NFL Predictions

The time has come for predictions to be made... a time to set a date to say that this team or that team will do something and they don't... exceeding expections or falling short of them.

The above graphic shows 16 predictions from different professionals. And what I did was compiled them into statistics to show what they, as a whole, think and believe is going to happen with the Cowboys.
14 of the 16 believe that Dallas is going to win their division. Add another person thinking the 'Boys are going to be a Wild Card and you have 93.8% saying the Cowboys make the playoffs. 75% believe that the Cowboys are going to go to the Super Bowl, with five of those saying they will win the Super Bowl.

Now, I have my personally picks of how the regular and post season will look like...

Cowboys go 13-3 if things go right and the key people stay healthy (meaning Tony Romo, for one...). I pick Dallas to go to the Super Bowl, but fall short in the big game to Jacksonville. I did make sure that the regular season records (if you wish to take the time out to tally) break down to a 500 record when you add everyone's records together. I felt that would be necessary.

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Game 136: Rangers at Angels

I'm not sure I like the logo for today. I mean, I tried really hard to get the Angels A to have some different sizzle... but it just looks lame to me. Oh well. Here are some comics I snagged yesterday. I thought they were pretty funny, especially "In the Bleachers".
So, here it goes. We have game two of this four game series. Padilla is being skipped, so Dustin Nippert is starting in his place. Nippert has been up and down during the whole season... He's one of the 50+ players who have been used by the Rangers this season. I think the total number of players used by the Rangers is closing in on 60, if it hasn't already. And when you stop to consider that, and all the rookies used this season, it is really, really amazing to think that this team is still close to 500 and not 380 or so...
Scouting Report:

Rangers: With Vicente Padilla scratched due to inflammation in a muscle joint on the right side of his neck, Nippert is once again Johnny on the spot for the Rangers. Nippert's last appearance was a spot start against the Rays on Aug. 17 in which he allowed seven runs in four innings. The Rangers will be hoping instead for a similar outing to Nippert's seven-inning relief appearance on July 7 against the same Angels team he'll be facing Friday. In that outing, Nippert allowed just one run in seven innings to the Halos on four hits and a walk. However, Nippert's first appearance of the season was a brief appearance in which he allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning to the Angels on April 4.

Angels: Santana pitched well on Sunday against the Twins but was hurt by just one batter. Justin Morneau had three hits, including one home run, and drove in three runs against Santana. Santana still lasted seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits while tying a season high by striking out 10. Santana is 6-4 with a 6.56 ERA against the Rangers in 12 starts.

Well, that's what they have to say. Now, for a little Johnny time. Santana has a 3.41 ERA and a 13-5 record.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young: 14-33 (.424 BA) with a double, 2 HRs and 9 RBIs
• Hank Blalock: 9-23 (.391 BA) with 2 doubles, a triple, 3 HRs, and 7 RBIs
• Gerald Laird: 5-12 (.417 BA) with a double, a triple, and an RBI
• Milton Bradly: 5-11 (.455 BA) with a HR and an RBI

Ian Kinsler also has some good numbers on Santana, but we all know... the lad is on the DL. Anyway, the rest of the Rangers roster is 22-83, which is a .265 BA. They have 6 doubles, 4 HRs and 11 RBIs. Those are some pretty good numbers, if I do say so. And I do.

There's really not going to be a whole lot to say about Nippert. He is a spot starter and he's done a good deal amount of time at AAA this season. His Ranger debut was against the Angels and arguably the best game of the season for him was against the Angels. Two very different games. The debut was in California and the other game, the best game, was in Arlington. He has a 1-3 record, and since the shelling at his debut, his ERA has pretty much continued to drop, although he hasn't pushed it under the 7 mark just yet, this start might be able to do that for him.

Forecast: I think the Rangers are going to hit Santana, without a doubt. The real question would be: Will Nippert be able to keep the Halos at bay? This lineup is a bit more "juicy" than his last start against the Angels. Angels squeek this one under the door with a score of 9-7.

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Dallas Mavericks 2008-09 Schedule

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Game 135: Rangers at Angels

Here's the last time I talked about Jon Garland: August 30th, 2005 It seems remarkable that I have covered him in a Rangers game this season... Here is the scouting report on the two:

McCarthy made his first Major League start on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and four walks in four innings against the Indians. He missed most of the season with severe inflammation in his right forearm/elbow and was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Oklahoma. He is 1-0 with a 6.23 ERA in nine career games against the Royals.

Garland was hurt by one bad inning against the Twins on Saturday, when he allowed four runs in the fifth . Before the fifth, he had allowed just one run on a solo homer by Alexi Casilla, but his start unraveled when he allowed three hits, a walk and a hit batter in the fifth. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out one. Garland is 4-8 with a 5.87 ERA against the Rangers in 17 career starts. Now, why did the McCarthy talk about the Royals? I have absolutely NO idea...

