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Home Run Pool Time

Surprisingly enough, it’s raining in Arlington. It is supposed to pass through and we are expecting an on-time start. I’ll advise if that changes.

In the meantime, here’s your home run pool entry form against Oakland RHP Brett Tomko:

DH Julio Borbon, SS Elvis Andrus, 2B Ian Kinsler, CF Marlon Byrd, LF David Murphy, RF Nelson Cruz, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, 3B Omar Vizquel and pitching for the Rangers, bidding for his 17th win … RHP Scott Feldman.

Sunday Game 2 Rangers-M’s Home Run Pool

ARLINGTON - Facing Felix Hernandez, really:

1. Borbon dh; 2. Andrus ss; 3. Kinsler 2b; 4. Byrd cf; 5. Murphy lf; 6. Cruz rf; 7. Davis 1b; 8. Teagarden c; 9. Vizquel 3b.

Sunday Game 1 Overflowing Home Run Pool

ARLINGTON - To face Seattle RHP Felix Hernandez:

1. Julio Borbon lf; 2. Elvis Aldrus ss; 3. Ian Kinsler 2b; 4. Marlon Byrd cf; 5. David Murphy dh; 6. Nelson Cruz rf; 7. Pudge Rodriguez c; 8. Chris Davis 1b, Estaban German 3b. Pitching, Tommy Hunter.

CORRECTION: Mariners notes show RHP Doug Fister (2-1, 2.79) going in the opener against Hunter.

Morning Swim at Homer Pool

Very quickly, here’s your lineup as the Rangers try to sweep Cleveland and finish off this 10-game stretch against sub-.500 teams at 7-3, which would be completely acceptable – even with the sting of losing a game that should have been won in Baltimore.

LF Julio Borbon, SS Elvis Andrus, 2B Ian Kinsler, CF Marlon Byrd, RF Nelson Cruz, DH David Murphy, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, 3B Esteban German and pitching for the Rangers, going for win No. 16 … RHP Scott Feldman.

Remember game time is 11 a.m.

Doubleheader Home Run Pool

Here is your Rangers lineup for Game 1 of today’s doubleheader with Cleveland, which starts at 4:05:

LF Julio Borbon, SS Elvis Andrus, 2B Ian Kinsler, CF Marlon Byrd, RF Nelson Cruz, DH David Murphy, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, 3B Omar Vizquel and pitching for your Texas Rangers … RHP Tommy Hunter.

I’m not sure I’ve got a Daily Double-worthy prize, but if you want to submit guesses for Games 1 and 2 at the same time and you get them both right, I’ll dig as far down into the prize vault as possible for something worthy of your prognosticating greatness. Otherwise, we’ll just play one home run pool today. I will, however, be my my computer for all six or seven hours of the doubleheader today.

Back to Just One Home Run Pool Today

Hope you got enough rest after the double dip. As you probably guessed, a different look tonight to face Toronto RHP Scott Richmond:

DH Julio Borbon, SS Elvis Andrus, 2B Ian Kinsler, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, LF David Murphy, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Hank Blalock, 3B Chris Davis and pitching for the Rangers. … RHP Tommy Hunter.

Daily Double at the Home Run Pool

First, we are having some blog access problems, so be patient. Apparently, a man bought a house for $12,500 and it’s grinded us to a halt. Or something like that. Anyway, if we get up and running smoothly, let’s play the Home Run pool this way today: Just like a Daily Double at the old race track.

I’ve got a beautiful Dr Pepper retro hoody to give to somebody if you can give me the correct homer hitters for both games, the hoodie is yours. The catch is you gotta play the second game blind because entry forms must be in before the first game. We will award a prize for Game 1 and if somebody wins the Double, they will get the hoodie (which, seriously, is really nice). If we can get a lineup quickly enough before Game 2, we’ll post a separate game for it. But, I’m not optimistic because the turnaround is so quick.

Your entry form should look this way, today, if you are playing the Double.

Game 1: Player, inning, men on, distance, count

Game 2: Ditto.

Here’s your Game 1 lineup against Toronto LHP Marc Rzepczynski: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, LF Marlon Byrd, RF Nelson Cruz, DH Ivan Rodriguez, C Taylor Teagarden, 1B Chris Davis, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Dustin Nippert. Best of luck.

