The curse of Lee Mazzilli has taken center stage this weekend. After the euphoria of a Cleveland sweep, there could not be a more horrific weekend. A team with serious financial problems loses potentially three days of gate on a September pennant chase weekend. Those money problems are buzzing all over the local media and Internet. Kinsler publicly calls out the fans for not coming to the Ballpark. Dillweed sucks again, and no one has the cajones to bench the obviously gassed pitcher in a playoff hunt. What a sorry coda to a fascinating season.

Statement from Nolan Ryan: “We will do everything we can to play two games today against the Mariners. However, with the forecast calling for more rain over the next several hours, we have decided to push the scheduled starting time back to at least 4:00 in order to lessen the inconvenience for our fans. We will have further updates as the day progresses, and we thank our fans for their patience with this weather situation.”

[...] The Depot, however, remains open and the great one, Jeff Miller, is on the scene i n Arlington to update on Rangers doings. The [...]

Victor Martinez has singled in Dustin Pedroia in the bottom of the sixth to break a scoreless tie in the opener at Fenway.

Clay Buchholz out after seven innings, five hits and a run. In is Hideki Okajima, who has given up runs in his last four outings. First appearance since Monday.

Happy to see the great Jeff Miller at the ballyard today. Evan can stay home and have a pizza and blog football. Better insights here!

Man, the Rays have totally collapsed, and just when we needed them too. Bet the only three games they’ll win the rest of the year are the ones they play against us!

Carlon Quintin has hit a bases-loaded single in the top of the first to give the White Sox a 2-0 lead on Scott Kazmir, who has walked two.

Angels got a run back in the bottom of the first.

so if the rangers don’t get these games in does that mean they won’t have enough money to meet payroll….mlb please stand by the phones for us to call……..geez what drama!

Angels and White Sox 2-2 through three.

@jeff: will they still try to play 2? Will the games be televised?

@Jeff: thanks!

Well crap, it’s gonna be another late nighter watching the Rangers

Great observations by Jeff Miller. Is Evan in the building or still being a pigskin head?

I think you’d better put an update on your top post referring folks to the Depot. I’ve been waiting for an update above.

At 4:42, the grounds crew is still working on the field. Doesn’t appear we’ll start at 4:45.

5:05 is the newest start time.

@scooper: Planning just one depot today/ Hopes that doesn’t prove to be a problem.

Well, here we go, everyone! Let’s win 2!

In the words of the great Jim Ross: GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY!!!

We got some beisbol!!!!

So, is the field in perfect bunting conditions today?

Darren Oliver got the win in relief today for the Angels. In listening to much of that game on the Angels’ station, the announcers said Oliver (5-1 at age 38 with an ERA under 3.00) got some votes in the team’s recent vote for the club pitcher of the year.

Hunter looks solid.

Hunter w/ a no-no through 2.

@buck: I guess you don’t believe in jinxes.

@scooper – nope, it’s all about destiny!

Bosox ahead 3-0 going to the sixth behind Lester.

Is everyone staying dry this weekend?

Ranger_ve – agreed.

I think I’ve got crush for the 5th inning. However I didn’t specify which game so I wonder if it will hold up in a court of law.

Now maybe Dave Anderson said something to German coming around third. But it appeared German came around, got no sign either way, hence headed homeward.

Jason Bay homered off Lance Cormier in the bottom of the eighth for a 4-0 lead.

Should have had 2 there.

Let’s go Rangers!

Tampa has lost 10 straight. If they lose today, it will be 11 in a row.

Tampa had mailed it.

Dozens of Japanese journalists, here to see Ichiro get hit No. 200 for a major league record ninth time (he’s at 199 now), just caught their breath with that F7.

Whew! Looks like there is a good chance that Ichiro will make history in Arlington at some point today if the weather holds. I wouldn’t mind if he went hitless the rest of the way.

My good and very observant friend Jack_Daddy suggested on Friday that these might be the 96 strangest hours in Rangers history.

This weekend has been surreal. Between the weather and the delays, it’s lulled me into a state I’d suggest as zombie-like. No energy. No focus. I can only imagine what it’s done to the Rangers, who have had to sit in that clubhouse for more than seven hours worth of delays over the last three days.

