Viral Video: Hail To The Chief

Nolan Ryan stopped by the beautiful InsideCorner Studios to chat a little bit about the improvement in the Rangers pitching staff this year. Also, to abuse me. And, really, what good is a day without some abuse from a Hall of Famer?

Again, much thanks to videographer extraordinaire Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington. We stocked up on some more viral video, including Josh Hamilton, Eddie Guardado and Matt Harrison, all coming in the next few days.

Viral Video: Derek Holland On His Callup To The Big Leagues And His Fashionable Pink Backpack

We’ve got another round of Viral Video to share. Rangers rookie LHP Derek Holland, who you folks might have some interest in, was kind enough to stop by the Corner studios the other day to discuss his callup to the big leagues and the hazing/initiation that goes along with such a callup. Look for the trademark goofy Holland grin somewhere during the video. I think it’s a sign that this guy isn’t afraid to simply be himself.

Video Of Elvis Andrus’ Ninth-Inning Play

In case you went bedtime before the ninth inning last night and haven’t watched SportsCenter this morning or have been caught up in ’round-the-clock A-Rod talk, here’s a link to video of Elvis Andrus’ sensational ninth-inning play last night. As far as I can remember, going back 13 years now, it’s the best play I’ve seen by a Rangers shortstop. To get the throw across the field from the outfield grass, on one knee, in time to get the runner (even if he was a catcher), well, it deserves all the praise it is getting today. Still not sure I’d call it the greatest play in Rangers history, but maybe that’s just me.

Team Game: Complete Effort Lifts Rangers To 6-5 Win Over Mariners And Back Above .500

• D-tails – Boxscore: Rangers 6, Mariners 5; Standings; The Depot live game blog; Post-Game Show comment thread

• Video highlight: Elvis Andrus’ sparkling ninth-inning stop and throw on Kenji Johjima

SEATTLE – The Rangers once again find themselves a winning baseball team and Monday they really looked like one.

In beating AL West leading Seattle 6-5 to kick off a seven-day, three-city road trip, the Rangers got a little something from just about everyone and ended up with significant rewards.

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While Observing Cinco De Morrow, A Quiz For Stars Fans

The devoted Stars fan will set his or her clock radio to 1:24 a.m. Tuesday – and have it start playing Gary Glitter if possible – to commemorate the anniversary of last season’s epic Game 6 clincher over San Jose at AAC. At that time on Monday morning, May 5, at 9:03 of the fourth overtime, Brenden Morrow deftly nudged a pass from Stephane Robidas past Evgeni Nabokov to send the Stars into the Western Conference finals for the first time in seven seasons. You probably also recall that was Morrow’s second OT winner of the series (the guys on TSN were talking Conn Smythe Trophy) and Marty Turco made 61 saves.

For a club that has been here less than two decades, the Stars have provided a host of memorable OT playoff memories starting with Paul Cavallini’s clincher in Game 3 at St. Louis in 1994. (Mike Fornes: “A shot, and a goal!”)

The assignment here is to choose your most memorable moment from Dallas Stars playoff OT hockey. But you can’t pick Brett Hull’s Cup winner. So after the jump, some candidates from other winning Stars games. If you prefer something from the opposite end of the spectrum - Grant Ledyard against the Oilers in ’97 or Jason Arnott winning the Cup for New Jersey here - have at it:

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Viral Video: Johnny Whittleman

What’s a weekend without a little viral video? Frisco 3B Johnny Whittleman stopped down to talk with us for a bit. If you’ve watched all our videos from the last week, perhaps you are aware I seem to be wearing the  same outfit for each one? Maybe I need to get a wardrobe budget. Also, it should be noted, Whittleman was not asleep at the start of this video. That’s a “candid” shot caught by producer, director and location coordinator Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington.

Still availablein the VVV (Viral Video Vault):  Frisco RHP Michael Schlact, RHP Tommy Hunter, SS Marcus Lemon and Rangers RHP Brandon McCarthy.

Thursday A.M. Housecleaning: More Questions For You

I’m sorry, sorry, sorry that we weren’t at the most interesting game of the year last night, but with a somewhat limited travel budget, we’ve had to pick and choose a little. When I made April’s travel plans,  I certainly didn’t think an umpire would go down, Derek Holland would make his major league debut, the Rangers would install a revolving door in the bullpen or that a new reliever would meet his teammates for the first time on the mound as he was entering a game. Lesson learned.

