Hey Evan!! One good thing about being unemployed – I can watch this DH from home while drinking beer!

I think it’s a bad sign when the umps voice echoes in the stadium.

Ouch on that CS…

Kinsler is the worst base runner on the team

why would they schedule a DH today when both clubs are off on Thursday?

Its sad cause i think ian has all the tools to be a top 5 player in the league, he’s just missing something menally

Because they didn’t want to give up an off day, neither pitcher warmed up yesterday so the pitchers could pitch today, the rosters are expanded so both teams have plenty of players.

@alan in SA: Kinsler is 28-for-33 (84.8 percent) on steal attempts, counting that that first inning as a caught stealing. Factor in the one official time he’s been picked off, he’s at 82.3 percent, which ranks 13th in baseball (and that’s not factoring in other players times picked off). It would rank just ahead of Carl Crawford. I don’t think there is anybody who evaluates this team professionally who would call Kinsler anything less than a “plus” baserunner.

@alan: obviously not.

That looked like a balk…

Looks to be about 150 people in the stands for the early game.

Well that’s unfortunate…would have liked the extra run.

I didn’t think he looked like he was going that time..Looked to me like he went to sleep..I’m aware of his stealing success but he seems to make a lot of bad decisions on the bases..maybe it’s because he’s just being aggressive but it’s frustrating when the team is scoring no runs

@evan – can you put a note into the team to guage how ticket sales look for the 9 game series coming up? Curious as to what kind of success at the gate the team’s success on the field is having and whether people will wake up and realize we are in the middle of something big.

How many mistakes can you make when you have that high success rate? He goes 1st to 3rd well and scores easily from 2nd on singles. Streches doubles and triples…what mistakes save the 5 times caught stealing have you seen? And is Byrd mentally deficient as well?

WizN – the fact that Byrd got nailed 2 batters later makes me think that perhaps the pitcher has a terrific, or at the very least, unique, pickoff move.

I think Ian’s baserunning is very good. No one is perfect, but Kins does a darn good job. And “losing focus” hasn’t been near the problem this year (especially in the field) than it has been in years past. Let’s not nitpick too much.

ok – that was the worst homerun call by Barnett, EVER. I like Barnett as a person and as a TV announcer (particularly, football). And I don’t like to be mean spirited, I reall don’t (there is no point). But man, not good.

ok – i totally and completely agree with Evan that we can’t afford to sit Murphy right now (thought it was crazy on Sunday). But Borbon just homered. So, who sits game 2 to get Andruw Jones bloated corpse into the lineup? Cruz, our biggest power threat?

Is the pitcher a lefty in game 2?

@James: The Rangers would not have been in violation of the 20-day rule. They have an off day on the 17th, which is their last off day of the season.

@alan in SA: Kinsler does have some mental lapses, won’t argue that. But as Rangers Fan mentioned, every player does that. Guys getting thrown out on the bases tend to stand out more than other mistakes. But Kinsler has been exceptionally well focused defensively. His defensive consistency this year has, quite frankly, been unfairly overlooked. I understand your frustration. Think every Ranger fan right now is experiencing a combination of excitement, frustration and anxiety. But overall, Kinsler’s running game is as sound as anybody on the team.

Regarding Kinsler. . . he’s a great baserunner. His percentage is high, but he’s got to pick his spots a little better than a blazing fast guy like Borbon.

I just hope he doesn’t zero in on the 30/30 mark and sacrifice his effectiveness for individual stats down the stretch.

I like seeing him batting in “RBI producing” slots. . . 3, 5, or 6.

ok, I surrender…I’m a dumbass..somebody send me an application for the Kinsler fan club

Kins’ D has definitely been overlooked.

Kins also has constant, perpertual, tired and A-whipped look to his face these days. Sort of the same look that I have all the time. Then I remember that he has a young child now (I believe less than 15 months old). Explains A LOT!

I’m with ya, JackDaddy — something about the combination of Barnett’s delivery and the pace at which baseball is played is, well, reminiscent of golf coverage. But hey — it’s the day after a holiday and I have something to get me through my work afternoon! Not complaining!

@ Alan in SA – LOL. Just be his friend on facebook this year. You can apply for the fan club next year.

@alan in SA: OK, Kinsler nearly ran through a stop sign, so maybe today is one of those “distraction” days.

My other mistake was not realizin that Kinsler took an infant on road trips with the team..no wonder he makes mental mistakes with no sleep…he’ll probably be in the hospital after playing late tonight and at 11 in the morning..Maybe in his next contract he can negotiate baby sitting

@Jack Daddy: If I was having the kind of season he’s having and still took the flack he gets, I’d be whipped too. (OK-stepping off my Kinsler soap box). But yes, I think his daughter is under a year. I think I remember hearing him talking about her being born right after the season last year.

THIS is what we needed, especially in the first game.