I realize they are winning right now and could still end up winning two of three from Seattle, but I just wonder what you think: Would this team benefit more by playing these games in something of a weather-induced malaise in front of no real significant crowd and without its two top offensive threats? Or would they have been better off, canceling games early, agreeing to play the extra games in Seattle – if they impacted the playoff race – and with Michael Young and Josh Hamilton back in the lineup?

And your thoughts?

So what you’re saying Evan is that the rain has put you into a Blalockian state?

I’d also still rather they play the games here.

@Evan:Delays sure mess with you rythm but this late in the year extra rest days can rejuvenate a bullpen not to mention our two injure horses.

@Mike E: Blalockian… I’m still laughing!!!

@Evan: At this point, with Boston and LA seemingly never losing, I don’t think it makes much difference.

@Ranger_ve: So what do you feel would have been the best possible decision for the club.

Radar looks like more rain within the hour. I wouldn’t even venture to say how heavy or how long. This is a relatively fast moving game.

@Evan: Been a strange weekend. I’ve seen weather affect teams many times – both positively and negatively. Last night was painful. Unfortunately, I think Millwood set the tone.

The Rangers are still in this dang race … how can you not get excited. Too bad there aren’t a lot fans in attendance. We’ve got some interesting series coming up but we’ve got to be close to make them interesting.

@The Beer Guy: One of Boston or Los Angeles is going to lose two of its next three games – at a minimum – can guarantee you that. The flip side: The other is going to win at least two of three. At this point, even though the deficit in the West is bigger, it might make more sense for the Rangers to hope the Red Sox sweep the Angels this week. It’s still possible that by the end of the day today, the Rangers could be five games out in the West. If they could pick up two games thanks to the Red Sox this week, they could enter their series against the Angels three games back and with Michael Young and Josh Hamilton back in the lineup. Couldn’t really ask for more than that.

@Mike E: Great point. But what’s your No. 1 decision factor right now: Improving your chances of getting to the playoffs? Or setting up a schedule that improves your chances if you get to the playoffs?

@juboon: It’s going to be Won Ton Soup, tonight. Chinese delivery on speed dial.

I have noticed in the last week that my attention has been divided multiple ways. I swore off the Cowboys this offseason to focus on baseball, but two trips to HS football and Jr. High football games has got my nose twitching for football again. This weekend has kind of ushered me into a fall mindset, where I am thinking about big bucks and the strong stench of East Texas Oaks bearing their fruit. I must say something needs to happen and happen fast for me to endure that of which I have invested soooo much time in this summer.

Evan – not sure. I’m in the same fog. However, I think it has as much to with what Boston has done last night and today and what LAA did today.

I will say this, with no hesitation or doubt of any kind – if we go on to win this game and finish in the playoffs, then this performance by Tommy is the signature performance of the season.

It’s just depressing to see all those empty seats out there.

Finally, I really enjoyed the college games yesterday but got nothing out of the NFL today. In fact, without the red zone channel it would not have been watchable. I mean, scoring play, commercial, kickoff, commercial? That’s ridiculous.

From the way that Millwood has been pitching, you could say that he too may be experiencing a Blalockian (I think I prefer Blalockonian) state.

@Evan: Seasonal affective disorder?

Personally I think Milly’s just exhausted. No idea what to do about it though.

I don’t know mr. clean, Evan pokes his head in and the comments start pouring in.

Btw, why didn’t anyone (read me) listen to everyone that said Brees would be the top fantasy QB? My 2 teams sucked today (also contributing to said fog).

@Evan: Hope you feel better. Maybe a couple of wins tonight will right the ship.

@Evan – without fantasy football, the only reason why I would watch would be so my boys would experience it (don’t want to be an NFL party popper for them).

Of course with the Ags probably sucking (in spite of what Irish insists – hope he’s right), college game may not do it for me either. Solution? Let’s make October baseball mean something.

You’re dawg game last night was terrific. One of 5 great games on tv yesterday.

Evan, are you going on the next roadtrip to Oakland? Is Jeff Miller joining you. Since you are quite the food expert, perhaps you could give him some tips on fine dining in the Bay area?

Can anyone give me one good reason to waste feliz in a 5 run game when hunter is rolling???

