I've been holding on to the Feldman Punch for a little and finally came up with inspiration to do something with it. Enjoy!Wednesday, August 30, 2006
DEFEAT
I've been holding on to the Feldman Punch for a little and finally came up with inspiration to do something with it. Enjoy!FIBA 2006 Update
Now, what is FIBA? It’s a basketball tournament where you can’t tell the truth. Seriously, it’s like Olympic basketball, but not during the Olympics. I’m following Germany due to them having a DIRKY guy. Unfortunately for them, one guy doesn’t make a team, but he’s doing the best he can. And he’s not doing a bad job, either.
Germany: (5-2)
Schedule:Germany: (5-2)
8/19/06 vs. Japan
Won 81-70
8/20/06 vs. New Zealand
Won 80-56
8/21/06 vs. Spain
Lost 92-71
8/23/06 vs. Panama
Won 83-61
8/24/06 vs. Angola
Won 108-103 (3OT)
Eight Finals:
8/27/06 vs. Nigeria
Won 78-77
Quarter Finals:
8/30/06 vs. USA
Lost 85-65
Classification Game:
8/31/06 vs. France
USA: (7-0)
Schedule:
8/19/06 vs. Puerto Rico
Won 111-100
8/20/06 vs. China
Won 121-90
8/22/06 vs. Slovenia
Won 114-95
8/23/06 vs. Italy
Won 94-85
8/24/06 vs. Senegal
Won 103-58
Eight Finals:
8/27/06 vs. Australia
Won 113-73
Quarter Finals:
8/30/06 vs. Germany
Won 85-65
Semi-Finals:
9/1/06 vs. Greece
Monday, August 28, 2006
The PHAT Lady
Well, the PHAT lady is already warmed up her voice and sung her opening round of songs, as the Rangers have exited the playoff run. But even with that in mind, The Cubs won 21 straight at the end of the season to make the playoffs and go to the World Series… granted that was in 1935. The Cubs couldn’t do that again, at least not with Dusty Baker at the helm. Now, this should be the Rangers motto: “We have the players, we can make it happen.” They do have the players. This team is underperforming. They could all get HOT at the same time and create magic in Arlington. My hope is waning. But I still have some. Many are turning their heads to the upcoming football season. There is still a month of baseball to go for the Rangers and until they are “statically” eliminated, I cling like static electricity at a gas station.
Notable Win Streaks over the Years:
Notable Win Streaks over the Years:
RANGERS 2006 (?)
2002 Athletics, 20
1953 Yankees, 18 (Won World Series)
1947 Yankees, 19 (Won World Series)
1935 Cubs, 21 (Lost World Series)
1931 Athletics, 17 (Lost World Series)
1916 Giants, 26 & 17
1912 Senators, 17
1907 Giants, 17
1906 White Sox, 19 (Won World Series)
1904 Giants, 18
2002 Athletics, 20
1953 Yankees, 18 (Won World Series)
1947 Yankees, 19 (Won World Series)
1935 Cubs, 21 (Lost World Series)
1931 Athletics, 17 (Lost World Series)
1916 Giants, 26 & 17
1912 Senators, 17
1907 Giants, 17
1906 White Sox, 19 (Won World Series)
1904 Giants, 18
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
2006 FIBA update
Germany: (2-1)
Schedule:
8/19/06 vs. Japan
Won 81-70
8/20/06 vs. New Zealand
Won 80-56
8/21/06 vs. Spain
Lost 92-71
8/23/06 vs. Panama (0-3)
8/24/06 vs. Angola (3-0)
USA: (3-0)
Schedule:
8/19/06 vs. Puerto Rico
Won 111-100
8/20/06 vs. China
Won 121-90
8/22/06 vs. Slovenia
Won 114-95
8/23/06 vs. Italy (3-0)
8/24/06 vs. Senegal (0-3)
Friday, August 18, 2006
Rangers vs. Tigers
Buck Showalter suspended four games, Vicente Padilla five and Scott Feldman six games… it makes things a little interesting. Showalter and Padilla have both started their suspensions. As to who starts on Sunday, it is still very much in the air, but I have found that it most likely will be Tejeda.
Sunday: Robinson Tejeda (1-3) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Robinson Tejeda will come in and pitch this game for the Rangers. He’s thrown 19 1/3 innings this season and has given up 21 runs for an ERA of 9.78. He’s started five games for the Rangers and seriously only looked good twice, his Ranger debut against Tampa Bay and a game at Houston. The rest of the time, he’s been scored upon really hard, normally lasting three innings. He looked great for Philadelphia last year, posting an ERA of 3.57 in 26 appearances (13 starts). The minors this year, Tejeda has done well. He is 6-2 with a 3.15 ERA over 80 innings of work. He’s only given up 61 hits, but 42 walks for a WHIP of 1.29. He’s looking good, but so is Rheinecker who has an ERA of 2.50 in the minors over 72 innings. Danks still doesn’t seem ready; he is 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA. Kameron Loe is not ready, but hopefully he will be by September (although time is starting to run short). ERA is 8.47 and he is 1-1 in the minors. Still, I would be surprised to not see Rhino, Loe, and Danks come September. Anyway, now onto Bonderman… he has three career starts and is 2-0 against the Rangers in those starts. He averages nearly seven innings when he pitches against us and sports a 4.50 ERA against the Rangers. His ERA this season is 3.69 and he has a WHIP of 1.18 (1.35 against the Badges). He is better on the road than at home, with an ERA of 4.54 and a record of 4-4, so the Rangers have a better chance with him now. His last three starts have been no-decisions for him, but two the Tigers have won. Four of his five last decisions have been wins. He is also 3-1 since the All-Star break and his ERA has been higher (4.30), although batters continue to hit the same average (.237). I guess they are just making more of what they get. He hasn’t pitched against the Rangers this season, but has faced Carlos Lee and Matt Stairs this year. Stairs has a homerun and three RBIs this season against him. For his career, Stairs is 9-18 with 3 homeruns and 8 RBIs. Lee is 4-16 with a solo homerun. Hairston is 4-5 with 3 RBIs. Young has a homerun (and is 3-10 overall) and Blalock is 3-11 with an RBI. Current Rangers bat .304 against Jeremy. And that makes it hard to not pick the Rangers, despite Tejeda not doing well this year in the majors. If anything, this could be a slugfest. Forecast: Rangers drop a close game while getting pounded 10-8. Watch-clock: Tex is a career 0-9 against Bonderman.
Close – But NO PRIZE:
The Rangers have finished less than ten games behind 1st NINE times and didn’t make it the playoffs: 1974 (5), 1977 (8 – won 94 games that year), 1978 (5), 1979 (5), 1981 (5), 1986 (5), 1993 (8), 1995 (4.5), and 2004 (3). The 94 wins in 1977 is second most in club history.
Sunday: Robinson Tejeda (1-3) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Robinson Tejeda will come in and pitch this game for the Rangers. He’s thrown 19 1/3 innings this season and has given up 21 runs for an ERA of 9.78. He’s started five games for the Rangers and seriously only looked good twice, his Ranger debut against Tampa Bay and a game at Houston. The rest of the time, he’s been scored upon really hard, normally lasting three innings. He looked great for Philadelphia last year, posting an ERA of 3.57 in 26 appearances (13 starts). The minors this year, Tejeda has done well. He is 6-2 with a 3.15 ERA over 80 innings of work. He’s only given up 61 hits, but 42 walks for a WHIP of 1.29. He’s looking good, but so is Rheinecker who has an ERA of 2.50 in the minors over 72 innings. Danks still doesn’t seem ready; he is 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA. Kameron Loe is not ready, but hopefully he will be by September (although time is starting to run short). ERA is 8.47 and he is 1-1 in the minors. Still, I would be surprised to not see Rhino, Loe, and Danks come September. Anyway, now onto Bonderman… he has three career starts and is 2-0 against the Rangers in those starts. He averages nearly seven innings when he pitches against us and sports a 4.50 ERA against the Rangers. His ERA this season is 3.69 and he has a WHIP of 1.18 (1.35 against the Badges). He is better on the road than at home, with an ERA of 4.54 and a record of 4-4, so the Rangers have a better chance with him now. His last three starts have been no-decisions for him, but two the Tigers have won. Four of his five last decisions have been wins. He is also 3-1 since the All-Star break and his ERA has been higher (4.30), although batters continue to hit the same average (.237). I guess they are just making more of what they get. He hasn’t pitched against the Rangers this season, but has faced Carlos Lee and Matt Stairs this year. Stairs has a homerun and three RBIs this season against him. For his career, Stairs is 9-18 with 3 homeruns and 8 RBIs. Lee is 4-16 with a solo homerun. Hairston is 4-5 with 3 RBIs. Young has a homerun (and is 3-10 overall) and Blalock is 3-11 with an RBI. Current Rangers bat .304 against Jeremy. And that makes it hard to not pick the Rangers, despite Tejeda not doing well this year in the majors. If anything, this could be a slugfest. Forecast: Rangers drop a close game while getting pounded 10-8. Watch-clock: Tex is a career 0-9 against Bonderman.