So, here’s the thing I want to put up for a vote: How do you want me to cover road games that I don’t attend. Do you want me to do a Depot live blog during the game and a Post-Game show exactly as we’ve done for home games? Do you want me to post thoughtful columns the next morning? Do you have other ideas? Here’s one thing to keep in mind: Most of the games we won’t attend will be weekend games and Saturday nights would seem to be a good night for me to take off (because I’m such a party animal). We’ll still be open for business on Saturday, but I would imagine that would be the one day every two weeks or so that I’d take off. So give me your thoughts.

Also, I want to remind you about the unique opportunity we’re presenting as we try and create a really interactive community and social network for Rangers fans. We will be at Pappadeaux on Oak Lawn in Dallas on May 11, starting at 5:30. Michael Young, Ian Kinsler and Marlon Byrd will join us for the first two hours. I’m trying to round up a few other special guests. It’s a low-key happy hour, mix and mingle session. There is no admission charge. Nobody will be prosecuted for autograph-seeking (though we’d like to limit it to one request per player). We’d only like you to participate and maybe even stick around and have some dinner, or at least an appetizer or two. Let me know if you are interested in this. We really want to make it the first of some very special outings that will only get better with more and more participation. Let us know if you are thinking about attending this event. Again, we want to make it special for you.

And finally, our latest visit to the Viral Video Vault has us sitting down with Michael Shlact to talk about his place in the Rangers organization. Not sure if Shlact will ever be a major league pitcher, but he’s got some really interesting things to say about working with Mark Connor this spring on a Roy Halladay type delivery. And he’s a Georgia fan.

Also, here’s the other stuff that’s still kinda fresh in the vault: Rangers RHP Brandon McCarthy, Frisco SS Marcus Lemon and RHP Tommy Hunter.

Viral Video: Brandon McCarthy

In time for his start tonight at Toronto, Brandon McCarthy, stopped to talk with the Viral Video crew of Ted Price and I. McCarthy is hard at work on his first blog entry, too, which we should hopefully have tomorrow or Thursday. He is a multi-media starter.

The rest of the Viral Video vault, thanks to producer, director and stuntman Ted Price: Jason Jennings (available for one more day) and the Frisco duo of Tommy Hunter and Marcus Lemon. Incidentally, there is a new Rangers Podcast in Arlington broadcast available at Ted’s site.

Viral Video: Jason Jennings

We sent our crack investigative team to find a hot Rangers pitcher to talk to. It was no easy task considering the team ERA is above 7.00. But we were undaunted. We tracked down and stalked starter-turned-reliever Jason Jennings to talk to him about adjusting to his new role. Great camera work and editing by producer, director and caterer Ted Price.

• More from the VVV (Viral Video Vault): Marlon Byrd; Tommy Hunter

From the director’s chair: The Byrd video will be coming down on Sunday as the major league videos have only 72-hour shelf life. Jennings will be available until Tuesday a.m.

Viral Video: Rangers Prospect Tommy Hunter

Marlon Byrd talked to InsideCorner on Wednesday, then went out and piled up five hits. Tommy Hunter talked to us yesterday ahead of his first start of the season for Double-A Frisco tonight? Is it a good luck charm to visit with us. We shall see.

Especially like the freeze frame producer, director and lighting coordinator Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington caught of Hunter at the start. He’s looking at me like I’m nuts. Well, I am. More video coming over the weekend.

Texas Ranger Marlon Byrd Talks To InsideCorner, Gets Five Hits

Coincidence? We think not.

Hey, if you like these videos, do us a favor and let us know, both by watching and commenting. Trying to figure out how regular a feature we should make these. We’ve got more interviews scheduled with Jason Jennings and Brandon McCarthy for the next couple of days. But we want feedback. We think Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington is a great director, producer and screenwriter

Where There’s Smoak: A Visit With Rangers Prospect Justin Smoak

Just in time for the start of Double-A Frisco’s season tonight in Springfield, Mo.,  we’ve got a little chat with Justin Smoak for you. MJH and I peppered him with all the tough questions.

Again: Much thanks to director, producer and gaffer Ted Price of Rangers Podcast in Arlington.

And here’s a quick thumbnail look at some key players around the organization.

Sports Food Porn: Texas Ranger Edition

Greetings hungry sports fans. Today the Texas Rangers rolled out their new food items for the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. There’s a lot of delicious new food. There’s a special new “Beers of Texas” program. And a hot dog story that may upset you. (Pictured: buffalo chicken sliders. Get it. Sliders. Very basebally cuisine.)

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

We’re talkin’ baseball.

When Evan Met Molly: The Sonic Chick Talks Baseball