@Evan / Alan in SA:
Remember when Ricky Henderson was going for the all-time record for runs scored? He selfishly blew through a few stop signs at 3B as he neared the record. He was thrown out at the plate and booed by the home fans a couple of times. I’m trying not o be pessimistic, but that’s the feeling I’ve gotten a couple of times recently when Ian was caught stealing.

GREAT 2-out hit by Pudge! Great hustle by Murphy!

this entire 4th inning rally all because Kinsler, (playing on no sleep)very intelligently, reversed his decision to run through the stop sign at 3rd..GREAT playing…@Callie..I’m VERY disappointed that the fan club is closed this year

@callie: I think it’s sad that so many people think they should be getting more from the person that’s leading the team in rbi, steals, Homeruns (or he may be down 1 now), runs score and walks. Such a disappointment.

@B Money—I’ve already apologized for being an idiot but I had COMPLETELY overlooked the Kinsler/Ricky Henderson comparison..thanks for pointing that out

@ RF – I agree but I’m truly a Kins homer so I try to stay out of the discussion mostly.. except to insert random sarcasm..:)

5:05: By the way, I’ve been having a craving for some comfort food of my youth. Anybody know where to get this? If you’ve got a tip or if you are seeking some comfort food of your own, join the conversation.

http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2009/09/08/is-there-a-decent-gai-in-dallas/#comments

I’m diggin the pace of this game… and yeah, I probably just jinxed it.

Ian is not helping me today…

How about Tommy Hunter?!

@BMoney—did you seriously suggest that Kinsler could drive in 150+? I’ll bet a year’s pay that NEVER happens

@B. Money: I think there’s a lot to be said to that point. Ian’s even said, with Borbon he’s happy to play down. If he’d been playing 3-6 all year, he’d have a 100 rbi. In my opinion, Kins and Hamilton are the most complete players on the team.

hard to drive in runs with pop outs

I hope Cruz drives a ball out of the stadium here…

Cruz will make them pay

How are Kam Loe and Jason Botts doing these days… anyone know?

That commercial made me want to autotune the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBb4cjjj1gI

Here comes Tommy’s bad inning…

Defense or Autotune?

Defense…were you talking about the tag? If so…I have a huge delay I was unaware of!

@B. Money: I agree. Just saw that before the actual play!

the radio boys on my ride home said that the indians either finally figured out how to beat hunter or are stealing the signs. how often do signs really get stolen? i’m guessing it’s much more that they just figured him out.

Hunter needs to step up…his pitch count is down so if he can get some control back he can do the pen a huge favor.

Well, he didn’t do them any favors. Not good. He had the chance to get through 8 today…let it slip.

And everyone can be mad at me, but I’m not convinced that some of our struggles lately don’t have something to do with the pitch selection by our newly acquired catcher. Ok, let the wrath begin.

@Callie: Clearly took the words right out of my mouth! I’m not impressed with pitch selection from either catcher at this point. I think we might have undervalued that part of Salty’s improvement.

oh pooh.

I also wished the Rangers would have done something when they had the bases loaded…

@RAT – agreed. leaving em loaded not helpful. Games like this really annoy me because I feel this team is underperforming (read:slacking).

5:58: Definitely not a good development to have to go to the bullpen in the sixth inning in a game the Rangers led 4-0. Not a good development to have to use Neftali Feliz in a game the Rangers once led 4-0. And not a good sign when Feliz, who had permitted just one of 13 inherited runners to score this year, allows two in the sixth on a bloop hit.

well, in semi-good news, the indians are going to their bullpen early too. i might have missed some, but isn’t this the 3rd indian pitcher?

Does the drum guy only make noise while the home team bats?

Can he steal home?

If we can score Kinsler, Feliz will have the longest scoreless innings streak…

and there’s your momentum shift!

Well about that delay I was talking about…

where’s the ball?

What in the world was that…why is that strike 3?

I think I’m going to add that to every sentence… “unless he’s playing in holland and wearing wooden shoes”.. LOL

OH MY! What a play by Andrus and CD. He has gold glove capability at 1st. On a limb…Hank doesn’t make that one.

What pitch did he hit? If it was something soft I’m gonna go bananas.

@scooper: Well you know…I want to play it conservative. I’ve already gone homer on Kinsler today…

What’s that Josh is saying about Davis was going to go to Arkansas? I thought he had committed to UT. I thought they said earlier in the year that he and Teagarden would have been teammates.

Thanks Evam! I’ll save the rant…but I’ll say this. MAKE THEM BEAT YOUR BEST! I lvoe his secondary stuff…but it was already proven his curve/changeup wasn’t spot on. He went with the hard stuff and got results…ugh

Cool story about Davis and the pitcher…and the pitcher wanting to be Pudge. Nw get a hit crush!

@scooper: Davis actually went to Texas,I believe for a semester, but didn’t do well and transferred to Navarro JC. I think that’s correct.

@Ranger Fan: Yes, German will likely play 3B in the second game. You don’t expect Omar to play 18 innings today, do you?