The Home Run Pool has Water; Outfield has Grass

The bald spots around the field seem to have been fixed with new sod, so there’s that. On the other hand, the Ryan Freel era has ended. He was released from Triple-A Oklahoma City after two games. The Rangers have, however, signed the following players to Oklahoma City contracts: INF Justin Leone, RHP Mike Wood and LHP Chris Cooper.

Now for your daily dose of the home run pool. No need to check back later, either. We’ve got tonight’s lineup against Toronto LHP Brett Cecil. Here you go: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, RF Josh Hamilton, CF Marlon Byrd, DH Nelson Cruz, LF David Murphy, C Taylor Teagarden, 1B Chris Davis, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … LHP Derek Holland.

Sunday Home Run Pool

Sorry, we’re so close to game time today, but you’ve still got nearly an hour to get those entry forms in.

Here is your lineup against Minnesota RHP Scott Baker: DH Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, RF Josh Hamilton, CF Marlon Byrd, 2B Ian Kinsler, 1B Hank Blalock, LF Nelson Cruz, C Pudge Rodriguez, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers RHP Kevin Millwood.

Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Home Run Pools

We did have a winner last night: Cameron, who went with no homers and two runs, so congrats, Cameron and give me an email when you get a chance.

In the meantime, maybe David Murphy will be able to get that extra 12″ of lift to get the ball tonight and the Rangers will beat back the Twins. And if not Murphy, there are any number of other guys who might, considering Minnesota is starting RHP Carl Pavano. The Rangers have faced Pavano twice this year and scored 14 runs on 13 hits in five innings. Put it tis way: Marlon Byrd loves facing the guy so much – he’s 10-for-22 (.458) in his career – it might make any residual pain from that kidney stone disappear. Also, 3B Michael Young is 3-for-5 and 2B Ian Kinsler is 3-for-4.

Full lineup will be posted when I receive it. As always, entrys can be changed up until game time.

UPDATE, 5:09 pm: Rangers lineup DH Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, RF Josh Hamilton, CF Marlon Byrd, 2B Ian Kinsler, LF David Murphy, C Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, SS Omar Vizquel and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Scott Feldman.

Indoor Home Run Pool

Semi-live from the Fox Sports Southwest Studios, where I will join the effervescent Emily Jones tonight as pre- and post-game analyst, here is your home run pool lineup.

First, a bit of new: Marlon Byrd gave birth to his kidney stone today, which is good news for him and for the long run, but he’ll be held out of the lineup tonight to allow him to recover. If you’ve ever had a stone, you’ll understand. If you haven’t, consider yourself extremely fortunate.

The lineup: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, DH Ivan Rodriguez, LF David Murphy, C Taylor Teagarden, 1B Chris Davis, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Tommy Hunter.

Pool Time

You’ve already heard the big news of the day: The Rangers have designated RHP Jason Jennings for assignment and purchased the contract of RHP Pedro Strop. More on that in a bit. In the meantime, let’s all get in the pool. Here is your homer pool entry form for the day. The Rangers lineup against RHP A.J. Burnett goes a little something like this: DH Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, 2B Ian Kinsler, LF David Murphy, C Taylor Teagarden, 1B Chris Davis, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers. … RHP Dustin Nippert.

The Rangers are again without OF Marlon Byrd, who is back with the team after spending most of yesterday being treated for a 4 mm kidney stone in his left kidney. Byrd had the stone bombarded with ultra-sound waves in an effort to break it up. While he’s no longer in the agonizing pain associated with stones, he is sore from the ultra-sound treatment, which leaves the back and side feeling bruised for a good 24-48 hours. He should be able to swing a bat today – if necessary – and I expect he’ll be capable of returning to the field Friday at Minnesota.

Home Run Pool Time Again

Here’s your early entry form for the home run pool, won lost night by Buck. This will also be your regular entry form when I get the full lineups. Should be about 4:00 pm CDT before that gets posted.

UPDATE, 2:45 p.m.: Here’s the lineup vs. LHP Andy Pettitte: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, DH Ivan Rodriguez, 1B Chris Davis, C Taylor Teagarden, LF David Murphy, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers …. LHP Derek Holland.