Close – But NO PRIZE:
The Rangers have finished less than ten games behind 1st NINE times and didn’t make it the playoffs: 1974 (5), 1977 (8 – won 94 games that year), 1978 (5), 1979 (5), 1981 (5), 1986 (5), 1993 (8), 1995 (4.5), and 2004 (3). The 94 wins in 1977 is second most in club history.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Rangers vs. Tigers
Buck Showalter suspended four games, Vicente Padilla five (one start) and Scott Feldman six games… that does make things a little interesting.
Saturday: John Koronka (7-7) vs. Nate Robertson (11-8)
Let’s start sounding like a tongue-tied sports guy. This is the first start for Koronka since his last start in the majors (DUH!). Seriously, Koronka’s last start was on August 5th, but with everything going crazy of late, Wells out for three weeks, and Padilla pretending the batters will give him a prize if he hits them, much like an amusement park game, the Rangers are back to scrounging for players to put on the hill. Koronka was very respectable for much of the season, June 12th put his ERA over the 5 mark, but he worked it back under by the end of June. His third start of July, he got blasted by Toronto for nine earned runs over a mere 3 2/3 innings. Again, by the end of July, he had worked magic and put it under the 5 mark. Over his last seven starts, the Rangers are 4-3 but Koronka is 1-3. Still, when Koronka does well, so do the Rangers, even if it doesn’t get him the win, the Rangers still have a good chance. Nate has lost five of his last eight starts. He has also seen his ERA jump up from a great 3.14 to the 3.85 it is now. Despite all the runs and losses, he has still given Detroit a good inning filling start, going at least six innings and as much as eight during this stretch. He has seven starts against the Rangers, averaging just under seven innings during those games. His record is 3-2 and has a low WHIP of 1.13. His ERA against the Rangers is 3.19. He did pitch against the Rangers at the start of the year, he got the win of a 10-6 game where he gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings. Carlos Lee is 8-16 against Nate, Tex is 6-21 and the two combine for 9 RBIs and a homerun a piece. Kinsler is 2-2 with a double and a homerun (that’s a slugging percentage of 3.000!). The Rangers as a team hit .246. Koronka did start a game against Detroit where the Rangers lost 5-2 at the beginning of the season. No current Tiger has more than three at-bats against Koronka (most likely from the game earlier this season), but Shelton is 2-2 with a homerun, two RBIs, and a slugging percentage of 3.000 – not as exciting when it’s the other team). I expect a stellar game from Koronka, as he is trying once again to prove something – that he belongs on this team. Many other players are knocking on the door, but he is the one who can close the door on his spot in the rotation. Forecast: Koronka pitches an amazing game and keeps Detroit guessing most of the night, Ranger win 3-2.
Sunday: Vicente Padilla (12-7) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Now, there could be anyone pitching this, should Padilla be suspended. It is not definite that he will be suspended in time for this game or not, but most likely he will. It could be Robinson Tejeda or John Rheinecker. I am actually hoping it will be John Danks, but that almost seems like a pipe-dream. He most likely won’t be in a Ranger’s uniform until September, and even then it might be limited action for him pitching wise. Will Padilla appeal or take the suspension and let it be?
Saturday: John Koronka (7-7) vs. Nate Robertson (11-8)
Let’s start sounding like a tongue-tied sports guy. This is the first start for Koronka since his last start in the majors (DUH!). Seriously, Koronka’s last start was on August 5th, but with everything going crazy of late, Wells out for three weeks, and Padilla pretending the batters will give him a prize if he hits them, much like an amusement park game, the Rangers are back to scrounging for players to put on the hill. Koronka was very respectable for much of the season, June 12th put his ERA over the 5 mark, but he worked it back under by the end of June. His third start of July, he got blasted by Toronto for nine earned runs over a mere 3 2/3 innings. Again, by the end of July, he had worked magic and put it under the 5 mark. Over his last seven starts, the Rangers are 4-3 but Koronka is 1-3. Still, when Koronka does well, so do the Rangers, even if it doesn’t get him the win, the Rangers still have a good chance. Nate has lost five of his last eight starts. He has also seen his ERA jump up from a great 3.14 to the 3.85 it is now. Despite all the runs and losses, he has still given Detroit a good inning filling start, going at least six innings and as much as eight during this stretch. He has seven starts against the Rangers, averaging just under seven innings during those games. His record is 3-2 and has a low WHIP of 1.13. His ERA against the Rangers is 3.19. He did pitch against the Rangers at the start of the year, he got the win of a 10-6 game where he gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings. Carlos Lee is 8-16 against Nate, Tex is 6-21 and the two combine for 9 RBIs and a homerun a piece. Kinsler is 2-2 with a double and a homerun (that’s a slugging percentage of 3.000!). The Rangers as a team hit .246. Koronka did start a game against Detroit where the Rangers lost 5-2 at the beginning of the season. No current Tiger has more than three at-bats against Koronka (most likely from the game earlier this season), but Shelton is 2-2 with a homerun, two RBIs, and a slugging percentage of 3.000 – not as exciting when it’s the other team). I expect a stellar game from Koronka, as he is trying once again to prove something – that he belongs on this team. Many other players are knocking on the door, but he is the one who can close the door on his spot in the rotation. Forecast: Koronka pitches an amazing game and keeps Detroit guessing most of the night, Ranger win 3-2.
Sunday: Vicente Padilla (12-7) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Now, there could be anyone pitching this, should Padilla be suspended. It is not definite that he will be suspended in time for this game or not, but most likely he will. It could be Robinson Tejeda or John Rheinecker. I am actually hoping it will be John Danks, but that almost seems like a pipe-dream. He most likely won’t be in a Ranger’s uniform until September, and even then it might be limited action for him pitching wise. Will Padilla appeal or take the suspension and let it be?
Rangers vs. Tigers
I couldn’t believe the fight that broke out… of course, I couldn’t believe all the players getting hit, either. But what a… mess. Boxing and Baseball collide, next in sports! Anyway… here’s Friday’s pick, Saturday and Sunday are in the waiting mode.
Friday: Kevin Millwood (11-8) vs. Zach Miner (7-3)
“Could they be the miners?” “Sure, they’re like three years old.” “MINERS, not MINORS.” “You lost me.” (quote from Galaxy Quest). Millwood is sporting a 4.73 ERA, .01 down from his previous start. In his career against Detroit, he is 1-2 and has a ERA of 3.41 against them. His WHIP against Detroit is 1.26 and hitters knock him for .264. his last start against Detroit he gave up five runs, only four earned and struck out 5 over six innings. That was on April 8th, which for whatever reason, Millwood has a reputation of pitching bad in April (although I can’t seem to figure out the login on that, He has a career 500 mark in the month). Outside of April, Kevin is 35 games over 500… over 10 seasons, that is an average of only 3.5 wins spread out over the five remaining months, so obviously to say that April is a bad month for him is just about hogwash. It isn’t any better or worse, logically, than other month. So anyway, his chances for tonight… Sean Casey hits .333 over 24 at-bats with a homer and 3 RBIs. Pudge is 4-23, but has a homer and 4 RBIs. Shelton is 5-6 with four RBIs. Vance Wilson is due… he’s 0-12 and has whiffed six times. Carlos Guillen is trying to catch up to Wilson, he’s 0-8, but has whiffed only two times. As a team, Detroit doesn’t hit him. A .223 average with 3 homeruns and fourteen RBIs in 139 at-bats. Now to the underage fellow… he should called a minor, he’s born on march 12th, 1982. My sister is older than this guy. OUCH! Anyway, he’s only made 13 starts this season (and career) and has a 4.25 ERA to show for it. He doesn’t do as good at home as on the road, 5.83 ERA at home, and hitters slap him for a .333 average. And four homeruns in 29 1/3 innings. July, his ERA was 5.79 and this month, thus far, it is 5.19. After the All-Star break, his ERA has been 6.60. So, this doesn’t really seem terribly hard. But the one troubling thing in my mind is how the Rangers don’t bode well with pitchers they see the first time. Saving grace, mind you, is that they should have an effective scouting report on this fellow and after the first at-bat, they should plunk him in to outer space. Millwood just needs to keep a game face on and make his pitches, and the Rangers will do well. Forecast: Millwood MAKES his pitches and the Rangers DO well: score 7-3.
Note: I’m going to hold off on these two games, just to see who the Rangers’ starters will be…
Saturday: John Koronka (7-7) vs. Nate Robertson (11-8)
Not confirmed yet on Koronka… should know soon.
Sunday: Vicente Padilla (12-7) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Now, there could be anyone pitching this, should Padilla be suspended. It is not definite that he will be suspended in time for this game or not, but most likely he will. It could be Robinson Tejeda or John Rheinecker. I am actually hoping it will be John Danks, but that almost seems like a pipe-dream. He most likely won’t be in a Ranger’s uniform until September, and even then it might be limited action for him pitching wise.