@Ranger Fan: Not with Michael Young on the shelf. It’s German and German only.

Update – have now moved from “drinking beer” to “nervously throwing em back” in an attempt to stay calm.

Are we seeing Good CJ or Bad CJ tonight?

14 hits in a must-win game against these dogs is not postseason material, win or lose.

whew.

@ becca – truly +1 – if I’m not careful I’ll be agreeing to date Evan before the 2nd game is over… Come on Rangers!!

That was a sick pitch….

Just call him “Power” Burbon from now on

Well since I get chastised for complaining about CJ, I’ll try a different tact.

It’s such a joy watching CJ.

I like the way that he lets the other team feel productive by letting two or three guys on base. It’s very kind of him to help their morale.

I also like the way he lets the other guys score, making for a much more competitive game.

Who needs a decisive win anyway?

This game is about sportsmanship and CJ cares about the feeling of other team!

Way to go CJ!

What did this guy do in Cleveland last night?
He must have met some of his Homies and slammed a few back.

@ Phil – awesome.

Only Ron Washington sits a guy with 2 HRs in the first game of a DH

Chris Davis -

Now in a 1 for 18 (.056) streak.

12 for 49 with two walks since coming back from OKC (.245 average / .269 obp).

Going back to before he was sent down, is in a 16 for 77 (.208)

Love those isolated small sample sizes.

or week.

Two runs is better than a sharp stick in the eye.

@Callie, If you saw Evan run you would know it’s funny that is.

evan, i have some laundry that needs to be done if you get bored after vacuuming.

@ Becca, Cynicism welcome. We need more of that on here.

6:57: Josh’s description of Shin-Soo Choo’s pursuit of Ivan Rodriguez’s two-run double in the ninth: “He looked like a moth going after that ball!” I’m chuckling, but I’m not sure why. What made him Moth-ish? Was he drawn to the light? Or was that an attempt to describe the circuitous route that Choo took on the way to the ball that fell just inside the foul line in right?

Davis pre AAA stats are discussed because that’s what he is slowly regressing towards.

Make it 1 for 19, 12 for 50, 16 for 78.

@ Evan/Tom B – hmmm, not sure a good response to either of your posts so I’ll just say hello, beer is good , and Go Rangers!

There was a reason he went to AAA. To change his swing and improve. He’s done that. I think those who watch him regularly pre and post AAA can see that. Regardless of this mini-slump he’s maintained solid contact and had some pretty large hits, not to mention his stellar D.

PS – just to send 90% of you into an anti-Callie rant (since I’m new) – Go Packers!

@ Callie, You’re among Friends. We are all Quackers here….No, wait, Quakers.

Hi folks! Ready to win two today?

crap crap crap.

If Frankie can get us home Grilli, O’Day and Eddie make up what’s left out there.

Can we quit this jacking around and close this sucker out?

is moscosco available? or mathis? not that you’d bring them in now. just thinking about the inevitbale run at the bullpen next game. of course i hope i’m wrong wrong wrong.

Yes Becca both are.

and mathis, moscoso, strop, madrigal.

Nippert would also be available for Game 2. And while I was typing that, woo-hoo!

win for feliz, then?

Yup, Happy Hour turned into Vulture Hour

Thank You, Callie. They needed the stern warning.

NP – that’s why I’m here. Well that and apparently to Butter Up Evan.

Decision Time:
I’ll be ordering a new player-t (want a royal blue one) Which player should I get?

Davis
Borbon
Holland

@ becca – pretty sure they change unis…

@Callie:

Davis is 19
Borbon is 29
Holland is 45

go julio. i am a fan of ranger julios.

Ok, I’m going to go with 45 – I am anti -”9″ so thseo numbers wont work. Wait, 4+5=9… Crap. Well, still going with Holland.

i hope all they folks wanting to watch 8 rerums of cops on my27 aren’t too upset with the baseball game that’s going to be on.

Not a fan of 99 cent items (just make it a dollar), 9th place (bad middle school memories), and gas that cost 2.399. I mean really, can’t we just call it $2.40? Seriously. Plus this chick in high school kicked my a$$ in basketball was #99… My hatred is deep-seeded…

I just want to weigh in again and report how happy I am to have been baptized in the blood of this blog…So glad that Kinsler had such a huge role in winning it

Now if Andruw Jones can re-awaken Evan’s lust for him in the second game,(remember that when before Jones went on the DL, we NEVER had to hear about Evan’s need for a vacuum cleaner or his laundry issues) I’ll be totally committed

@ MWNHY – Really – you can’t ask someone if she’s hot. There’s no right answer. If she says yes, she’s conceited. If she says no, she’s hideous. It’s a no-win.

@alan in SA: Hey, sometimes a man has gotta do what a man has gotta do. Today, it just so happened to be vacuuming.

Yes Evan I agree, let the Murphinator do his thing!