Perhaps the lineup looks a little unusual to you. That’s because Marlon Byrd isn’t playing against a lefty and David Murphy is. The reason: Byrd is having an attack of kidney stones. He’s currently at a Manhattan hospital being treated, which essentially means writhing in pain and waiting for them to pass while drinking as much water as possible. I know, I’ve been there. I suppose manager Ron Washington could shift the lineup if Byrd passes the stone and gets to the park in time to play. But for now, this is the posted lineup.

If Chris Davis Is in, Who is out?

The Rangers are expected to officially recall 1B Chris Davis from Triple-A Oklahoma City today. The flip side of that move is they are going to have to remove somebody from the 25-man roster either by a DL move, optioning a player to the minors or flat out releasing somebody. Here’s a look at the possible choices. And here is where you can vote for who is likely to lose his spot. Try not to let personal frustrations get involved in your vote. Think of what you may need in September and what gives you the most roster flexibility. (Note: All players are listed in alphabetical order.)

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Blogging on the Rangers from 33,000 Feet Just Because I Can: Couple of Quick Nuggets

SOMEWHERE ABOVE SOUTH CAROLINA – Good afternoon from another American Airlines flight equipped with the greatest invention since the Cuban Sandwich press – in-flight wireless service. I’m wingin’ my way to New York City to catch up with the Chris Davis-infused Rangers. Hoping to use my off night in NYC to see Inglorious Basterds.  And maybe hit one of the great delis the city has to offer.

Anyway, if you are going to use the in-flight wireless and if you are going to bill said usage to the company, you better at least use it for work. So here I am, blogging from the sky.

Heard two things last night on ESPN that really stuck with me and wanted your thoughts and input:

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Pool Time by the Bay

Here is your Sunday home run pool entry form fully loaded with a lineup:

2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, LF Marlon Byrd, DH Andruw Jones, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, 1B Hank Blalock, C Ivan Rodriguez, SS Elivs Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Scott Feldman.

Also, if you need some noon-time reading, Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett has joined the crew on Frontburner as a guest blogger. Here’s a scoop: Marty B is an alien and wants cheap friends. What more encouragement do you need?

I Left the Hotel Pool just so You Could Get a Head Start on the Saturday Home Run Pool Spectacular

Don’t have any lineups yet. Don’t have much of anything except for a sun-burned back. Shortly after I donned the day’s blackened Grouper sandwich (remind me to write an ode to the blackened Grouper sandwich one day; the grouper is the perfect sandwich fish), the afternoon squalls moved in off the gulf and chased me back to the room. So, what was the first thing I thought of? You, of course. I figured I’d throw the preliminary homer pool post up and let you enter early if you’d like. I will be back later with the lineup. (Yes, angry mob, I expect Julio Borbon will be in there today.)

UPDATED, 2:52 pm CDT: Here is your lineup for tonight against Tampa Bay RHP Matt Garza: DH Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, LF David Murphy, CF Marlon Byrd, RF Josh Hamilton, 2B Ian Kinsler, 1B Hank Blalock, C Taylor Teagarden, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Tommy Hunter.

Indoor Home Run Pool Friday

Those of you who participated in the great lineup discussion from earlier today, thanks a lot. Now, you can not only enter the home run pool, but also see how you fared in your lineup predictions. Quick word: Anybody who had Julio Borbon playing, well, we’ve got these nice parting gifts for you.

Here’s what the Rangers are firing out there against LHP Scott Kazmir: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, LF Marlon Byrd, DH Andruw Jones, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, 1B Hank Blalock, C Taylor Teagarden, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Dustin Nippert.

Good luck with your picks. I’ll play along tonight and go with Michael Young, 4th inning, one out, one on, 2-0 pitch, 389 feet.

Combo Cruz-Borbon Update and Rangers HR Pool

ARLINGTON - Nelson Cruz has been activited and is in Thursday night’s lineup along with DH Julio Borbon (not to mention Ian Kinsler moved up to fifth). A pitcher will be sent to Triple-A Oklahoma sometime before game time (Moscoso?).

The lineup: 1. Julio Borbon, dh; 2. Michael Young, 3b; 3. Josh Hamilton, cf; 4. Marlon Byrd, lf; 5. Ian Kinsler, 2b; 6. Nelson Cruz, rf; 7. Hank Blalock, 1b; 8. Taylor Teagarden, c; 9. Elvis Andrus, ss.