Garland comes into this one 11-8 with a 4.49 ERA, which is just a little higher than the ML average. He did pitch against the Rangers earlier this season in Anaheim and took the loss after pitching five innings and giving up seven runs on eight hits, two which left the park. At home, he is slightly better, with a 4.17 ERA. He has a career 4-8 record against Texas with a 5.87 ERA in 96.2 innings of work. The Rangers hit him for a .290 batting average.

This season, Garland is 4-5 at home with a 4.34 ERA and hitters knock him for a .290 batting average. Earlier this season, the Rangers hit him for a .381 batting average.

Rangers to Watch:

• Frank Catalanotto: 12-39 (.308 BA) with 4 doubles and 2 RBIs
• Hank Blalock: 8-27 (.296 BA) with a double, a HR, and 3 RBIs
• Milton Bradley: 5-15 (.333 BA) with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs

The Ranger roster is 49-167 (.293 BA) with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HRs, and 22 RBIs.

McCarthy, as we know, is making his second start of the season. He only pitched four innings of work in his debut, but gave up only three hits and four walks, which turned into a run. His ERA of 2.25 looks rather promising, as if his time away healing really did a lot of good for him.

He has two career starts and four relief appearances against the Angels, which tally up to a 0-1 record and a 4.38 ERA. The Angels hit him for a .278 BA in his 24.2 career innings against them. In Anaheim, he is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA and they hit him well there, a whopping .340 for their batting average.

Angels to Watch:

• Vlad "the Impaler" Guerrero: 4-12 (.333 BA); 1 double, 1 HR and 4 RBIs
• Chone Figgens: 4-7 (.571 BA); 2 RBIs

The remaining roster is 9-46 (.196 BA) with a double, 2 HRs, and 5 RBIs against McCarthy. I like the batting average... but I do not care for the run support that goes with those numbers.

Forecast: This is the Angels the Rangers are playing. I would like for the Rangers to win, but I really do not see it happening. The numbers point to Texas, but gusto and a winning tradition seem to stick with the Angels. Rangers drop this one in a close one, 3-1.

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Playoff Game 3: Airhogs vs Cats

The Airhogs have won the first two games, so this is an elimination game. Could the 'Hogs sweep? The Hogs won the first game 6-5 and committed 5 errors. Game 2, the Hogs won late and also led the game with miscues. Now they come home for the first time in the playoffs, up two games to none with just one win away from advancing.The matchup today is Dan Grybash of the Cats vs Jeff Jamnik of the Airhogs.

Jamnik is an interesting choice, since he is 1-2, but has a nice 3.03 ERA. Grybash is a good deal stronger, at least his stats say so. He is 8-5 with a 3.18 ERA. It would seem that the momentum is in the Airhogs favor of late, despite the Cats storming into first in the last week of play.

Forecast: To sweep or not to sweep, that is the question. I am going to this game, and I would like to see a sweep. So... that is what I am going to go with... Airhogs taste success all-the-way-around... and finish off the series with a 5-2 victory.

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Game 1: SGP Warriors vs. Richardson Berkner Rams

I have to be honest. I do not know really anything about the Warriors makeup or the Rams makeup. High School Football is a huge thing for Texas sports and it is gaining so much attention from media, that I think it probably puts too much pressure on the players of this fine game. This one is going to be a home game for the Warriors, which does give them something of an upper-hand.

Now, the Rams aren't a bad team. They are picked to win a playoff spot and finish fourth in district #9. South Grand Prairie is to finish third, but because the Warriors are strong and in a strong division, they could finish higher if the begin to gel quicker. And with this information from this wonderful High School Football website... it sure does make me feel more confident on how this one is going to shake down.
Forecast: Being that the teams are evenly placed on the standing within their districts... but also knowing that SGP has a better talent pool, SGP is my pick on this one. It feels tough to pick a score, but I would say that the Warriors win it with a score of 31-17.

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Game 134: Rangers at Royals

Here was the previous time I covered Bannister in a start against the Ranger: Game 68. I guess the questions I have about this team this year: Do they have enough spirit left in them to finish above 500? With the worst ERA in the majors, will the pitching ever step up with the players we have now, or do we have to find other pitchers?

I will be posting my John Daniels report card soon... is he really good enough to get a team of quality pitchers to come and stay in Arlington? And one other question. Do we call the Millwood signing a bust?

One thing is for certain, Harrison is an answered prayer for the Rangers rotation. He is still very, very green, but he is getting it. I guess you could say that I am on the Harrison band wagon. And when Neftali gets to Arlington, I will be on that band wagon, as well. Both have thrown no-hitters for Frisco this season and both will be very strong in the majors.