Evan..I think you missed my point..when your love affair with Andruw was alive, you vacuumed without commenting on it…since he’s been on the DL, you don’t seem yourself..but he’s back now so I’m sure you’re happy and content (and have a very clean house)

Oh vomit…Jones batting cleanup.

@Alan: Wait, you mean you don’t want to know about my vacuuming? Oh, this changes everything…. Wait, here’s A. Jones, I gotta run.

I really miss Vince Cotroneo on the radio. And I know he was generally disliked inside the organization, but I miss Victor as well.

Barnett just doesn’t have the same analytical talent those guys have. Poor Eric is having to do play by play and then give me some analysis as well. Not working for me.

And an instant DP. Love me some AJ! (fine…not smart by Elv but still)

7:48: Speaking of non-sequitirs, who is this new woman on the Sonic commercials. She’s no Molly, I’ll say that. And the Howie Long commercial? OK, I get it “man-steps”=uncool. Please no more Howie tonight. Or that Sonic tart. Ever. Bring back Molly.

If we lose this game and Jones does nothing…I predict it will be the worst of the Wash bashing we’ve seen.

@alan: Can’t help you on the TV issue, it’s on My 27 here in DFW. Not sure who carries over the air broadcasts in your neck of woods.

@All: I think this is how it works: Return of Andruw inspires me to clean; inspires the rest of you to want to clean house. of Andruw.

@Alan: I’m trying to get an answer for you on HD in San Antonio. But no luck yet.

I’m hopeful stringbean McCarthy can take us through 6 tonight…

@everyone— the game is on 680 on Direct TV

@Evan–It certainly took you long enough to comment that the Sonic chick is not as hot as Molly–My thinking is that you’re meeting her ran her off and we got the newer, uglier actress…thanks a lot (probably because of your love affair with Andruw; you didn’t even know him last year when Molly was around)

BTW, I got distracted, but my intended comment:

“I know my way around a vacuum… I go right past it every time I go into the hall closet, and hardly ever make contact”

@last: you are right. some guys just have no class.

@Ranger Fan: He’ll get some chance to DH against lefties. I think this is what the Rangers decision comes down to vs. lefties:

Option 1: Play Jones at DH, Pudge at catcher
Option 2: Play Pudge at DH, Teagarden catches

Which makes you more comfortable?

@becca–you missed your chance–when Andruw was on DL, Evan was forlorn and had time to do your laundry (he did mine)….but now that AJ is back, the love affair resumes and you’ll never get his attention again

@ Evan – Option 1 is fine. Whatever. It’s like the Rangers have this one year Milton Bradley – Andruw Jones type of reclaimation project every year. I’ve resigned myself to it.

OK, ALL might not be forgiven, but it’s a start.

i never had good timing.

To josh: I believe that they are called “shin guards”.

@ Evan – I feel right at home here. Don’t worry about me…

@ Romo – uh oh – I’m from the SEC too – how do you identify Tennessee fans?

This hurts the eyes trying to watch on HD channel.

@ Johna, It is on Channel 27.

@Ranger Fan: Ron Washington has demonstrated he doesn’t have confidence in Julio Borbon to face lefties. If the second game lineup doesn’t underscore that – no Borbon despite a pair of homers in the first game – I don’t know what does. Not sure whether Washington is right or wrong on this, but I do know he’s demonstrated where he stands on Borbon vs. lefties.

Elvis Andrus is pretty durn good. If fielding is as important as we writers say it is, Andrus should win Rookie of the Year.

@Tom B: Ch. 27 in Austin? On Time Warner Cable?

Evan – what’s your obsession with the Sonic ladies about? I’m new here remember?

She could have been the RotoRooter girl and Evan would have extolled her virtues.

@Callie: Molly Erdman, the original Sonic wife, is from Dallas. I have a crush on her. We’ve hung out, talked, etc. I’m her No. 1 fan. Well, except for her boyfriend.

@ Evan – oh no, I’m not from Tennessee, just wondering if Rocky Top pushed everyone else over the edge like it does me… I’m actually from Arkansas. Ok, I know that’s not really any better.

@becca you could have blinked and missed it .

8:21: Rangers are swinging it pretty good today. Maybe they’ve adjusted to lack of Young/Hamilton in lineup. Marlon Byrd’s first-game homer was a real jump-starter I believe. With Young on the bench, this team will take its cues from Byrd for the time being.

@callie: you need to talk to the beer guy. He’s in Canada now, but I believe he is from Arkansas.

Last kinda what i was thinking.

PS – for the best version of Rockytop EVER click on the link in my name… it’s the latest “twitter update”

So far CWS leading.

all i can definitively say about the trade, is mccarthy is taller. i think.

@Evan – right now, it’s in the Gonzo/Young for Eaton ranks. If he helps get to the playoffs, its in the Gagne/Lofton ranks. He’s got to do your projected September for 4 or 5 years to get into Teixeira ranks.