Old No. 7 Home Run Pool

We’re expecting Ivan Rodriguez to be in the lineup tonight, which means he should be available as a home run pool pick. We’ll have the lineup as soon as we can, but in the meantime, let me say it’s good to be back. ‘Course I gotta work on my timing. On consecutive days off, the Rangers lose out on their No. 1 draft pick and then trade for Ivan Rodriguez. Kudos to Jeff Miller for pinch hitting like a batting champ.

UPDATED, with lineup, 3:41: LF Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, RF Josh Hamilton, CF Marlon Byrd, LF David Murphy, 2B Ian Kinsler, 1B Hank Blalock, C Ivan Rodriguez, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Kevin Millwood.

Tuesday Night Texas Rangers Home Run Pool

ARLINGTON - After posting said lineup, I’ll commence to passing along comments from the recently arrived Pudge Rodriguez (”boring drive” from Houston, he said) and Rangers general manager Jon Daniels. When Rodriguez told Daniels earlier today that he’d waive his no-trade clause and return as a back-up, Daniels said he referred to Arlington as his baseball home. Just a few minutes ago, Rodriguez said he plans to play another couple of years and would love to retire as a Ranger.

As for tonight’s Rangers against Minnesota RHP Carl Pavano: 1. Julio Borbon, lf; 2. Michael Young, 3b; 3. Josh Hamilton, rf; 4. Marlon Byrd, cf; 5. David Murphy, dh; 6. Ian Kinsler, 2b; 7. Hank Blalock, 1b; 8. Taylor Teagarden, c; 9. Elvis Andrus, ss.

Your Monday Night Texas Rangers Home Run Pool

ARLINGTON - Here’s the Rangers’ starting lineup for Monday night’s effort against the Minnesota Twins and lefty Francisco Liriano:

1. Ian Kinsler, 2b; 2. Michael Young, 3b; 3. Josh Hamilton, rf; 4. Marlon Byrd, cf; 5. David Murphy, lf; 6. Andruw Jones, dh; 7. Hank Blalock, 1b; 8. Kevin Richardson, c; 9. Elvis Andrus, ss.

Last time out, Liriano beat Kansas City 7-1, limiting the Royals to a run on three hits through seven innings. That was his first win since June 28. He’s 5-11 for the season with a 5.39 ERA. He has a career ERA of 1.13 in 16 innings in Arlington, including two starts.

Home Run Pool Sunday

After a close call in Saturday’s game between Ryan’s Dad and Tippett’s Stache, the judges ruled in favor of the ‘Stache for calling the leadoff homer. Ryan’s Dad was oh, so close, but thought Ian Kinsler’s homer would come with a man on base. Attention, ‘Stache get in touch with me ASAP to claim your prize.

Now, here’s your lineup for Sunday: LF Julio Borbon, 3B Michael Young, DH David Murphy, CF Marlon Byrd, RF Josh Hamilton, 2B Ian Kinsler, 1B Hank Blalock, C Taylor Teagarden, SS Elvis Andrus and pitching for the Rangers … RHP Dustin Nippert.

So get to it, already.

Rangers Drop Ian Kinsler from Leadoff Spot to Sixth

ARLINGTON – The Rangers – acting as an organization – dropped 2B Ian Kinsler out of the leadoff spot Saturday, at least temporarily.

Kinsler, who returned from the DL on Friday, found himself in the No. 6 spot in the lineup for his first start back on the active roster. It’s the first time he’s started anywhere other than the leadoff spot since the end of the 2007 season. Kinsler had little public reaction to the move, saying “it is what it is.”  When asked how he reacted to  manager Ron Washington’s decision in a brief meeting with the manager, Kinsler said Washington informed him it wasn’t his decision.

“So, after that, I really didn’t have anything to say to him about it,” Kinsler said.

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Home Run Pool Therapy

I believe it was in the New England Journal of Medicine, that a study showed participating in a Home Run Pool can lift the spirits of those depressed by horrific losses. Or maybe it was Maxim. I don’t know. But the best way to get over yesterday, I’m sure, is to start focusing on today. Aren’t I the little beacon of sunshine?

So, here you go. Get started on your homer pool entries. The full lineup, which should include 2B Ian Kinsler again, will be up as soon as I get to the little old clubhouse.