I agree, Tom B. I questioned when the Rangers signed him as the “Ace” and he has pitched about what I thought he would do.

Ever since the Rangers signed him, I had hoped that a true no. 1 would emerge from the farm. Perhaps that’s why it’s hard for me to forget about some of the early JD trades.

Milly would be a good 3rd or 4th starter.

Thanks for the updates, guys!

One thing I really love about Murphy is the way he works the count -even if he strikes out.

Look at Nelly go! This is about the most blase rout I think I’ve seen them put on recently…

Hunter even looks bored.

A new wave of dark clouds coming over the park.

I would let Hunter take it to the barn.

That’s 93 pitches for Hunter through eight. His career high in innings; high for pitches is 104.

If possible, I would play these guys as soon as possible. They are beat down and looking at missing their day off. They will mail it in later tonight. If rain comes and stays, I would make it a noon start of a Day-Night DH.
Get them while they’re not…..

@mr. clean: I’m going to Oakland. The Great One will be manning the fort here.

Why has Feliz been warming up???

Now Francisco is up and throwing, lightly so far.

@Buck: To demoralize Sea

@Buck, Maybe he starts the nitecap.

I yelling for Tommy! Wonder if he can hear?

Thank you Tommy Boy. Great game.

Great game.

Complete game on 102 pitches. Fantastic!!!

Love how he saw the last out and just walked off the mound. Didn’t crack a smile, no gesture, nothing. Like, ‘yeah, I’ve done this complete-game thing before’

Can we break the 20 game over .500 barrier in Game #2?

Currently there are two rookies in Rangers history who have made at least 10 starts and had ERAs of less than 3.33: Steve Comer (3.12 in 1978) and Jim Bibby (3.32 in 1973).

In the last 20 years, the only rookie to have an ERA of less than 3.50 and more than 10 starts? Kevin Brown in 1989. You want a good comparison right now? That’s a good comp. Hunter might not look or throw anything like Brown, but he’s got the results.

Seconding Callie’s all for broadcast info — will it be on FSN as well?

Also, David Wells was a lefty (how did I forget that)?

Is the home run pool open again? I’m feeling lucky.

@Buck: Kevin Brown could be a little bit bristly to deal with, though, when he and I worked together in Florida, I had a fine relationship with him.

Also, no homer pool for the second game. Fear we won’t have enough time to get a lineup up and give you time to enter.

I believe the broadcast will be carried on FSN.

Jeff has the HR Pool up.

Jeff is the man! Way to go the extra mile!!!

OK, Josh is talking about rookie CG’s at home, right? Because Holland does have a complete game.

…and what about Harrison?

I was surprised that the field played well this afternoon. Maybe a factor on the grounder to Beltre that became an E5. I think Washington was pleasantly surprised: “It ended up being in great condition. Dennis [Klein, head groundskeeper] did a great job getting it back together. I didn’t see the field play a part in anything.”

Since 2000, there have been three AL rookies to pitch at least 100 innings and have lower ERAs than Hunter’s 3.23 mark:

Francisco Liriano (2.16 in 2006)
Jered Weaver (2.56 in 2006)
Joba Chamberlain (2.60 in 2008)

Hunter hasn’t yet reached 100 innings. But lets say, he allows two earned runs in his next innings, which would push him across the threshold. He’d be at 3.22.

Holland also had a CG – against the Angels?

Since Holland’s Sunday afternoon shutout at Anaheim on Aug. 9 when he had eight strikeouts and one walk, he has 17 K’s and 12 walks.

@Evan: Your rapport w/ K. Brown might have something to do with a mutual connection to Atlanta?

Might be in and out for the nightcap. Homework to check (4 kids worth), and of course my own work needs to be done at some point. Maybe I can call in sick tomorrow?

Speaking of pitchers who are reported to be jerks and have some connection to the state of Georgia … I was looking over the Rangers pitching since 2000, Kenny Rogers stands out. He’s one of the few pitchers in the last 9 years to post multiple 200 inning years. Too bad he had to go postal on a cameraman.

If Millwood is pushed back at what point to we begin to hear threats from the Union and Boras, Inc.? If at any point it begins to look like he shouldn’t go back into the rotation what are the likely consequences?