@Evan, Lefties last much longer in the Bigs. Danks is still the man. He will give them close to 200 innings this year. I’ll be happy for the Rangers for this year but how long will Mac last? And how much DL time does it take?

Doesn’t McCarthy have to enter the Hall of Fame as a Ranger to put that trade in the Teixeira ranks?

@All – kidding about the Cowboys. Just said that to stir things up.

@Evan – I’m more of a let’s move forward kinda gal. I don’t really even think about that trade much. But sometimes late at night, it hurts.

@ Evan: Logical explanation of your critque of Josh. I guess I just really enjoy sthick crammed down my throat, mixed in with some good sports talk and knowledgable, well-prepared broadcasters.

Thats why I’m a Ticket P1 and could listen to any game Josh Lewin broadcasts!

BTW, good work earlier today on the Rangers draft piece…hope Hurley comes back strong and helps save 2004.

I like the sound on KDFI, I can hear Andrus cussing nice and crisp.

Did I hear earlier today the Angels series was almost sold out? If so, that is awesome. I wish I could be there…

@ Alan in SA – ha ha! now you’re talking… let me see if I can get you admission to the fan club after all..

@Callie – you staying inside tomorrow?

It’s 9/9/9

@ Alan in SA. Alan put down the Tequila bottle. You will hurt yourself. Or are you really the alter ego of Ranger Fan?

@ Romo – Wow. I guess I will.

I’ll be there on 9/20. May go on 9/19, too, but I really have to get to Denton on Friday or Saturday and check out UNT while I’m in town.

It’s gonna be the best vacation ever!! Rangers/Angels, Pennant Race… Cowboys/Giants, first game ever in JerryDome.

Evan, any clue for the Rangers record for amount of runs scored in a doubleheader?

Can we lose Batting Stance Guy? PLEASE.

Big Stroke AJ. He’s the Man.

@Jason O: Good of you to speak up on Josh’s behalf. As I said, I think he’s very well prepared and often very clever, but there are times I think there is too much shtick. And this is five hours we’ve all been together, so maybe I’m a little cranking.

@Daniel–Rangers scored 30 in the first game of DH against Orioles 2 or 3 yrs ago

@Daniel: 39. It won’t be beaten. Ever.

@Callie—in 5 more hours, I’ll be doing Kinsler’s laundry and changing the baby’s diapers so he can get some rest

@alan/daniel: and they scored 9 in Game 2. I was at the doubleheader, have the ticket and boxscore framed on my wall.

@Daniel: 30 in the first game, I believe it was 9(?) in the second game.

oh yea it was 30 not 33.

@Callie: Dox Equis

oops! Dos Equis

not the way i’d spend a honeymoon but ok.

Miller Lite sucks… so, depending on how many Corona you’ve had, I’d opt for the white.

PS – I drink Wild Turkey, yeung-ling, and when ordering wine I ask which tastes the most like kool-aid, so I may not be the right person to ask.

This game started with a Laffy, and hopefully ends as a Laugher.

@Evan: But despite how much your Bulldogs fail, don’t forget you have at least one fellow Falcons fan here. Don’t let all these Jerry-Jones’-boot-licking Cowboys fans get you down!

BMac is really dealing.

@The Beer Guy: Yep, Rangers-Angels, very exciting.

As far as the game you are discussing: I am counting on a Whoo-Pig-Sooey-free night.

@The Beer Guy: Oh, that’s right, your school has the one coach I hate more than any on the face of the earth. Yes, more than Spurrier. My passion just turned rabid.

Sorry, I just think the guy ran out when the going got tough. I’m not an admirer.

alan they haven’t won much lately.

@Callie: I’d go Boone’s Farm.

half a game.

@Alan: Rangers would gain a half game.

@Callie: I’m a Georgia fan. And definitely not a Bobby Petrino fan.

query:
1) going into this season did anyone consider Wash a better mlb mgr than: OGuillen; Madden; Gaston; Cox; Pinella; Baker; Cooper; JManuel; and, BBochy — how many rings do these guys have?

2) who would have thought the TR’s had more mlb-ready talent that the above teams?

) who’d a thunk the TR’s would have a better record than: the ChiSox; TBRays; Tor; ATL; Cubs; Cincy; Hou; NYMets; SD?

For someone totally lacking in baseball smarts, at least as measured by the assembled experts, bro Wash must carry a whole lotta luck on his shoulder.

@ Evan – nothing wrong with GA, I lived in ATL for a while. And honestly, not a huge Petrino fan either. I was sad to see Crazy Houston go. And now look, he’s going to be freaking successful at Ole Miss. Of course, he’s a terrible recruiter…

@rangers fan – I’m back. Had dinner with my parents and sister. Was following on blackberry from 6th and wondering what the he’ll was going on.

Do I really need to answer that uni question? You know me! Though my royal blue is a kinsler.

Evan – love the Danks question. I don’t think this chapter is written yet.