Friday: Kevin Millwood (11-8) vs. Zach Miner (7-3)
“Could they be the miners?” “Sure, they’re like three years old.” “MINERS, not MINORS.” “You lost me.” (quote from Galaxy Quest). Millwood is sporting a 4.73 ERA, .01 down from his previous start. In his career against Detroit, he is 1-2 and has a ERA of 3.41 against them. His WHIP against Detroit is 1.26 and hitters knock him for .264. his last start against Detroit he gave up five runs, only four earned and struck out 5 over six innings. That was on April 8th, which for whatever reason, Millwood has a reputation of pitching bad in April (although I can’t seem to figure out the login on that, He has a career 500 mark in the month). Outside of April, Kevin is 35 games over 500… over 10 seasons, that is an average of only 3.5 wins spread out over the five remaining months, so obviously to say that April is a bad month for him is just about hogwash. It isn’t any better or worse, logically, than other month. So anyway, his chances for tonight… Sean Casey hits .333 over 24 at-bats with a homer and 3 RBIs. Pudge is 4-23, but has a homer and 4 RBIs. Shelton is 5-6 with four RBIs. Vance Wilson is due… he’s 0-12 and has whiffed six times. Carlos Guillen is trying to catch up to Wilson, he’s 0-8, but has whiffed only two times. As a team, Detroit doesn’t hit him. A .223 average with 3 homeruns and fourteen RBIs in 139 at-bats. Now to the underage fellow… he should called a minor, he’s born on march 12th, 1982. My sister is older than this guy. OUCH! Anyway, he’s only made 13 starts this season (and career) and has a 4.25 ERA to show for it. He doesn’t do as good at home as on the road, 5.83 ERA at home, and hitters slap him for a .333 average. And four homeruns in 29 1/3 innings. July, his ERA was 5.79 and this month, thus far, it is 5.19. After the All-Star break, his ERA has been 6.60. So, this doesn’t really seem terribly hard. But the one troubling thing in my mind is how the Rangers don’t bode well with pitchers they see the first time. Saving grace, mind you, is that they should have an effective scouting report on this fellow and after the first at-bat, they should plunk him in to outer space. Millwood just needs to keep a game face on and make his pitches, and the Rangers will do well. Forecast: Millwood MAKES his pitches and the Rangers DO well: score 7-3.
Note: I’m going to hold off on these two games, just to see who the Rangers’ starters will be…
Saturday: John Koronka (7-7) vs. Nate Robertson (11-8)
Not confirmed yet on Koronka… should know soon.
Sunday: Vicente Padilla (12-7) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-5)
Now, there could be anyone pitching this, should Padilla be suspended. It is not definite that he will be suspended in time for this game or not, but most likely he will. It could be Robinson Tejeda or John Rheinecker. I am actually hoping it will be John Danks, but that almost seems like a pipe-dream. He most likely won’t be in a Ranger’s uniform until September, and even then it might be limited action for him pitching wise.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Rangers vs. Tigers
It’s raining in my house. Wells is injured and will miss a start. Wilkerson is out for the season. Padilla keeps hitting batters and getting our team in trouble. The last part isn’t so bad, it’s help motivate an unmotivated club.
Tigers (78-42) at Rangers (62-59)
Thursday: Edison Vólquez (1-1) vs. Kenny Rogers (11-6)
Edison is starting to show that he can play. I would almost beg the argument that dominating the Mariners doesn’t say much (and I wouldn’t be far off on that), but the reality remains that he is in the Big Leagues and he is performing. An ERA of 3.00 isn’t embarrassing. It’s a number to be proud of. Now, if can put up STELLAR numbers against the Tigers who are not playing the way a Detroit team should, then I will be impressed. Edison has never faced any of the Detroit hitters, at least on the Major League level. The first of the acclaimed DVD pitchers to get a win on this level, hopefully there will be more wins coming these three as time moves on. Rogers was drafted by the Rangers back in 1982 (39th round, no less) and has had three tours of duty with the club. Could this game actually be a passing of the torch? One great pitcher, brought up and nurtured by this club goes against what is billed as a future star for the Rangers? Youth vs. Age – Wisdom vs. Unlearned. Rogers simply does well against the Rangers. If this was in Ameriquest, hands down Detroit on this one. Being that the Tigers are 36 over 500 seems to make the pick just as easy. But in 11 starts against his former club, Kenny is only 4-3 in 72 innings. He also took the loss on April 9th by giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings. The last time Kenny took a win was back on July 5th. Since then, he has lost three in his last six starts. His ERA has also gone up from 3.85 to the now 4.36. I am very tempted now to pick the Rangers, especially after the brawl against the Angels… but wisdom sounds like the way to go. Intangibles go toward the Rangers, but my gut says the Tigers. Forecast: OH MY GOSH! THEY KILLED KENNY – Tigers pitch it better: 4-2.
Tigers (78-42) at Rangers (62-59)
Thursday: Edison Vólquez (1-1) vs. Kenny Rogers (11-6)
Edison is starting to show that he can play. I would almost beg the argument that dominating the Mariners doesn’t say much (and I wouldn’t be far off on that), but the reality remains that he is in the Big Leagues and he is performing. An ERA of 3.00 isn’t embarrassing. It’s a number to be proud of. Now, if can put up STELLAR numbers against the Tigers who are not playing the way a Detroit team should, then I will be impressed. Edison has never faced any of the Detroit hitters, at least on the Major League level. The first of the acclaimed DVD pitchers to get a win on this level, hopefully there will be more wins coming these three as time moves on. Rogers was drafted by the Rangers back in 1982 (39th round, no less) and has had three tours of duty with the club. Could this game actually be a passing of the torch? One great pitcher, brought up and nurtured by this club goes against what is billed as a future star for the Rangers? Youth vs. Age – Wisdom vs. Unlearned. Rogers simply does well against the Rangers. If this was in Ameriquest, hands down Detroit on this one. Being that the Tigers are 36 over 500 seems to make the pick just as easy. But in 11 starts against his former club, Kenny is only 4-3 in 72 innings. He also took the loss on April 9th by giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings. The last time Kenny took a win was back on July 5th. Since then, he has lost three in his last six starts. His ERA has also gone up from 3.85 to the now 4.36. I am very tempted now to pick the Rangers, especially after the brawl against the Angels… but wisdom sounds like the way to go. Intangibles go toward the Rangers, but my gut says the Tigers. Forecast: OH MY GOSH! THEY KILLED KENNY – Tigers pitch it better: 4-2.
2006 FIBA World Championship
Germany: (5-2)
Schedule:
8/19/06 vs. Japan (5-3)
8/20/06 vs. New Zealand (0-3)
8/21/06 vs. Spain (3-3)
8/23/06 vs. Panama (5-4)
8/24/06 vs. Angola (8-0)
United States: (4-6)
Qualifiers:
8/24/05: vs. Panama – Won 94-72
8/25/05: vs. Brazil – Won 96-94
8/27/05: vs. Canada – Lost 92-76
8/28/05: vs. Venezuela – Lost 71-70
8/30/05: vs. Dominican – Won 111-86
8/31/05: vs. Argentina – Lost 84-67
9/1/05: vs. Uruguay – Won 91-77
9/2/05: vs. Puerto Rico – Lost 88-83
9/3/05: vs. Brazil – Lost 93-75
9/4/05: vs. Venezuela – Lost 93-83
Schedule:
8/19/06 vs. Puerto Rico (4-4)
8/20/06 vs. China (8-0)
8/22/06 vs. Slovenia (4-2)
8/23/06 vs. Italy (1-3)
8/24/06 vs. Senegal (6-2)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Rangers vs. Angels
Wow, I like to be wrong when it comes to predicting a Rangers loss and it turns out to be a Rangers win. I said that the Rangers need to go at LEAST 4-2 on the home-stand and since they SWEPT the Mariners, they need to step it up against the Angels. The Rangers need to gain ground on the A’s and the Angels and this little two game series is a lot more important than just the two games played. The remaining games are a lot more important than just ONE game. A sweep of the home-stand will give distance between the Angels and Rangers, who are both tied for second in the AL West.