Brian Bannister pitched seven strong innings against the Rangers in his last start, but still remains at 1-1 in his career against Texas. He has three starts, totalling 17 innings with 5 HRs handed out and a career 5.82 ERA. The Rangers hit him for a .246 batting average, but clocked him really well in his first start against Texas this year. That game was in Arlington, but his seven inning stint was in KC.

He starts this game with a 5.89 ERA and a 7-13 record. The Royals have lost the last four games he has started and are 2-8 in his last ten starts. Bannister is 0-7 during that stretch.

Notable Rangers:

• Michael Young: 2-6
• Josh Hamilton: 2-5 with a double, a HR, and 4 RBIs
• Brandon Boggs: 3-5 with a double, a HR and an RBI

The current roster is 12-48 with 2 doubles, 4 HRs, and 8 RBIs.

Matt Harrison comes into this one with a higher ERA than Bannister and way less ML experience. He is 5-3 with a 6.27 ERA this season and is 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA on the road. Opponents are hitting him for a .364 BA on the road and .299 overall. He has never faced the Royals. His last start against Cleveland he only lasted 3.2 innings, but before that start, he went eight innings against the Rays. Oddly enough, he seems to do well against the better teams and lets his guard down against the cellar teams. And it doesn't get any more cellar than the Royals, am I right?

Forecast: I noticed that I have more posts this month than in any other month. My previous high was two months ago. Interesting. Anyway... it troubles me that games Harrison should seriously dominate, he fizzles. How will he do in this game? Well, my prediction of a hammering should simply state my feelings. Rangers drop this runfest by a score of 14-9.

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Pre-Season Game 4: Cowboys vs. Vikings

The Final Preseason game. I just want to remind everyone, these games to really count for squat. Dallas fans are always trying to make a mountain out of a preseason mole hill. And I can't figure out why. Oh well... so long as there are sports, there will be people to watch and criticize.

Anyway, this game should look pretty much like a warm-up the opening day. The Cowboys looked like they were really putting a lot of things together against the Texans. They now have a 1-2 preseason record. They have given up 76 points and only scored 53.

People also make a big hoopla about Romo not winning a playoff game. And do you know what I think of that? I simply say that he will. And he will win several in one post-season. Will it happen this year? Who really knows. It could. "Experts" believe that the Cowboys can take it all. And why would I ever disagree with experts. I mean, they NAILED the NBA Finals.

Anyway, off the soapbox. Minnesota is also 1-2 and has scored 50 points while giving up 61 points. Minnesota lost game 3 of the preseason, while the Cowboys won their first one in game 3. But, you have too think about this: would the Cowboys have won if the game was tied and went into overtime? Tough to say, really. The reserves were playing. And when you think about all that, would it have really mattered? No. It still is preseason.

Forecast: I think the Cowboys are going to win this one. Their first team is better and if the first team plays throughout, which they won't, then the Cowboys will win. The thing to think about here is this is the last game both teams before making the final cuts. They have to audition the players they are looking at to see who to keep and who to cut loose. And that means there will be mismatches out there and those are going to be exploited to the nth degree. And even with that to think about, the Cowboys will still be the favorite in my book, based on the last game the Vikings played (a 12-10 loss to Pittsburgh). Cowboys win this one by a 24-16.

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Game 133: Rangers vs. Royals

"One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures." -George W. Bush

Well, since he is the Prez, you gotta love the guy. You don't have to agree with him, but it is good to show respect to the Prez, you know. And for some words of wisdom, it should be noted that there is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.Zack comes into this game with a 9-9 record and a 3.86 ERA. Kansas City has a better team ERA than the Rangers (who happen to rank dead last with a 5.41 ERA). Zack is 2-3 in his career against Texas and has a 4.11 ERA. He has given up 5 HRs in 35 innings and the Rangers hit him for a .268 batting average. His last start, he went seven innings and lost, only giving up two runs on four hits and no walks. The two runs were solo HRs and he struck out 9 batters in the process.

Notable Rangers:

• Hank Blalock: 4-12 (.333 BA); 1 double and 3 RBIs
• Frank Catalanotto: 3-9 (.333 BA); 1 double and 2 RBIs

The Rangers are going to be in trouble for this one. Hamilton is 0-3 against him and Vasquez and Kinsler own some pretty good numbers on him... they will be out due to injury.

Millwood. His ERA is high... he's 7-7 with a 5.24 ERA. He's started 10 games against the Royals and is 5-3 with a 5.22 ERA. In Millwood's last start, he went 9 innings and gave up only one run in a victory over the Tigers. In his last start, he saw his ERA drop from 5.58 down to 5.24. Could he be back on track?

The current Royals team is 67-201 for a batting average of .333. The Royals ahve 15 doubles, 2 triples, and 5 HRs with 38 RBIs. Millwood could make this one interesting.

• Royal Hitters List should you want to see all the Royals hitters numbers on Millwood. It's a long list with some interesting numbers.