Evan – agree with you on 99% of opinions. Not lewin though. I like his shtick.

Grieve stole my thunder on bmac’s curve. Definitely not the same pitch.

Byrd isn’t worth the $$ it will take to bring him back. But hrs earned it and we need him. Hope he isn’t the next ownership casualty. My hunch is that he is.

C Davis has been on one of those, “I’d rather be lucky than good” tears, lately.

Ian Popsler!

LOTR – Baseball is my boyfriend though. I love the Rangers and would like for them to beat the Yankees in the playoffs. That’s my dream.

Would be sweet to gain ground on the Sox and Angels yesterday without playing a game, and today even if they both win.

if anyone is interested, ratzillas is on animal planet. yup. a show on huge rats. huge ginormous rats. just letting you know.

is mccarthy on a pitch count tonight?

@RAT–you obviously were not here at the beginning of the DH…bad talk about Kinsler is NOT allowed…

@Callie–straighten this guy out now..you don’t have another 5 hours tonight

RATzilla! I should change my name…

@alan in SA: Didn’t confuse you and I’m happy to provide game and half-game gain info to whoever.

@Beer Guy: Yes, I’m happy Petrino is gone from Atlanta. Not happy about how he ran out. Thought it showed a lack of something I’d want in a head coach, regardless of level.

@Callie: Honestly, I don’t hate any SEC schools, except Florida. Coaches? Different story. I hate Spurrier because he rubbed it in poor old Ray Goff’s face and all Georgia fans. I hate Petrino because of the Falcons situation. It sounds like it would be easy to hate Lane Kiffin.

thanks for the reply, evan. my real point was to note that despite the superior x and o reps of the mgr list and the presumed superior talent, somehow this team, perhaps because, rather than despite, their manager has, to date, excelled.

Nice work by the Rangers today. Righted the wrongs of Baltimore. Must bag tomorrow’s game and head home!

@ Evan – Lane Kiffin is an idiot and therefore cannot be hated, only shown pity. I too don’t hate any SEC schools, which is ok because my hatred for USC and VT are very time-consuming.

I don’t hate any SEC Schools. But I hate the Students and Fans of many of them.

@Jack Daddy: Good stuff. I knew you would say holland. I’m still torn. I’ve been a day 1 Davis fan. I’m infatuated with Borbon’s speed and holland will be special. Hmmm…

The real question I was going to ask you, since you are the Holland expert. Heard some talk the other day on Holland vs. Hunter and who was the better prospect. They concluded it was Hunter. I was shocked. Hunter has been a surprise. He’s done a great job but he’s a back of the rotation guy at best. A good one though. I think Holland has the chance to be special. I think he can be a dominant ace. Definitely top 2 material. Yes, he has some developing and adjusting to do but he’s got the tools. Think about the improvement Hunter had from last year to this year. If Holland has that…yikes. So my theory: Nothing was really expected o Hunter. He wasn’t hyped. So everything you get from him is icing on the cake. surprising. He instnatly become a fold hero. For Holland…people get down on him easier and even ask if he should be taken out of the rotation, etc. People look at Holland and Hunter and say they’re the same age so they are both at similiar spots in their development. I think Hunter is further along for the simple fact he played college ball. All this to say…are the cards stacked against Holland as far as meeting expectations? Is he ace or bust? That was long-winded…my bad.

9:14: Brandon McCarthy has allowed a pair of hits and a run through five innings. Presuming a win tonight, he will have a four-game winning streak, dating back to mid-May. In those five starts (he had a no decision), he’s got (at this very moment) a 2.67 ERA.

@The Beer Guy—I was thinking about the wonderful Mustain family this weekend…guess they found it not so easy to bully Pete Carrol and a successful program…hope their boy enjoys coaching junior high girls basketball

@ All – sorry. I know I hate it when these blogs move away from Rangers and to other sports. I promise to now only post re: Rangers for the rest of the night.

@Callie–please speak to RAT immediately about his bad attitude about future HOFer Kinsler—Kinsler should be in HOF by Oct 1, don’t you think?

@Ranger Fan: Over the last 12 months, nobody has mentioned to me that Hunter is a better prospect than Holland. So, anybody suggesting that now is offering up revisionist history.

And here’s why people would unanimously choose Holland over Hunter as a prospect: Better stuff, mostly velocity. That makes for a potential higher upside. You can’t gauge guile, what kind of learner a guy is, what kind of makeup he has. That is not to suggest that Holland is lacking in any of those areas, only to insist that Hunter has demonstrated just how much of each he has. He was admittedly awful in a brief callup last year. Would have buried a lot of guys. Made Hunter more determined.

Man, the 6th inning has been rough for us!

One thing I know about the Rangers… No win is a leisure win these days.