Texas Rangers (61-58, tied 2nd) vs. The Los Angeles, California Angels of Anaheim on the west coast of the United States on the North American Continent on the Planet we call Earth (with more names coming soon to a theatre new you) (61-58, tied 2nd)
Tuesday: Ervin Santana (12-6) vs. Vicente Padilla (12-7)
Santana looks pretty good; he has a 3-1 record against the Rangers lifetime, but a 6.00 ERA. The boys in blue post a .269 average against him and have a WHIP of 1.46. Padilla is 2-0 against the halos and has a 3.15 ERA against them, despite a .300 BAA. His WHIP is 1.20, much better than Santana. Another note is that Padilla has never walked an Angel (insert pun here) and his WHIP is completely off of Angel hits. It is almost too easy to favor the Rangers in this one, but my main concern is the .300 batting average that Padilla gives up to these guys. The good thing is that they must be scattered to only have an ERA like that. How long can Padilla continue to scatter the hits and win? Still, I think he is the best guy for this job. He’s closing in on a career mark for himself. Two more wins will match a season best for him; three will set a new personal record. The Angels are fairly new to Padilla, where only two players have faced him more than 10 times (Vlad the Impaler and Orlando, FL.). Cabrera hits only .250 but Vlad hits the Rangers like no one on this planet. Vlad hits Padilla .346 with one homerun and four RBIs in 26 at-bats. To be honest, I am not all that worried now about Padilla in this one. Now, Santana… well, let’s just say the Rangers make short work of him in their limited at-bats. Matthews is 5 for 11 with four RBIs, Blalock is 3 for 11 with 3 RBIs, and Tex is 3 for 7 with a homerun and four RBIs. Tex has also walked four times against Santana. Young is 3 for 10 with an RBI. It looks good for the good guys. Forecast: Rangers win the opener of the two gamer 6-4. Note: Wilkerson and DeRosa both have yet to collect a hit on Santana.
Wednesday: Joe Saunders (4-0) vs. Adam Eaton (2-2)
Current ranger hitters have only three hits against this kid Saunders. And last I checked, three hits over seven innings just doesn’t sound like it will lead to a win. He has only four starts this season and has gone 6 innings or more every single time. The good thing is that the Rangers have two things going for them: a scouting report with good history AND they have already faced him. This will be the first time Saunders has faced an opponent twice. And that could spell victory for the Texas boys of summer. In Saunder’s only road start, he wasn’t as sharp as he is at home, but he did face the NY Yankees, the best team money can buy, and if it isn’t, then they’ll just spend some more to get them there. Still, the Yankees are a tough bunch, just ask Eaton. He made his season debut against the stripes and took it for a loss. And we can remember his appearance against the halos, lasting only for two outs, and his second loss (mind you, he had a temper mental umpire to deal against). So, obviously Eaton’s numbers aren’t realistic on the grand scheme of things. He is 0-1 against the Angels in two career starts and sports a 5.14 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP. The halos bat .333 against him as well. Eaton has seven innings pitched against them. His other start, Eaton went 6 1/3 innings, giving up only one run. Doesn’t that sound so much better, when he’s given a chance to perform? Mind you, Eaton does so much better in Ameriquest. And that’s where he will be pitching. Still, it looks like this could either be a blasting of the bats for both sides as easy as it could be stellar pitching from the two. But I am going to go out on a limb and say it will be the first instead of the second. Forecast: Halos stay tied in second with the Badges 8-6. Look for Tex to lead the hitting for the Rangers and get the offense going.
Texas Rangers (61-58, tied 2nd) vs. The Los Angeles, California Angels of Anaheim on the west coast of the United States on the North American Continent on the Planet we call Earth (with more names coming soon to a theatre new you) (61-58, tied 2nd)
Tuesday: Ervin Santana (12-6) vs. Vicente Padilla (12-7)
Santana looks pretty good; he has a 3-1 record against the Rangers lifetime, but a 6.00 ERA. The boys in blue post a .269 average against him and have a WHIP of 1.46. Padilla is 2-0 against the halos and has a 3.15 ERA against them, despite a .300 BAA. His WHIP is 1.20, much better than Santana. Another note is that Padilla has never walked an Angel (insert pun here) and his WHIP is completely off of Angel hits. It is almost too easy to favor the Rangers in this one, but my main concern is the .300 batting average that Padilla gives up to these guys. The good thing is that they must be scattered to only have an ERA like that. How long can Padilla continue to scatter the hits and win? Still, I think he is the best guy for this job. He’s closing in on a career mark for himself. Two more wins will match a season best for him; three will set a new personal record. The Angels are fairly new to Padilla, where only two players have faced him more than 10 times (Vlad the Impaler and Orlando, FL.). Cabrera hits only .250 but Vlad hits the Rangers like no one on this planet. Vlad hits Padilla .346 with one homerun and four RBIs in 26 at-bats. To be honest, I am not all that worried now about Padilla in this one. Now, Santana… well, let’s just say the Rangers make short work of him in their limited at-bats. Matthews is 5 for 11 with four RBIs, Blalock is 3 for 11 with 3 RBIs, and Tex is 3 for 7 with a homerun and four RBIs. Tex has also walked four times against Santana. Young is 3 for 10 with an RBI. It looks good for the good guys. Forecast: Rangers win the opener of the two gamer 6-4. Note: Wilkerson and DeRosa both have yet to collect a hit on Santana.
Wednesday: Joe Saunders (4-0) vs. Adam Eaton (2-2)
Current ranger hitters have only three hits against this kid Saunders. And last I checked, three hits over seven innings just doesn’t sound like it will lead to a win. He has only four starts this season and has gone 6 innings or more every single time. The good thing is that the Rangers have two things going for them: a scouting report with good history AND they have already faced him. This will be the first time Saunders has faced an opponent twice. And that could spell victory for the Texas boys of summer. In Saunder’s only road start, he wasn’t as sharp as he is at home, but he did face the NY Yankees, the best team money can buy, and if it isn’t, then they’ll just spend some more to get them there. Still, the Yankees are a tough bunch, just ask Eaton. He made his season debut against the stripes and took it for a loss. And we can remember his appearance against the halos, lasting only for two outs, and his second loss (mind you, he had a temper mental umpire to deal against). So, obviously Eaton’s numbers aren’t realistic on the grand scheme of things. He is 0-1 against the Angels in two career starts and sports a 5.14 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP. The halos bat .333 against him as well. Eaton has seven innings pitched against them. His other start, Eaton went 6 1/3 innings, giving up only one run. Doesn’t that sound so much better, when he’s given a chance to perform? Mind you, Eaton does so much better in Ameriquest. And that’s where he will be pitching. Still, it looks like this could either be a blasting of the bats for both sides as easy as it could be stellar pitching from the two. But I am going to go out on a limb and say it will be the first instead of the second. Forecast: Halos stay tied in second with the Badges 8-6. Look for Tex to lead the hitting for the Rangers and get the offense going.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Bush League Baseball update
It’s time for a Bush League Baseball update, since I haven’t done one in quite some time. I think I may be retiring soon from the game. I have the Texas Head Bashers in the Elite Tournament and they are in the final. Keep in mind, on the server there is a total of 4,096 teams, and the Bashers are one of two teams that have made it this far. In a percentage world, only .0488% make it this far. And the road to this point wasn’t all that easy. I won my first round game 5-3. Second round was a 4-3 victory followed by a 10-9 win. The quarter final was a 7-5 victory and I won tonight in extra innings 10-9. I am very excited about being in the final. I was thinking of hanging my hat when I accumulated 1000 victories over all my teams (right now I have 490 victories over all my teams). I do want to cut my teams down a little, so if anyone wants the Dragons, let me know. I don’t just want to let them go, but hand them off to someone who will continue their legacy. They are in the top of the top division wise and are currently in the Elite Tournament in their League (they already won the first round game and are now in the second round). They have a great core of players and just need some TLC. You can simply post a reply on this post or email me and I will give you their information. Oh, and the Euless Mudcats were ranked #1 overall a few days ago, which I was amazing surprised at, since last season they didn’t perform all that well. I also have the SGP Warriors who stomp everyone and I have the Good Guys who are a fairly new team and are doing quite well. It’s all in how you build. I have been thinking of posting a “How to Succeed in Bush League” instructions, but having done so as of yet. Still, it’s a good idea. Building is key, just like in real baseball, but picking out the gems from the germs isn’t all that easy, but I have figured it out on this thing.
Players of the Week/Month
Players of the Week:
August 7-13, 2006: Mark DeRosa
April 24-30, 2006: Kevin Mench
August 29-September 4, 2005: Mark Teixeira
May 16-22, 2005: Mark Teixeira
May 2-8, 2005: Alfonso Soriano
June 28-July 4, 2004: Mark Teixeira
Players of the Month:
Pitcher of the Month (May 2005): Kenny Rogers
Rookie of the Month (August 2004): Frank Francisco
Player of the Month (July 2004): Mark Teixeira
Rookie of the Month (April 2004): Gerald Laird
Well, the Rangers in the last three years have put up some good players for the awards. Laird is booked for the teams future, “Sorry” was traded for good cause, although he is really turned out to be a good outfielder. And lets all be honest, he stunk as a second basemen, and there would be NO WAY that he would transition to the outfield as a Ranger. It simply wouldn’t have happened. Rogers wanted to stay, but the fans wouldn’t allow it. I would and wanted him to stay, but I was simply overruled. So be it. Mench had to go to get Carlos Lee. And if Carlos stays in the form of a resign, then it is worth it… if we make the play-offs, then it is worth it. If he leaves and all we have to show is Cruz, then I have to wonder. I don’t want this to turn into another “Harold Baines” mistake, where the guy doesn’t want to play for us, but keeps getting traded here, then the long-term of the trade really works against the Rangers. Francisco is in the minors, but I wonder if he is ever going to make it back up to the MLB level. He’s still on the Rangers 40-man roster. We’ll have to see what comes of it all, if anything. Mark Teixeira isn’t going anywhere. He’ll win a few more awards before he’s through. Tomorrow, I’ll have the review of the Rangers/Angels two game series. Johnny Out.