Settle down Holland. Not a good start for the Dutchman.

ichiro is ridiculous.

It is appropriate that his 200th hit was an infield single.

funny how luck tends to even out – both runs scored as a result of 3 meekly hit balls. But, no less than 3 hard hit deep fly balls for outs.

Needed to put Johnson away without runner going to 3B. Don’t want a runner at 3B with Ichiro up. He’ll just poke it to the left side and beat it out almost every time.

There is too many records in baseball

Another one of those moments you get watching TV: Josh Lewin mentions that A’s are already in town and could come to this game. Grieve says could be some here. Lewin says “Hey, Mike Sweeney is a former A, does that count.” Grieve: “No.” But Josh has to keep going. This is a pennant race. There is a time and a place for comedy hour and this is not it.

That’s more like it, Derek!

I rewound and replayed that half inning entirely inside the commercial break. Now that is some fine work.

I don’t usually mind the sac bunt (unlike Norm), but:

1. I don’t think Holland is going to keep them to 2; and
2. If you move a runner up on Felix, he’ll just buckle down with his nasty off-spead/splitter and get Ks.

Not worth it.

@Jack Daddy: No, tickle fights. I just think this Rangers team and these Rangers fans deserve more from their lead TV announcer, who has a fine voice and does lots of prep. He should spend more time right now discussing the important situations, such as you do, not making silly shticky comments.

I can’t believe how long you guys have been doing this. Lord, I hope you get a raise tomorrow.Everybody use those coupons above!!!

Hey, ya’ll…. Lets do Ernie one better…

LETS WIN 2!

can we stop this ridiculous, silly, stupid charade that Nelson Cruz is a plus defensive OF?

Ok – what do we do to make the baseball gods like us?

Oh my gosh.
That was pathetic.

@Last: I don’t know of any special deals on parking, but I assume if you park in a Rangers lot before the Rangers game, it’s your space. I don’t think you will be chased out, but I will ask the question.

Human sacrifice Callie. That’s what the Red Sox and Yankees do. Or so I’m told.

Can’t explain why – Josh doesn’t annoy me. I like that he keeps it light. I’m wound tight enough during these games as it is. But I can sure see why he would annoy somebody.

@Jack Daddy: Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a little shtick. I like it light. I like funny/witty. But in a tight pennant race, in an important game, you shouldn’t have to force things. My issue with Josh is that he too often just dives off into silliness when he can do much better.

I’m thinking Millwood or Jones

Josh doesn’t annoy me except when they show him pre-game. He does this weird thing with his face/neck that reminds me of an ostrich. But I agree with Jack Daddy.

If you listen to Josh on the national games, he rarely ventures very far off into shtick. He’s pretty good there.

Great observation Callie

@ Evan – no actually I was thinking more along the lines of coaches/players.

@Last: If Josh asked my opinion on his broadcasts, I’d tell him everything I’ve said here. I think he’s talented, prepared and witty. I just think he sometimes loses the governor on what works and what is just filling air-time. The “former A’s thing” today was just stupid and it took away from the best inning Derek Holland has pitched in a long time. It’s the kind of opportunity for the lead play-by-play guy to really get the analyst to educate the watching crowd.

That’s just my take. And maybe I’m being too critical. Like I say, it’s not that I don’t think Josh is talented. I think he just sometimes he overdoes it. And that tends to come out when you watch him for seven hours straight.

I don’t see any raindrops right in front of me, but umbrellas keep opening in the stands.

@Evan–I’m totally in agreement with you on Lewin..bear down!!..What’s the scuttlebutt on a new contract for him?

Cowboys parking was $40 SE of rangers park.For preseason anyway.

I look at it this way. I likes me some Josh and TAG, and I likes me some InsideCorner. There is PLENTY of room in this crazy out-of-the-way place known as Rangers coverage.

Well, screw me, what do I know. Come on rain

@Jack Daddy, prophetic

@Evan – I don’t get the broadcasts, but I saw plenty of the TV guys on extra innings for several years. And I knew your answer, I just wanted to make sure everyone else did.

I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m a broadcaster around here (or was, now I write commercial copy except for 2 NFL-centric hours on Sunday, which stream…) and the thing you have to remind yourself of time and again is that the hyper-crowd is not your audience.