I blame those three runs on Kinsler aka “Sir-pops-out-a-lot”

@RangerFan: I know you didn’t ask me, but I’m going to weigh in anyway. Holland has the higher upside based on “stuff.” Hunter has worked his butt off, developed his pitches and will probably be an excellent middle of the rotation guy. Remember, this is Hunter’s 3rd stint in the big leagues (counting the short one earlier in the season). Holland has “ace” potential. We have seen flashes this year, but he has been inconsistant (which is to be expected)). I’m expecting major strides next year.

Eric Nadel just said both Wilson & Francisco are available. Does the fact that they weren’t exactly dominant in game one make you any less likely to use them in game 2?

Elvis, having the rough day with the arm. This crept up early in the season and Wash delivered a come to jesus. may be time for a rewind.

@evan:

better stuff/more velocity PLUS the all-important fact that he’s a lefty.

@ Alan in SA – I still like you…

@ Alan – Sarcasm = good times.

@scooper: Chime in anytime!

@Jack Daddy: Completely agree. I’m not saying all that to take anything away from Hunter. I just think they’re 2 different animals. Hunter is valuable. You need 5 starters. Holland has completely dominated teams. Consistency is the name of hte game but what rookie pitcher comes in and dominates consistently? Can’t think of any. So I think to all the sudden say Holland may not be what we think is a little insane. I’m looking forward Holland Saturday. Such good memories of the Saturday night Boston game last month…I still think that was the single biggest game this team has played this year, maybe in years.

OMG this blog is exhausting…

PS. Seattle up 1-0 early.

Brandon got squeezed on the 2-0 pitch. Cost him the walk.

@callie: exhausting good? or exhausting bad?

Eddie ??? really

Man, I thought they would take McCarthy out after the sixth. Questions for virtual team: Has Guardado appeared in any game since coming off the DL? and 2) Is there something wrong with O’Day? Wash seems a little hesitant to use him lately. Seemed like a good spot for him to start the sixth.

@Callie: I think you are setting a record for emoticons tonight. We’ll let it slide.

@Alan in SA: Sarcasm is allowed. No worries. But we’ve got some passionate peeps here. They will argue.

@Jack Daddy: You were at dinner when Elvis made a couple of Jeter-like jump throws from the outfield. I’ll write off some of the sloppiness in the second game due to a doubleheader, but it certainly couldn’t hurt for Washington to remind him.

@Dan-drus: Good point on the lefty thing. It would make an important tie-breaker if the two were considered close prospects, but on talent alone Holland is considered a far superior talent. That does not, however, necessarily make him a better major leaguer. Right now, Hunter is the better of the two.

Guardado!!!!

Rhymes with Jennings?

@ Beer Guy – mine is doing the same thing. Odd.

no mas Guardado!

Why is he allowed to do more than wear a uniform and collect a check? Why? Seriously.

One run is about all it takes for Seattle most of the time. Is it King Felix tonight?

this game is ridiculous. our bullpen is making things interesting.

will say it again – guardado can not get out major league hitters at a satisfactory rate. this team continues to have 2 glaring holes: mid-inning lefty out of pen (is that you Kasey Kiker in 2010?) and right handed power bat in the OF/DH/1B.

This rally started when BMac got squeezed on ball 3 to the leadoff hitter.

Yep Tom…he’s up tonight vs. Kazmir.

Oh, this game sucks.

Any dp’s this game?

@Jack Daddy: I think they’d be better off going outside for a LH RP for next year.

not counting O’Day as “middle” man. The fact he’s not in there yet makes it look like he’s pitching 8-9 tonight. Or at least that’s the hope.

9:48: This game has gotten serious again, but before you all go back to sitting on your various pins and your needles, know that, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Marlon Byrd’s seven hits today are the most by a Ranger in one-day. The single-game record is held by Alfonso Soriano and Ian Kinsler with six. The doubleheader record was six by David Murphy in the record-breaking doubleheader sweep of Baltimore in 2007.

Way to go Grilli! I have confidence in him most of the time.

@Evan: Off topic…who would you get in contact with to make game experience complaints? Had a friend who wanted to know.

Confidence growing in Grilli ever so slightly.

The Beer Guy – agree that that will be plan, but 1) may not be able to pull it off and 2) i just don’t know what kind of $$ this thing will have, given the ownership situation.

I am not a fan of spending big $$ on bullpen free agents. you never know what you’ll get from year to year, or within a year (look at this year with Oday and grilli, plus mathis).

i think they will sign somebody, but by ASB, i think Kiker will be that guy and he should be able to excel in that role (if he can stop hitting people).

i would add that i think moscosco could be a real player next year too. and if nippert stays in the pen, and strop gets some miles under his belt, hey, it’s not too horrible of a bull pen.

@Ranger Fan: You can either have them email me and I’ll pass it along or just email me and I’ll reply with a couple of contacts for you.

Kinsler hit a horizontal pop-up! Unheard of.

@Jack Daddy: .259

.259. darn

@Jack: I can see that, and yeah the money thing is an issue for sure. But usually there are some solid, track-record lefties out there for a million or two.