August 7-13, 2006: Mark DeRosa
April 24-30, 2006: Kevin Mench
August 29-September 4, 2005: Mark Teixeira
May 16-22, 2005: Mark Teixeira
May 2-8, 2005: Alfonso Soriano
June 28-July 4, 2004: Mark Teixeira
Players of the Month:
Pitcher of the Month (May 2005): Kenny Rogers
Rookie of the Month (August 2004): Frank Francisco
Player of the Month (July 2004): Mark Teixeira
Rookie of the Month (April 2004): Gerald Laird
Well, the Rangers in the last three years have put up some good players for the awards. Laird is booked for the teams future, “Sorry” was traded for good cause, although he is really turned out to be a good outfielder. And lets all be honest, he stunk as a second basemen, and there would be NO WAY that he would transition to the outfield as a Ranger. It simply wouldn’t have happened. Rogers wanted to stay, but the fans wouldn’t allow it. I would and wanted him to stay, but I was simply overruled. So be it. Mench had to go to get Carlos Lee. And if Carlos stays in the form of a resign, then it is worth it… if we make the play-offs, then it is worth it. If he leaves and all we have to show is Cruz, then I have to wonder. I don’t want this to turn into another “Harold Baines” mistake, where the guy doesn’t want to play for us, but keeps getting traded here, then the long-term of the trade really works against the Rangers. Francisco is in the minors, but I wonder if he is ever going to make it back up to the MLB level. He’s still on the Rangers 40-man roster. We’ll have to see what comes of it all, if anything. Mark Teixeira isn’t going anywhere. He’ll win a few more awards before he’s through. Tomorrow, I’ll have the review of the Rangers/Angels two game series. Johnny Out.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Rangers vs. Mariners
Mariners (56-58) at Rangers (58-58)
Saturday: Edison Vólquez (0-1) vs. Jamie Moyer (6-10)
You know… I don’t think I need to get too deep here. I am not sure if Volquez is ready for the majors. But maybe a weaker team like the Mariners is what he needs to get on a role. Moyer seems to do very well against the Rangers, as I recall. This year Moyer has one start that went for 6 innings and a no decision. He gave up four runs. Maybe his age is catching up to him. He was born in 1962, so he’s ancient in baseball terms. In his career, Moyer is 14-6 with a 4.87 ERA. Our guys bat .275 against him… but the thing is I would pick the Rangers for this one, if except my doubts on Edison. Even though is an acclaimed DVD, one of the “Promised Land” pitchers, I still need to see him perform a lot better to start picking the team on his starts. Hopefully, he will prove me wrong on this one. Forecast: Seattle over the Rangers 8-5.
Sunday: Kevin Millwood (10-8) vs. Félix Hernández (10-9)
Will the Rangers be over 500 after this game? Is Millwood going to have to give up his Ace status after this season? In both cases, I hope so. I would like to see Millwood jump in the leadership he was signed for, but I don’t think it will truly happen. From what people are saying, Milley is more accustomed to the #2 spot. And the free agents after this season are going to decent. Will the Rangers pick up a number one so that Milley can return to number two? With JD at the helm, I think it is a strong possibility. Hernandez has four starts against the Rangers and is 1-2 in his career. His last start, he lost, giving up four runs in five innings. But he struck out 9! YOWZAH! None of the current Rangers have any spectacular stats against Felix, but many have never faced him either. Carlos Lee has faced him. Stairs has never faced him. Michael Young has only 13 at-bats against him and slaps him for .385 but has grounded into 3 double plays over that little stretch. Millwood has 5 starts against Seattle and is 3-1. He sports a 3.85 ERA against the M’s, but keep in mind that Milley is 3-6 at home and sports a 6.28 at Ameriquest. Also, Millwood’s ERA has gone up from 4.47 after the D-Back’s start on 6/16 to 4.74 after his start against Oakland. He’s lost three of his last four starts and five of his last eight, collecting only two wins during that stretch. It is hard to pick the Rangers for this game. If the boys in blue this game, it will be by bullpen. Hopefully the pitching coach can get out there before Milley blows a lead and calm the guy down and get him focused. I doubt that to happen. It hasn’t happened before, why should they coach properly now? Forecast: Seattle over the Rangers 7-4.
Padres (58-56) at Astros (56-58)
Saturday: Jake Peavy (5-11) vs. Jason Hirsh (no record)
Hirsh hasn’t pitched in the Majors. This could be trouble for the Astros… first appearance and all have mixed results. But you never know. Hirsh did DOMINATE in the minors. This kid went 13-2 at AAA Round Rock, he had a complete game shutout and sported a 2.10 ERA. Warning: he plunked 8 batters… I don’t know if that is high or not, it’s definitely not Padilla, but still eight is a strong number, I think. Now get this, his WHIP was a mere 1.06. For those keeping count at home, that’s crazy low. Maybe my venture to Houston will be a win for the Astros? Now Jake pitched very well in his last start against Houston, going 7 innings and giving up one run for the loss. That sucks, giving up one run over 7 innings and losing. Houston hits only .229 against him. Career wise, he is 4-4 with a tiny 2.43 ERA against them. This could be a loss for the Astros, I mean sporting a rookie on the hill. But stranger things in the wide world of sports… so, for the forecast: Padres over the Astros in a tight game: score should be 3-2.
Saturday: Edison Vólquez (0-1) vs. Jamie Moyer (6-10)
You know… I don’t think I need to get too deep here. I am not sure if Volquez is ready for the majors. But maybe a weaker team like the Mariners is what he needs to get on a role. Moyer seems to do very well against the Rangers, as I recall. This year Moyer has one start that went for 6 innings and a no decision. He gave up four runs. Maybe his age is catching up to him. He was born in 1962, so he’s ancient in baseball terms. In his career, Moyer is 14-6 with a 4.87 ERA. Our guys bat .275 against him… but the thing is I would pick the Rangers for this one, if except my doubts on Edison. Even though is an acclaimed DVD, one of the “Promised Land” pitchers, I still need to see him perform a lot better to start picking the team on his starts. Hopefully, he will prove me wrong on this one. Forecast: Seattle over the Rangers 8-5.
Sunday: Kevin Millwood (10-8) vs. Félix Hernández (10-9)
Will the Rangers be over 500 after this game? Is Millwood going to have to give up his Ace status after this season? In both cases, I hope so. I would like to see Millwood jump in the leadership he was signed for, but I don’t think it will truly happen. From what people are saying, Milley is more accustomed to the #2 spot. And the free agents after this season are going to decent. Will the Rangers pick up a number one so that Milley can return to number two? With JD at the helm, I think it is a strong possibility. Hernandez has four starts against the Rangers and is 1-2 in his career. His last start, he lost, giving up four runs in five innings. But he struck out 9! YOWZAH! None of the current Rangers have any spectacular stats against Felix, but many have never faced him either. Carlos Lee has faced him. Stairs has never faced him. Michael Young has only 13 at-bats against him and slaps him for .385 but has grounded into 3 double plays over that little stretch. Millwood has 5 starts against Seattle and is 3-1. He sports a 3.85 ERA against the M’s, but keep in mind that Milley is 3-6 at home and sports a 6.28 at Ameriquest. Also, Millwood’s ERA has gone up from 4.47 after the D-Back’s start on 6/16 to 4.74 after his start against Oakland. He’s lost three of his last four starts and five of his last eight, collecting only two wins during that stretch. It is hard to pick the Rangers for this game. If the boys in blue this game, it will be by bullpen. Hopefully the pitching coach can get out there before Milley blows a lead and calm the guy down and get him focused. I doubt that to happen. It hasn’t happened before, why should they coach properly now? Forecast: Seattle over the Rangers 7-4.
