Newberg Report / Johnny's Thoughts

Another dose of grasping for some light at the end of this nasty tunnel:

In 2004, Oakland had a 13-15 April. The A’s won 91 games.

In 2005, Oakland had another 13-15 April and fell at one point to 17-32. The A’s won 88 games.

In 2006, Oakland went 15-13 in April but fell to 23-29. The A’s won 93 games.

Ron Washington has been through disappointing first months and seen his club pull things together.

That doesn’t mean Wash can snap his fingers and get the Rangers rolling immediately in the right direction – it’s going to take a lot fewer mistakes on the field, for starters – but at least the manager can speak from experience when he tells the troops that this thing isn’t over.

Jamey

The Rangers have placed righthander Kevin Millwood on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 29, due to a strained left hamstring muscle hereportedly sustained while shagging flies between starts. If it's anything like the strained left hamstring muscle I sustained 13 days ago nearly three hours into a Sunday morning of softball that I was playing on four hours of sleep, he's going to need all of those 15 days before he feels right, and his wife will still threaten spouse-imposed retirement if he hurts himself that severely again.

Then again, he's probably in a little better condition than I am. And probably has considerable more leash.

Sidewinder Wes Littleton was recalled from AAA Oklahoma to replace Millwood on the roster. Righty Mike Wood will remain in the rotation in Millwood's absence.

Jamey

Now, Ron wasn't the head skipper in Oakland, but I don't think he had to be to have an impact of the "Comeback Road" that the Rangers are needing now. And this is going to be a tough uphill battle, now that Millwood is on the DL with injuries. Sammy Sosa seems to have become useless since being hit in the head by a pitch for a second time in the last several years. I'm especially concerned at the shorter term effects (the next few months) and how it will affect his patience at the plate, homeruns, and batting average. I recall the last time he was hit in the noggin, he fell apart up in Chicago. And being that he hasn't been sharp since, I think it would be wise of Ron to sit Sammy for a few games to regain focus and work with Rudy. But that would be me.

I do have the pleasure of watching "Bob the Builder" with my son at times, and I can only think of one thing right now in regards to our situation... CAN WE DO IT? YES WE CAN!!! I believe these guys can go post-season baseball. And two strong wins against Toronto, a great start by Padilla (7 innings) which followed a 6 inning start from McCarthy yesterday... GOOD TIMES. Things are starting to look good. Well, Johnny Out.