You’re going to listen/watch no matter what. The difference between renewed contract or not is the people who are passing fans… those who sleep well no matter the outcome of the game.

I did alot of football, and I ordered stuff like this:

Down, Distance, Time, Flavor.

There’s only one Scully who can do all 4 in one sentence. the rest of us give the basics, then expound. For instance, and this is verrrrrrrrrrrry basic. Let me repeat, very basic… but a writer wouldn’t think of saying a football team was moving from left to right, or moving into the hostile end of an opposing stadium, or mention that the team is in the gray shirts with blue lettering and piping and red hats.

I’ve written lots of “WSJ Openings” and columns that missed the point – in fact, I’d think most of the games broadcasters went through J-school at some level, then we almost have to de-train ourselves to realize that when you’re on radio/tv, the pyramid isn’t inverted, but is right side up.

Long story short: Josh is textbook, with a personality. That’s why he’s got 2 top-level teams to pay him.

I’m textbook, but I flavor a game like rice-a-roni.

I haven’t done what would be considered scientific, but I’ve experienced, for more than an inning, most broadcast teams in baseball. Josh isn’t the best, but he’s top 10, and close to top-5 (sans Scully)

Cool perspective, LOTR, thanks!

Just missed it on the radio – when is the “red out”?

Well, over here, I’m the only one still awake after a long weird weekend, and that’s getting iffy. So just in case I doze off, thanks for all the info, y’all!

@Evan–there he goes again “Flip Wilson or Woodrow Wilson”?–and now add the volleyball from “Castaway”….does he even know a game is happening?

That seems odd – a red-out wouldn’t seem to be that impactful against a team who wears red… Or are we trying to be ironic?

I wish someone would knock that crooked hat off his stupid head.

@Callie – after the other night and my holier-than-thou comments, know that it’s all I can do to not appreciate the greatness of that comment more because you’re female.

Spot… On.

can we send everyone up there w/ a take sign? that way, maybe, MAYBE we hit their pen in the 8th?

@Callie: Red is Red. And, for me, it can be as bold a color as any. The Rangers load up that stadium with 49,000 each day making all kinds of noise and wearing red and it will have the desired effect.

@Last: I don’t think Felix goes any more than seven. He’s right at 94 pitches right now. I don’t think Wakamatsu would send him out for the eighth with 105-110 pitches.

LOTR- thanks I think?

Kinsler is so deflating these days. There used to be a time that you’d feel pretty good about him being up there but now I pretty much feel he won’t be able to deliver. I wonder if the pressure has gotten to him or what…

As for radio broadcasting, Victor and Evan are top-notch. I will also plug Craig Way and Keith Moreland – Craig Way is great at football, basketball and baseball. Bill Schoening is also excellent.

I also like Steve Busby when he gets a chance.

TAG is good, but he comes off as lethargic at times and Josh injects a bit of energy.

I have to write about something because Kinsler’s DP was really disappointing.

@Callie – sorry for obfuscation… I meant that it was pretty hilarious.

Especially when you consider the Angels, at one point, were hesitant to alter their look because people may think they’re copying Texas.

Then we forfeited the primary red.

@Callie—Excuse Me!?!?!?!?! Are we going to have to inspect YOUR Kinsler fan club credentials? That’s too funny..you get me in and then you turn..what did I do wrong?

“FiFi,” as the Mariners call Felix Hernandez, comes into the seventh with 94 pitches. He has thrown at least 100 every start since mid-May with a high of 117 twice in June.

Can’t wait for MY to get back.

We’ve got a baserunner! 2 out rally??

Also, the great one, Jeff Miller deserves a whole bunch of credit for spending more than 12 hours at the park tonight. Especially, since I bailed. Here’s to Jeff!

@ least you aren’t the Aggie homer that drafted Marty B in the first round, right?

Final, final thought:

Journalists are trained to give readers what they need to know. Broadcasters are trained to give people a fun time experiencing the game.

Ignoring matters of social importance for now, I’m scared of the day when people like Evan and Jeff who are taught to seek the importance of each game, independent of what you want to hear are relegated to obscurity in favor of those who are trained to talk to you about what you want to discuss.