Padres (58-56) at Astros (56-58)
Saturday: Jake Peavy (5-11) vs. Jason Hirsh (no record)
Hirsh hasn’t pitched in the Majors. This could be trouble for the Astros… first appearance and all have mixed results. But you never know. Hirsh did DOMINATE in the minors. This kid went 13-2 at AAA Round Rock, he had a complete game shutout and sported a 2.10 ERA. Warning: he plunked 8 batters… I don’t know if that is high or not, it’s definitely not Padilla, but still eight is a strong number, I think. Now get this, his WHIP was a mere 1.06. For those keeping count at home, that’s crazy low. Maybe my venture to Houston will be a win for the Astros? Now Jake pitched very well in his last start against Houston, going 7 innings and giving up one run for the loss. That sucks, giving up one run over 7 innings and losing. Houston hits only .229 against him. Career wise, he is 4-4 with a tiny 2.43 ERA against them. This could be a loss for the Astros, I mean sporting a rookie on the hill. But stranger things in the wide world of sports… so, for the forecast: Padres over the Astros in a tight game: score should be 3-2.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Rangers vs. Seattle
I am getting antsy on Buck Showalter. I’ll add to his report card the reasons for his grades. I need to focus first on this four game series with the Mariners. The Mariners and Rangers both will be coming off a shutout to start this series… who will strike first blood? Seeing as to how the Weatherman missed out on everything in the previous series, I am tempted to say the Rangers will lose them all in hopes of “Opposites”. I don’t think I could hit water falling out of a boat, but there is always hope, right?
I get to go to the game on Friday. It’s “Jim Sundberg” bobble-head night and he will be autographing it for the first three innings. And then Saturday, I journey down to Houston for a game! A big weekend of baseball! YEAH!
Mariners (56-57) at Rangers (57-58)
Thursday: Adam Eaton (1-2) vs. Joel Piñeiro (7-9)
Adam only recorded two outs in his last start before being ejected. He has an ERA of 5.23 this season and has thrown 10 1/3 innings this year. Piñeiro has a 5.78 mark this year, but is better on the road with a 4.92 ERA. Adam has only one start at home and boasts a 7.36 ERA at Ameriquest. The Rangers, as I mentioned, are coming off a stomping of the A’s, whereas the Mariners squeaked past the Devil Rays with a 2-0 victory. The Mariners are a little hot, sweeping the lowly Devil Rays. The bare-minimum for the Rangers is to walk away from this home-stand 4-2. Look for Eaton to try to redeem himself after his sad, sad start a few days ago. Forecast: Rangers win the opener and Eaton gets a quality start: 6-2.
Friday: Kip Wells (1-0) vs. Gil Meche (9-6)
This should be a good game. What a Meche Seattle’s in! The dude is sporting a 4.35 ERA, but the good thing for the Rangers is he is also 0-2 in his last four starts. And his ERA has gone up in that stretch from 3.87 to 4.35. The Hammer loves to face him. Blalock has 3 homeruns and 7 RBIs in 29 at-bats, while strutting a .414 average. Young has 2 dingers and 7 RBIs in 30 at-bats and is batting an even .400. Lee has 14 at-bats against Mr. Unclean and has 1 homerun and 3 RBIs. Meche, in his career against the Rangers, has a 6.60 ERA and a 4-6 mark. Wells has two career games against Seattle (accounting for 2 1/3 innings) and has a 0-1 record and a 3.86 ERA. Sexson has 29 at-bats with 1 homerun and 3 RBIs. He has whiffed 10 times. YOWZAH! Forecast: Rangers take this one with a storm 12-3.
Saturday: Edison Vólquez (0-1) vs. Jamie Moyer (6-10)
Sunday: Kevin Millwood (10-8) vs. Félix Hernández (10-9)
I get to go to the game on Friday. It’s “Jim Sundberg” bobble-head night and he will be autographing it for the first three innings. And then Saturday, I journey down to Houston for a game! A big weekend of baseball! YEAH!
Mariners (56-57) at Rangers (57-58)
Thursday: Adam Eaton (1-2) vs. Joel Piñeiro (7-9)
Adam only recorded two outs in his last start before being ejected. He has an ERA of 5.23 this season and has thrown 10 1/3 innings this year. Piñeiro has a 5.78 mark this year, but is better on the road with a 4.92 ERA. Adam has only one start at home and boasts a 7.36 ERA at Ameriquest. The Rangers, as I mentioned, are coming off a stomping of the A’s, whereas the Mariners squeaked past the Devil Rays with a 2-0 victory. The Mariners are a little hot, sweeping the lowly Devil Rays. The bare-minimum for the Rangers is to walk away from this home-stand 4-2. Look for Eaton to try to redeem himself after his sad, sad start a few days ago. Forecast: Rangers win the opener and Eaton gets a quality start: 6-2.
Friday: Kip Wells (1-0) vs. Gil Meche (9-6)
This should be a good game. What a Meche Seattle’s in! The dude is sporting a 4.35 ERA, but the good thing for the Rangers is he is also 0-2 in his last four starts. And his ERA has gone up in that stretch from 3.87 to 4.35. The Hammer loves to face him. Blalock has 3 homeruns and 7 RBIs in 29 at-bats, while strutting a .414 average. Young has 2 dingers and 7 RBIs in 30 at-bats and is batting an even .400. Lee has 14 at-bats against Mr. Unclean and has 1 homerun and 3 RBIs. Meche, in his career against the Rangers, has a 6.60 ERA and a 4-6 mark. Wells has two career games against Seattle (accounting for 2 1/3 innings) and has a 0-1 record and a 3.86 ERA. Sexson has 29 at-bats with 1 homerun and 3 RBIs. He has whiffed 10 times. YOWZAH! Forecast: Rangers take this one with a storm 12-3.
Saturday: Edison Vólquez (0-1) vs. Jamie Moyer (6-10)
Sunday: Kevin Millwood (10-8) vs. Félix Hernández (10-9)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Cowboys Predictions
Cowboys Predictions for 2006:
Weatherman:
I think the season is going to simply depend on the aging quarterback. If he stays healthy, then the Cowboys go 12-4 and win a playoff game. If Bledsoe gets injured, then the Cowboys have to rely on a back-up quarterback (who aren’t all that bad, but to be honest, this is a TOUGH division this year), and that will cost a couple of games. Injury would mean a 10-6 finish. 12-4 means a bye game and a playoff win, 10-6 means a wildcard berth and BIG questions on a playoff win. I will simply go with the first rather than the latter for my prediction.
Madduxsports.com:
They didn’t give a win-lose prediction, which I prefer, but they did say that the Cowboys would finish 2nd in their division. The first place prediction goes to the Redskins. BA HUMBUG! We’ll see on this. I wouldn’t pick Wishy Washy to finish first… http://www.madduxsports.com/
Foxsports.com:
This is from “imstillmatic’s” Blog… Cowboys finish 12-4 with the home-field advantage throughout. That’s a good call… I’m not sure if they will knock down home-field, but the first place in the division is definitely a good mark. 12-4 is generally a good spot for a bye… it is hit and miss for the home-field though… based on his predictions, the Cowboys would be a shoe-in for home-field, though. http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/imstillmatic/
Gamespot.com:
Here we have another prediction of the Cowboys in second in their division (no win-lose record either), but finishing second to the NY Dwarfs. Here Wishy Washy finishes third. Cowboys still get the wildcard, but drop in the first round to Arizona. http://www.gamespot.com/
Ezinearticles.com:
Mr. Martin said the Cowboys are better than last year (they went 9-7), but failed to bust up with a real prediction. He only stated that the ‘boys are better than a year ago and that they have a chance. Even the biggest football novice would be able to say something so “bold”. Still, his break-down on the changes are really good, so his article isn’t a total waste. http://www.ezinearticles.com/
Weatherman:
I think the season is going to simply depend on the aging quarterback. If he stays healthy, then the Cowboys go 12-4 and win a playoff game. If Bledsoe gets injured, then the Cowboys have to rely on a back-up quarterback (who aren’t all that bad, but to be honest, this is a TOUGH division this year), and that will cost a couple of games. Injury would mean a 10-6 finish. 12-4 means a bye game and a playoff win, 10-6 means a wildcard berth and BIG questions on a playoff win. I will simply go with the first rather than the latter for my prediction.
Madduxsports.com:
They didn’t give a win-lose prediction, which I prefer, but they did say that the Cowboys would finish 2nd in their division. The first place prediction goes to the Redskins. BA HUMBUG! We’ll see on this. I wouldn’t pick Wishy Washy to finish first… http://www.madduxsports.com/
Foxsports.com:
This is from “imstillmatic’s” Blog… Cowboys finish 12-4 with the home-field advantage throughout. That’s a good call… I’m not sure if they will knock down home-field, but the first place in the division is definitely a good mark. 12-4 is generally a good spot for a bye… it is hit and miss for the home-field though… based on his predictions, the Cowboys would be a shoe-in for home-field, though. http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/imstillmatic/
Gamespot.com:
Here we have another prediction of the Cowboys in second in their division (no win-lose record either), but finishing second to the NY Dwarfs. Here Wishy Washy finishes third. Cowboys still get the wildcard, but drop in the first round to Arizona. http://www.gamespot.com/
Ezinearticles.com:
Mr. Martin said the Cowboys are better than last year (they went 9-7), but failed to bust up with a real prediction. He only stated that the ‘boys are better than a year ago and that they have a chance. Even the biggest football novice would be able to say something so “bold”. Still, his break-down on the changes are really good, so his article isn’t a total waste. http://www.ezinearticles.com/
SportsIllustrated.com:
Didn’t say an overall prediction, but said that the Cowboys would prevail over the Patriots in Super XLI. He also mentioned the ‘boys going 3-3 within the division. I am going to go bold and say 4-2 in the division, just based on the “grand luck” that happens in all of sports. Great article if you’re a Cowboy fan… which most in the press aren’t these days. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/
Locksmithsportspicks.com:
Jimmy Bond… OK… well, he predicts the Cowboys knock down 10 wins, actually, he calls for more than that, but doesn’t specify on just how many. “Vegas” has the odds at 9.5 right now, and that is what he is basing this whole thing on. http://www.locksmithsportspicks.com/
Onlinewire.com:
“Prediction: Dallas will improve on their 9-7 record in 2005 and should get the wild card birth in the NFC.” OK, well… they don’t think division title here… so, this is a second place finish. I didn’t feel like checking to see who the “winner” will be. http://www.theonlinewire.com/
If you want me to add your prediction, let me know.
