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Week 2: Rick Perry Republic of Texas Football Poll

Obviously, these rankings are going over like Kanye West at an awards ceremony. Exactly one person volunteered to be a pollster (and, thank you for the offer). I wasn’t kidding. If you want to vote and you’ve got way too much free time on your hands, like I do, contact me. Also, I could use more email.

We’re moving forward one way or another. It was a big week in the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry. Sure, Houston pulled the big upset, but why can’t Texas A&M (OK, A&M-Kingsville) and Angelo State get in on the act, too?

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Seventh Inning Stretch: Watch Evan Grant Judge a Food Competition

Earlier today, Evan was a celebrity judge at the Southwest Foodservice Expo in Dallas. The Celebrity Chef Smack-down was a showdown between Dallas boy Tre “Top Chef” Wilcox vs Rory “Next Food Network Star” Schepisi. I know it was a tough gig for Evan because he basically likes everything and the chefs cooked all of his favorite things: steak, Gouda mac and cheese, salmon, and shrimp etouffee. Stand up and stretch your legs and mind–there is no cooking in this video, only eating and really bad jokes by emcee, Gary Cogill. Way to go, Evan.

Viral Video: Texas Rangers CF Josh Hamilton

A few minutes with Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton, who stopped by to discuss his swing and the team’s upswing. For a limited time, we still have video in the vault of Nolan Ryan discussing my eating habits and the reasons for the improved performance of the Rangers pitching staff.

“Home Run Happy Hour” At Pappadeaux Is A Grand Slam

Fans lined up for autographs. (Photo by R.P. Washburne)

What if you threw a happy hour party and everybody came? Last night Evan pulled off a great show over at Pappadeaux on Oak Lawn—over 350 folks turned up to meet and greet Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Marlon Byrd, Scott Feldman, Taylor Teagarden, and Chris Davis. Long-time Rangers radio guy Eric Nadel stopped in for a surprise visit. InsideCorner’s ace photographer R.P. Washburne was there and sends a few pictures. You might as well jump.

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Talkin’ Heads: Visiting With Frisco RoughRiders Pitcher And Rangers Prospect Kasey Kiker

Just in time for tonight’s Frisco debut, LHP Kasey Kiker sat down with MJH and I for a little talk. Love Kasey’s stroking of the chin when he decides to be especially introspective.

Special thanks to producer, director and music arranger Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington

Yet Another Multi-Media Alert: Talkin’ Baseball With Bob Sturm And Dan McDowell

If you are in the car, stuck in traffic on the way to Arlington, I’ll be on with the BaD boys at 12:10 on The Ticket (KTCK-1310 AM). You could also listen while you are in the parking lot or on your little transistor radio. And, if you are stuck at work, well, I’m sorry. But you could always hook up on the computer.

Always Fearless And Sometimes Accurate: Trying To Predict The 2009 Texas Rangers Record

Well, here we go: Time for the very scientific Rangers schedule analysis and record projection. I’ve occasionally been right on (I believe 2006) and occasionally been way off (see the 90-72 prediction in 2007). Last year, I believe I missed by a game or two.

In general, here’s what I see: A faster than usual start caused by a favorable early schedule, a .500 club through the early summer, a rough August and a red-hot September. What’s all that get you? Hah. Gotta turn the page to find out. You also go here for a calendar version of the schedule. Or here to look back at your predictions. (more…)

Multi-Media Alert: Adjust Your TVs

If you are watching the game at home on Fox Sports Southwest, there will be a large blue blob invading your screen in the top of the fourth inning. That would be me. Announcement of major importance (at least to my parents) should be forthcoming during my air time.

UPDATE: In case you missed the semi-large announcement (well, I guess any announcement involving me is large), I’ve joined the Fox Sports Southwest team and will be a pre- and post-game analyst for about 15 games this season on Rangers Live.

Multi-Media: Evan Grant vs. Jamey Newberg, The Sequel

We’re talkin’ baseball.

When Evan Met Molly: The Sonic Chick Talks Baseball

Evan Grant is Walking on Sunshine in Surprise

I just made a surprise appearance at the ballyard in Surprise, Arizona. Evan Grant was so surprised to see me, he almost grew a head of hair. I walked into the press box as he was walking out. He was very flustered and panicked. I asked him where he was going but he didn’t have to speak, I know that look–a man in love and on his way to pick up a special someone. It’s going to happen folks. Cherry limeades all around. Let’s play ball!

New Video: Sportswriter (Me), Lawyer (Jamey Newberg) Argue Texas Rangers Baseball

The latest edition of make believe TV (link hopefully fixed, let me know if its still not working) starring me is now available on You Tube. In it, award-winning director Ted Price has Newberg Report founding father Jamey Newberg spent a little time at spring training debating the issues concerning Rangers baseball.

The guy is a  lawyer and made lik a  1600 on the SAT (old scoring system) and I’m sportswriter. Who do you think won?

Let’s Do This: Rangers-Padres Liveblog

I’m a little bored. I need you guys to pick me up. Let’s do a little live blogging/chatting/goofing around from the Rangers-Padres games. If you’ve got questions, send ‘em via the comments. I’ll be updating this post as the game progresses, but no more than once a half inning (per MLB rules). (more…)

More Fun With Video: Kevin Millwood Talks Training

Thanks again to the wonderfully talented and quick-working Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington, we’ve scored another video report. Here’s footage of us discussing the new-and-improved Kevin Millwood with Millwood himself. Also, Millwood, a diehard Duke fan, gives us his (partially) unbiased take on the NCAA basketball tournament.

Friendly Advice: You Should See The Dr

Possible winner

Definite loser

Can you spot the differences in these two pictures?

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