That’s the gravitas of this here blog – a model for giving both sides has to come into a fiscally practical existence in order to keep the checks and balances from being unbalanced and bounced.

In short: What Evan and Jeff do is important, what Josh does is fun. Without the former, the latter loses context.

If there was ever the proper time for a miraculous Rangers comeback, the time would be now.

Looks like Doug Mathis will pitch the ninth.

@LOTR–is it safe to say “this here blog got big gravitas”?

@Last: Thanks for your perspective. What we are trying to do on InsideCorner (at least for the moment, since the web keeps evolving is this):

1. Provide the first beat/blog in the country that provides full-time coverage just like you would find in a newspaper. We’re independent and we travel, two things that make us unique.
2. Provide news and information on the Rangers, first, but also on other D/FW sports teams that other outlets don’t produce.
3. Tell interesting stories with good writing.
4. Create a community where fans/readers/commentors can help direct the coverage and where they can get answers to the specific questions they ask.
5. Make covering D/FW sports “cool.” Offer balanced analysis without getting caught up too much in histrionics or circus acts (see the T.O. era). We love sports. We love bringing them to you. But we also know that as important as this may be to all of us – it ain’t life or death. This place should be fun and passionate. And you are the folks who have dictated that approach.

Thanks again.

One quick disclaimer before the night gets away: Evan provides you Rangers fans a tremendous resource in terms of expertise, analysis and perspective. I provide just an extra set of eyes and ears when he’s here and fill in on the basics when he isn’t. That said, on to the ninth.

Bakersfield winning 3-0 in bottom of 8th.

@alan – Dang. I need to recheck that homework. No wonder my kids aren’t doing so well in school.

@buck–there are lots of folks on here who have the “gravitas” to help you and your kids…avail yourself of your Cornerian friends and I’m sure you’ll wind up with valedictorians–

@Just – what’s the list? PS – I don’t include pre/post game in any talk – Pro or Fan hat, whichever I wear – Renner is a beating to my brain.

Josh is pretty high on my list….. Though tonight I think we needed Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker). Everyone looked flat.

@jacob – Uecker is the guy who I use as an example to guys to be entertaining. He’ll mention the count when it gets to strike 3, but if Josh puts the game behind context (or maybe game behind context behind ‘gravitas’), then Bob puts the game behind Sarcasm, context and entertainment.

He does lots of great things, but if you listen to him, and close the PC and TV – I don’t think you know more about the game.

@Last – I second your post. There are other blogs and Rangers info out there, but this site beats them all in my opinion. Excellent insight and info for those of us who can’t get enough of the Rangers.

I also enjoy Evan’s commentary. I always have – even when he was with the paper. This blog is awesome because it’s more Evan. I have been a long-time fan.

I’m out for 2-nite. The day had much promise, but was ended by too much King. We’re still in it in Sept. What more could you ask?

but if you try to find a blog out there that follows your mlb team then this is the top blog bar none…….most teams have no “professional” live game blog and almost none have journalists with evan’s credentials blogging about them………

@Buck – at the DMN, (and correct me if I’m wrong —— or not entirely accurate) Evan was limited. I knew he liked UGA and Buffet, but beyond that he had to just go 5 graphs, then the questions (for the newsletter – beyond that it was inverted pyramid, inverted pyramid, inverted pyramid) here, it’s somewhere between. We get the personality, without it affecting judgement – which is what I threw out as the model for the site earlier, only now in clearer english.

I don’t read LSB. I get the respect that the site gets, but I feel that the bias there-in of the site is too much.

I give Adam Morris credit for finding a viewpoint that was under-served, but I feel it lacks the perspective of human nature that would validate it.

One Last comment for Last… I reread your 10:34 post and I am probably one of the few that got the “coachable” comment. Tim did run it into the ground. The undercurrent of negativity is there. You don’t need to be pumping sunshine everyday, but just be fair and let the readers slash and dash.

The papers are in a tough spot. Their readership is decreasing, revenues are decreasing and their relevance can certainly be questioned going forward.

The opportunities are there, but the innovation seems to be lacking. The DMN will have a hold on the DFW area for local news, but they could be more.

Enough procrastination…