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Weather Forecast
The Weather Forecast
(This is from an online chat with Kevin Sherrington, a writer for the Dallas Morning News. I kept the stuff in regards to baseball.)
Weatherman: Will the Rangers be able to re-sign Carlos Lee?
Kevin Sherrington: Didn't think so at first. But if he finishes well and shows some of the same power he did in the first half, I think the Rangers will be very active in trying to re-sign him. Tom Hicks has had his ego pricked by this possibility. But if he continues on his current hit pace of single, single, single, double, I'm not sure if he's worth $65 million over five years.
Rangersfan06: What's your take on the Adam Eaton ejection? Why would Eaton throw at someone after he's down by 3 after 17 pitches?
Kevin Sherrington: First, a qualifier: Didn't see yesterday's game. Wasn't on the local tube in Austin, where I'm on the first stop of a Big 12 South tour. But from what I read, I have to think Eaton's trying to send a message: I'm not the soft guy they said I was in San Diego. The label is why Bruce Bochy didn't include him in post-season plans last year. But it sure wasn't a good time to be trying a makeover of your image.
Charley: If Eaton was intentionally trying to blow him back, why would he do something so stupid and hurt the team?
Kevin Sherrington: There's a difference between a purpose pitch and trying to hit someone. He needs to pitch inside, but opponents probably aren't used to it with him, either. He doesn't exactly have Roger Clemens' reputation. As for hurting the team, Rangers pitchers have been doing that for decades.
April: What's your take on all the recent moves by the Rangers? Will we see them contend in September...or is it the same ol same ol?
Kevin Sherrington: On the whole, the moves were good. Sent a message to the team that management was at least trying, which is more than you can say for Oakland and the Angels. Carlos Lee is a nice addition to the middle of the lineup and his new teammates are excited about him. But he's going to have to change a history of power shortages in the second half. So far Nelson Cruz has more home runs than he does. As for Kip Wells, that's not looking so good, is it? Boston apparently had second thoughts on his health, according to Gerry Fraley. I'd like to have seen the Rangers make the deal the Mets got from the Pirates, which was Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez for a starting outfielder. Good news: You can always compete this year in the mild, mild West.
Weatherman: Will someone in the AL West knock down 90 wins? Or will the winner be just over .500?
Kevin Sherrington: I don't see anyone in the West reeling off a big string of wins in the second half. Everyone's got problems.
jlust22: How much of Brad Wilkerson's struggles this year do you think are due to his shoulder problems? With him having a truly awful season, do you see the Rangers bringing him back next year?
Kevin Sherrington: Hard to say about the shoulder. But he has had a long history of high strikeout seasons. Considering his power totals, his strikeout ratio has been unbelievable. Still, scouts loved him for his grit and on-base percentage. He's a pretty popular guy with his teammates, but the Rangers probably won't tender him next season. Next year's outfield, from left to right: Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Nelson Cruz.
April: Give us your take on Jon Daniels. Good guy?
Kevin Sherrington: Good guy. Smart guy. Hard-working guy. Winning guy? Jury's still out. But here's what I like best about him: He has a quality that Jimmy Johnson had. He makes deals, and if they blow up, he doesn't hide in a hole. He simply makes another. Of course, the difference is that Jimmy had Mike Lynn to slap around, and Daniels hasn't found his patsy yet. Hey, you've been great, and I've enjoyed it. Enchilada time.
Now… for the weather: We have a three day forecast in Oakland.
Rangers (56-56, 3rd Place) at Oakland (60-51, 1st Place):
Game #1:
Edison Volquez (1st Game this season) vs. Esteban Loaiza (4-7, 6.50 ERA)
Volquez has looked decent in the minors, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in triple A. He started 21 games for the Redhawks, going 120 2/3 innings, striking out 130, but walking 72. He also hit four batters. What’s good is that his WHIP is 1.31 and he only gave up 86 hits, so that means he gives up two hits every three innings… And that is not bad, not bad at all. My dad thinks that Volquez is a chump and can’t pitch based on one outing last year, but I had to explain he’s a rook. He just needs a little time to transition. Last year, Volquez had three starts, pitched in six games, went 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA. And it would be easy to say that Eddie had a tough transition last year, which is why he started in the minors this year. The problem now with all this for Volquez, is he’s coming off a little injury and making his first start off that injury in the Majors, where he hasn’t seen any action all year. THIS COULD BE TOUGH FOR HIM. It’s good to see a pitcher with a 6.50 ERA for Eddie’s 2006 debut. Hopefully the Ranger’s bats will live up to Loaiza’s ERA. In 117 at-bats, the Rangers hit .222 against Loaiza. Matt Stairs is the leader on this, with a .304 average. Carlos Lee has only mustered 3 hits in 18 at-bats, but has one homerun and five RBIs. I am not sure if I would have in hit against him or not. Good “production” numbers, but his average stinks. I wouldn’t bat him clean-up at the very least… Young and Matthews also do well with average, but production numbers don’t really exist. Young has an RBI. The forecast in this game is that it looks to be a bit of a slugfest. Rangers win the opener: 11-9. Something to watch: Stairs has never hit a homerun against Oakland.
Game #2:
Kevin Millwood (10-7, 4.63 ERA) vs. Shane Komine (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Shameful Shane went 9-7 at Triple A Sacramento this year, posting a 3.89 ERA over 120 1/3 innings. He game up 125 hits and K’d 101. He also walked 34. That gives him a WHIP of 1.32. Not bad… and he’s transitioning to the majors rather well, debuting against Toronto, giving up one run over six innings for a no-decision. The A’s did win that game. Here’s the scoop, though: Shane should have a scouting report now, something the “Boo Jays” didn’t have. That gives the Rangers a little bit of a better edge, but if the kid’s got good stuff, then he’s got good stuff. Shane also averages a hit per inning, give up wise… so, I would prefer the Rangers face a guy who gives up more hits per inning, than say Volquez who has the same WHIP but only give up two per three. There is a bit of a difference. Millwood is 3-0 against Oakland in his career and Kevin gets better after the All-Star break. Let’s see some of that now! Kevin has a 3.09 ERA against Oakland in 5 career starts and holds them to a .264 batting average. Current Oakland hitters bat a .259, though. EVEN BETTER! Kotsay splits hits and strikeouts with 14 a piece. He also has 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs. Thomas, who is hot right now, is batting an even 500 with a homer and three RBIs. Swisher is 6 for 11 with a homer. This could be a tough game for Millie, but as it is said, good pitching beat good hitting any day. I think this will be a pitchers game, unlike game 1. And maybe my bias comes into play, but I think with the experience of Millwood, the Rangers have the upper hand. Forecast: Rangers over A’s with a score of 4-2. Something to watch: homeruns by Lee as a Ranger: ZERO.
Game #3:
Vicente Padilla (11-7, 4.34 ERA) vs. Barry Zito (12-7, 3.50 ERA)
Over Padilla’s last ten games, he has won six. He has also lowered his ERA from 5.15 down to the current 4.34. Padilla has been getting better, but his career ERA against Oakland is 6.50, despite his 3-1 record. He has started 3 games against them in his career, throwing a complete game. Now, think about this, his other two starts and two relief appearances account for his other 9 innings. And Oakland hits .301 against him. He’s only started one game in Oakland, accounting for the one loss. The A’s hit a whopping .379 against him in that one game and slapped four out of the park. Zito owns the Rangers. His record is 16-3 lifetime with two complete games and a shutout. His WHIP is 1.23 against the Rangers, who only hit .222 against Zito. The Rangers did beat Zito this year, on April 14th, to hopefully start a new trend, however unlikely. Zito started another game in which the Rangers won on April 25th. This will be the third game the Rangers face Zito this year. Zito has won four of his last five, but he lost his previous three starts before that stretch. You could call him “hot” right now… but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that just yet. I will say the Rangers are on an uphill battle for this one. Forecast: A’s keep from getting swept as Padilla is pounded early: Score 8-3. Something to watch: Wilkerson only has one RBI against Oakland in 42 at-bats and no homeruns. August is Wilkerson’s best month, historically.
