I hope they throw him right back out there. You have to take your lumps in order to be great and once he figures it out, the kid will be great

note to Rangers scouting report on Oakland A’s, date stamp 8/6/09: Adam Kennedy can turn on the fastball.

11:02: A reminder that Neftali Perez isn’t going to provide all the answers. Last time out, he overmatched Adam Kennedy, the first batter he ever faced in the majors. Tonight, Kennedy slams 1-and-0 pitch for go-ahead two-run homer. The pitch was 97 mph. But if it’s straight, professional hitters will track it and make contact.

@Beer Guy: Sorry about that. Don’t know why I got you mixed up with Ehren. I prefer to think the nuggets are made from Turducken

Who is Elvis’s backup? Omar? Just curious.

That N. Perez guy keeps popping up everywhere. What team does he play for?

@tett- I can agree with that, I have always rooted for Padilla…I like his fire, and could understand his frustrations in the past. This team needs him however and he still isn’t showing up consistently like we need him to.

Uhhh, did Josh just say “si-LA-bul” for syllable?

this is where mvps tend to be valuable.

You didn’t really call him Neftali Perez did you?

@evan: Feliz

Murph? Anyone wanna make the call here?

Good grief, what a Cracker Jack box of a stadium

that’s it – this is the second stupidist stadium in sports, second only to the whiffle ball park behind centerfield in the BallPark.

going to bed. probably.

evan, see, thats what happens when you wernt a catcher in collage.

@All: I knew it would happen. I just was hoping for a later time period. I see Neftali Feliz, I think Neifi Perez. I’m a dummy.

we lose 3 in a row in Oak, blowing a 2 run lead in the 9th in one and allowing 4 HRs in another. screw me.

I think Mr. Rhyner might have been right in saying the Rangers really are playing with house money this season.

I wouldn’t call playing in front of dozens, make that tens of dozens, of fans an advantage. Besides they foul out into it too. The victims aren’t the road teams, its the fans of that franchise who deserve better. One of the worst places to watch a game left. Maybe the worst after the blow up that horrible ballon in Minnesota.

God love him, but does anyone else think Josh might have had to wear a harness when he was a kid?

@BG- Yips are aconcern, but, as an old HS coach, it just drives me crazy to see him working the pitcher that way.
By the way, that was an expected mental error on Elvis, the rookie. Thank God, ther have been so few.

Oakland hitters one for five with 2K and 0BB off Perez/Feliz. No excuses for the HR, but it was hardly a meltdown.

Ment if they do score to tie, its late.

haha I like Irish’s version better than mine

This would be a nice moment for Hamilton to prove Newberg correct.

Could we see the power return right here?

haha Irish! How about this one: “Hi, I’m Vicente Padilla. Get your tamiflu shots this year and put swine flu on waivers. It worked for me, and so did the tamiflu!”

@Ryan’s Daddy- Just caught up with your rant. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers. It’s not about age, it’s about maturity and it’s not really about if you ever played, it’s about if you understand the basics of the game. Many who never did, do. Absolutely no reason you shouldn’t comment. I will read them with interest, I apologize if I hit a sore spot.

Ya’ll know that Jones has 5 SB’s this year. Same as Byrd and Hamilton?

…I thought Ryans Dad was ranting at that Horns dude.

Tamiflu got Padilla tossed out of the game of life and death. It can do the same for you. Pow!

@ryansdad: how many were on the backend of double steals? The times I’ve seen him run lately, he looks awfully slow!

And we have a fan on the field. Its Tazer time!!!!!

Swine flu to Padilla: “Don’t taze me bro!”

He’s got a little way to go still, will be 1 this month. And yes, he is named after the greatest “Ryan” to ever walk the planet.

@Ryans Dad if you are referring at all to my part in that little tift I am sorry if it seemed like I was attacking anyone. However I saw bs and I call em how I see em. Let’s be honest. Freedom of speech is alive and well on the internet, and I reserve my right to defend fellow baseball lovers regardless of their service time in the bigs.

ryans dad, to me it makes jones worse, that means he has the speed, he just doesnt use it unless he really needs to.
All the trotting to 1st and letting fly balls fall in could have been avoided but he just didnt want to.

One of them had excellent speed though, could be a bag stealer.

Didn’t they used to show people who ran onto the field back in the day? Is there any evidence to back up the rationale that showing them only encourages them to do it? I wonder if on-to-the-field runners are fewer since they decided to not show them on TV…somehow I doubt it.

@evan: I’m with you on the use of the taser – just put a bag over their head first, so they don’t get their 15 seconds of fame!

beer guy, it seems like there is more fans on the field this year,

And badspellr wins the Padilla swine flu psa contest tonight…. Job well done.

This is where we miss not having a good PH

And ewwwww, too soon buddy, still to soon.

@beerguy: it seems to me like the incidents are less frequent, but I have no stats to back that up.

@All: We’re just going to keep it here for a while before going to the post-game show. These three games have given me a sinking feeling about where this season is headed. Two opportunities to pick up games in the playoff races. A blown ninth-inning lead. Just a bad mix of events that leave me wondering ….

The series opener will turn out to be this season’s catastrophic moment.

gg

Welcome to your worst nightmare, Ron Washington. Are you still in cahoots with the A’s? Are you throwing these games? Say it aint so, joe!

Wow, I mean just wow. We get swept by Oakland. Clinton V, I am inclined to agree with you. I think we’ll know for sure by Sunday. If we don’t at least win 2 of 3 in LA, pack ‘er up.

ugh

It’s never over until it’s over. Many, many, many more games to be played. Last two losses have not lost ground to either the divsion leader or the wildcard. Heads up, we go to war again tomorrow!

Optimistically, you can think “Well, at least we didn’t lose much ground to LA/Boston.” And that’s, true, we didn’t. But at this stage in the season, when teams ahead of you lose, you have to seize that chance, particularly when you’re playing a crappy team like Oakland. They REALLY dropped the ball on this series, and there’s not much margin of error at this point.

Oh we play them again tomorrow. I forgot! Hopefully we can win back a little dignity!

@Ryan’s Dad-I’ve got 6 grandkids, 4 grown sons and hundreds/thousands probably of kids who played for me in various sports. Every week, it seems, I hear from another..after 20 years and with wives. kids, beards and tattoos.
You have no idea how much I envy your stage of life, now. It won’t be easy. Good luck.
Peace be with you.

@Fox–by the way, just curious: where did you pay FB? I did, too, but probably before you were born.

tomorrow the rangers have the opportunity to officially let a AAA team sweep them and put them out of their misery for this season………..seriously? we can’t beat oakland?