@The Beer Guy: I would guess O’Day gets the eighth and you have the ability to go right-left-right (O’Day-Wilson-Frankie) if need be in the ninth.

@All: It should be noted that Francisco did pitch in both games of the doubleheader in Arlington last week.

@Will–you’re exactly right about Kins–He NEVER makes base running mistakes unless they are inspired by his idolatry of Ricky Henderson and as just noted, he’s now hitting over 260 for the year…He’s headed to Hall of Fame as soon as season is over

@Alan – I was hoping he would play a little more before going to the Hall, but I guess they could make an exception for him, right?

What is wrong with King Felix?? Do we miss him in the series? Or…he pitches Sunday?

@evan – not sure if you saw a couple of questions from yesterday:

1. any uniform rumors for next year (more red, powder blue throwback game)?
2. how do ticket sales/attendance for the 9 game homestand look?

@Will–If you had been on here since the beginning of the DH, you would understand that the HOF has made an exception for him..he’s going to be inducted in November, elected to Kennedy’s Senate seat in Jan and lead the Rangers to a dynasty for the next 10 years..you will love it

Why C.J. when Grili had awesome stuff and C.J. has already been used? Why Wash why??

@Jack Daddy: Don’t believe there are any uniform tweaks in store for next year. A “Turn Back the Clock” weekend is something that could be decided over the winter.

I’ve heard nothing to suggest that tickets are moving fast or that they or not for the upcoming series. I will definitely make a check on this tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how a huge Rangers homestand draws during football season.

grabbing the tums.

@Jack Daddy: I’ll pray for rain.

Bring O’Day in.

@ Alan – yes, but unfortunately his over-use of emoticons kept him from running away with the Nobel Prize. Too bad.

Strange move to bring Wilson in to start the inning. He’s being overused…

i would like to state that i officially would be in favor of some insurance runs at this point.

this isn’t part of the cheeky Ian talk and not meant as a slight at Elvis, but that was a good play by Ian. Elvis’ throw kind of handcuffed Ian and he stayed with it. That could have been a disaster.

If by tums you mean Darren O’Day

On a serious note, I’m really pleased with the Rangers ability thus far to fend off this trailing team. I hope they can continue to do so.

@evan – as we nervously wait out the botton of the 9th, how come Michael Main isn’t a candidate for the Azl Fall League? Too inexperienced?

I agree..If we can hang on to this one and win one tomorrow, we’ve stepped back from the abyss one more time..this team’s ability to bounce back has to impress you, especially give how young they are

i think it should have been ‘he and omar’. i don’t have my strunk and white elements of style near by.

@ becca – I agree completely – I feel pretty good when he is up.

COMPLETELY off topic:
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/rate-my-team/form.php

but this is dadgum awesome.

It’s a big fan of the Romohicans, but doesn’t like the EBay Stolen Dogs so much.

Can Davis deliver with RISP?

@Style – I have my AP Stylebook in the garage somewheres.

It’s why I like radio more – I get to make the rules up as I go, and my comma splices are not a problem, that’s atleast a few of the reasons I do, anyway.

happy insurance runs to all of you!

HUGE! What a day Chippy D is having!

Way to go CD… And to think we had to put up with Blalock and AJ for so long

Elvis was leading in pitches seen.

yay! go rangers!!

I am now a CD believer …..

http://www.fangraphs.com/ probably find the pitch stats there.

Man I wish Hank Blalock has started the nightcap? What’s Wash thinking!?!

There’s your ballgame, courtesy of the Davis Family and their little boy, Chris.

Howdy folks, for the record Chris Davis would have had that one.

@Jack Daddy – what homer leaves someone on base?

I feel pretty good when O’Day and Mathis pitch. They may struggle some, but they don’t blow up.

You have to love the way Chris Davis is driving the ball to the opposite field.

so john, you’re back off the bridge?

Fun stuff.

I repeat my earlier statement that the Rangers should play all doubleheaders the rest of the year. 2 games back! Go M’s!

Oh what a day…Good days for Kinsler, Byrd and Davis especially. Sweet glove plays from Elvis. Good games.

OH! What a day!

This is almost a triple-header considering they play so early tomorrow… See y’all then!
Maybe…

POW POW!

@Jack Daddy – My calculus homework isn’t done… but I do have a 90% chance of the playoffs in my #1 League.

Good night everyone! See you tomorrow!!

@ALl: Thanks for your work tonight. Job well done by all the Cornerians. Post-Game Show up momentarily.

Okay, I’m off the bridge now and on my way to Charter hospital for evaluation. Everyone rub their Ranger hats tomorrow for good luck.

11th and 12th games the Rangers have scored double digit runs this year.

First time they’ve done it in consecutive nights.

Not bad with Hamilton and Young out of the lineup.

I meant consecutive GAMES up above, obviously.

I hope Wash plays his best tomorrow to sweep these turkeys.