(This is from an online chat with Kevin Sherrington, a writer for the Dallas Morning News. I kept the stuff in regards to baseball.)
Weatherman: Will the Rangers be able to re-sign Carlos Lee?
Kevin Sherrington: Didn't think so at first. But if he finishes well and shows some of the same power he did in the first half, I think the Rangers will be very active in trying to re-sign him. Tom Hicks has had his ego pricked by this possibility. But if he continues on his current hit pace of single, single, single, double, I'm not sure if he's worth $65 million over five years.
Rangersfan06: What's your take on the Adam Eaton ejection? Why would Eaton throw at someone after he's down by 3 after 17 pitches?
Kevin Sherrington: First, a qualifier: Didn't see yesterday's game. Wasn't on the local tube in Austin, where I'm on the first stop of a Big 12 South tour. But from what I read, I have to think Eaton's trying to send a message: I'm not the soft guy they said I was in San Diego. The label is why Bruce Bochy didn't include him in post-season plans last year. But it sure wasn't a good time to be trying a makeover of your image.
Charley: If Eaton was intentionally trying to blow him back, why would he do something so stupid and hurt the team?
Kevin Sherrington: There's a difference between a purpose pitch and trying to hit someone. He needs to pitch inside, but opponents probably aren't used to it with him, either. He doesn't exactly have Roger Clemens' reputation. As for hurting the team, Rangers pitchers have been doing that for decades.
April: What's your take on all the recent moves by the Rangers? Will we see them contend in September...or is it the same ol same ol?
Kevin Sherrington: On the whole, the moves were good. Sent a message to the team that management was at least trying, which is more than you can say for Oakland and the Angels. Carlos Lee is a nice addition to the middle of the lineup and his new teammates are excited about him. But he's going to have to change a history of power shortages in the second half. So far Nelson Cruz has more home runs than he does. As for Kip Wells, that's not looking so good, is it? Boston apparently had second thoughts on his health, according to Gerry Fraley. I'd like to have seen the Rangers make the deal the Mets got from the Pirates, which was Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez for a starting outfielder. Good news: You can always compete this year in the mild, mild West.
Weatherman: Will someone in the AL West knock down 90 wins? Or will the winner be just over .500?
Kevin Sherrington: I don't see anyone in the West reeling off a big string of wins in the second half. Everyone's got problems.
jlust22: How much of Brad Wilkerson's struggles this year do you think are due to his shoulder problems? With him having a truly awful season, do you see the Rangers bringing him back next year?
Kevin Sherrington: Hard to say about the shoulder. But he has had a long history of high strikeout seasons. Considering his power totals, his strikeout ratio has been unbelievable. Still, scouts loved him for his grit and on-base percentage. He's a pretty popular guy with his teammates, but the Rangers probably won't tender him next season. Next year's outfield, from left to right: Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Nelson Cruz.
April: Give us your take on Jon Daniels. Good guy?
Kevin Sherrington: Good guy. Smart guy. Hard-working guy. Winning guy? Jury's still out. But here's what I like best about him: He has a quality that Jimmy Johnson had. He makes deals, and if they blow up, he doesn't hide in a hole. He simply makes another. Of course, the difference is that Jimmy had Mike Lynn to slap around, and Daniels hasn't found his patsy yet. Hey, you've been great, and I've enjoyed it. Enchilada time.
Now… for the weather: We have a three day forecast in Oakland.
Rangers (56-56, 3rd Place) at Oakland (60-51, 1st Place):
Game #1:
Edison Volquez (1st Game this season) vs. Esteban Loaiza (4-7, 6.50 ERA)
Volquez has looked decent in the minors, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in triple A. He started 21 games for the Redhawks, going 120 2/3 innings, striking out 130, but walking 72. He also hit four batters. What’s good is that his WHIP is 1.31 and he only gave up 86 hits, so that means he gives up two hits every three innings… And that is not bad, not bad at all. My dad thinks that Volquez is a chump and can’t pitch based on one outing last year, but I had to explain he’s a rook. He just needs a little time to transition. Last year, Volquez had three starts, pitched in six games, went 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA. And it would be easy to say that Eddie had a tough transition last year, which is why he started in the minors this year. The problem now with all this for Volquez, is he’s coming off a little injury and making his first start off that injury in the Majors, where he hasn’t seen any action all year. THIS COULD BE TOUGH FOR HIM. It’s good to see a pitcher with a 6.50 ERA for Eddie’s 2006 debut. Hopefully the Ranger’s bats will live up to Loaiza’s ERA. In 117 at-bats, the Rangers hit .222 against Loaiza. Matt Stairs is the leader on this, with a .304 average. Carlos Lee has only mustered 3 hits in 18 at-bats, but has one homerun and five RBIs. I am not sure if I would have in hit against him or not. Good “production” numbers, but his average stinks. I wouldn’t bat him clean-up at the very least… Young and Matthews also do well with average, but production numbers don’t really exist. Young has an RBI. The forecast in this game is that it looks to be a bit of a slugfest. Rangers win the opener: 11-9. Something to watch: Stairs has never hit a homerun against Oakland.
Game #2:
Kevin Millwood (10-7, 4.63 ERA) vs. Shane Komine (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Shameful Shane went 9-7 at Triple A Sacramento this year, posting a 3.89 ERA over 120 1/3 innings. He game up 125 hits and K’d 101. He also walked 34. That gives him a WHIP of 1.32. Not bad… and he’s transitioning to the majors rather well, debuting against Toronto, giving up one run over six innings for a no-decision. The A’s did win that game. Here’s the scoop, though: Shane should have a scouting report now, something the “Boo Jays” didn’t have. That gives the Rangers a little bit of a better edge, but if the kid’s got good stuff, then he’s got good stuff. Shane also averages a hit per inning, give up wise… so, I would prefer the Rangers face a guy who gives up more hits per inning, than say Volquez who has the same WHIP but only give up two per three. There is a bit of a difference. Millwood is 3-0 against Oakland in his career and Kevin gets better after the All-Star break. Let’s see some of that now! Kevin has a 3.09 ERA against Oakland in 5 career starts and holds them to a .264 batting average. Current Oakland hitters bat a .259, though. EVEN BETTER! Kotsay splits hits and strikeouts with 14 a piece. He also has 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs. Thomas, who is hot right now, is batting an even 500 with a homer and three RBIs. Swisher is 6 for 11 with a homer. This could be a tough game for Millie, but as it is said, good pitching beat good hitting any day. I think this will be a pitchers game, unlike game 1. And maybe my bias comes into play, but I think with the experience of Millwood, the Rangers have the upper hand. Forecast: Rangers over A’s with a score of 4-2. Something to watch: homeruns by Lee as a Ranger: ZERO.
Game #3:
Vicente Padilla (11-7, 4.34 ERA) vs. Barry Zito (12-7, 3.50 ERA)
Over Padilla’s last ten games, he has won six. He has also lowered his ERA from 5.15 down to the current 4.34. Padilla has been getting better, but his career ERA against Oakland is 6.50, despite his 3-1 record. He has started 3 games against them in his career, throwing a complete game. Now, think about this, his other two starts and two relief appearances account for his other 9 innings. And Oakland hits .301 against him. He’s only started one game in Oakland, accounting for the one loss. The A’s hit a whopping .379 against him in that one game and slapped four out of the park. Zito owns the Rangers. His record is 16-3 lifetime with two complete games and a shutout. His WHIP is 1.23 against the Rangers, who only hit .222 against Zito. The Rangers did beat Zito this year, on April 14th, to hopefully start a new trend, however unlikely. Zito started another game in which the Rangers won on April 25th. This will be the third game the Rangers face Zito this year. Zito has won four of his last five, but he lost his previous three starts before that stretch. You could call him “hot” right now… but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that just yet. I will say the Rangers are on an uphill battle for this one. Forecast: A’s keep from getting swept as Padilla is pounded early: Score 8-3. Something to watch: Wilkerson only has one RBI against Oakland in 42 at-bats and no homeruns. August is Wilkerson’s best month, historically.
Some Links
Actually, the link doesn't work, but if you are interested in some cool baseball stuff... the links under here will work.Satchel Paige Historical Figurine - Kansas City Monarchs
MLB GameBreaker Series 1 Nomar Garciaparra - Boston Red Sox
MLB Series 16 Action Figure Case
MLB Rivals Box Set - New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
Houston Astros UNO
Texas Rangers UNO
Atlanta Braves Collector's Edition Monopoly
Chicago White Sox World Series Talking Can Cooler
Texas Rangers Talking Bottle Opener
Ken Griffey Jr. Signed Baseball
MLB Jox Box Series 2 Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
Red Sox vs. Yankees Chess
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