Forecast: After twelve years of therapy my psychiatrist said something that brought tears to my eyes. He said, "No hablo ingles." And this Rangers season not grabbing a winning record at the end... why that is bringing tears to my eyes. Seriously, the Rangers drop this one, 4-3.

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Playoff Game 2: Airhogs at Cats

Game 2: Jose Cordero for the Airhogs. He is 4-4 with a 3.49 ERA. He goes up against Lee Gwaltney. Lee is 9-2 with a 2.57 ERA. Fort Worth has been playing so much better heading into the playoffs. Grand Prairie limped into the playoffs. The Airhogs had a three game lead that they lost and finished two games back within the last week or so before the end of the season.
Forecast: Lee is much more commanding. It would seem foolish to go with Grand Prairie in this one. They are on the road against a better team and a hotter team. Cats win it, 7-2.

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Dallas Stars Schedule: 2008-2009

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Game 132: Rangers at Royals

I'm just getting so bummed out at how the Rangers just couldn't manage to put together a win. It feels so heart-breaking. I know we've hit the part of the season where we simply say "next year", but I would still like to see the guys out there playing at least 500 baseball... too much to ask? Honestly, I do not think so...

Here's the last time I posted something about Gil Meche: Game 66

The Rangers have lost six of Feldman's last seven starts and his last five in a row. What will make today any different? Probably not much. The Rangers are colder than a Popsicle in Antarctica during the ice age. And, the Rangers just got swept by the Indians... granted the Tribe is playing good baseball, but a sweep? Come on. I think it was a combined hotness vs. coldness.

Over the last seven starts, Feldman has seen his ERA go from 4.39 to the 5.15 that it is now. He's 4-5 this season and 5-10 for his career... he has never started against the Royals, but has 14 innings over 7 appearances. Feldman's ERA is 3.86 against them and the Royals hit Feldman for a .232 batting average with 13 hits, 7 runs (6 earned with 2 HRs), and 6 walks. The current Royal roster is 11-41 (.268 BA) with 3 doubles, 2 HRs and 8 RBIs. Alex Gordon is the only Royal that is notable at 3-4 with a double and a RBI. He gave up two runs in four innings in a game earlier this season (April 29) to the Royals.

Gil Meche started a game against the Rangers earlier this season (on June 10th), where the Royals lost despite a solid outing by Meche. He pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two walks which led to one run.

In his career against Texas, he is 4-8 with a 6.25 ERA and has handed out 18 HRs in 72 innings. The Rangers hit him for a .287 batting average. He has eight starts in a row of six innings or more and has seen his ERA drop from 4.74 on July 2nd to the 4.01 ERA that it is now. In other words, he has been pitching VERY well of late.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young: 14-37 (.378 BA); 3 doubles, 2 HRs, and 9 RBIs
• Hank Blalock: 12-30 (.400 BA); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HRs, and 8 RBIs
• Gerald Laird: 4-9 (.444 BA); 1 double

The current Ranger roster is batting .308 (41-133) with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HRs, and 19 RBIs. You can do the math to figure out what the rest of the roster (roster minus Young, Blalock, and Laird) musters together.
Forecast: I believe the Rangers woes will continue. Meche is pitching well and the Rangers are pitching just bad enough to lose. The sticks are pretty limpy and the offense fights real hard to try and stay in these games... and they fail. The loses of Kinsler and Murphy have hurt the team in motivation and spirit. And until the two return, it will be difficult at best for the Rangers offense. Royals take this one 7-4.

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Clinton Lumberkings vs. Kane County Cougars

Low-A: at Clinton 3, Kane County 1
Win: Beavan (10-6, 2.45)
Save: Ortiz (4, 2.12)

The Cougars managed seven hits against Blake Beavan in six innings but could only bring one home. Beavan walked one and struck out four. Chris Dennis provided a scoreless 7th and 8th, and Joseph Ortiz closed the game. In his last ten starts, Beavan has a 1.64 ERA, 12 walks and 38 strikeouts in 55 innings.

Miguel Alfonzo’s 2nd-inning double plated Mitch Moreland and pushed Justin Smoak to third. Smoak (.217/.308/.391) would score on an error. Alfonzo (.230/.326/.321) also singled. Smoak singled and walked.

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Playoff Game 1: Airhogs at Cats

I have no clue what the Playoff Rotation would really look like, however, this is what I would guess that it would look like. Grand Prairie's rotation was a little bit harder than the Cats rotation...
With the Airhogs, Harris could be #1 or #2. In this format, there really will be no need for a #5 guy, but I went ahead and listed them. Jamnik could start for someone else, but his record may keep him in the bullpen. I would think that starting Harris instead of Garcia for Game 1 would be a good choice for the Hogs. Should the Hogs do that, maybe placing Kirsten or Gwaltney for Flores would be a better choice, as well, but the 13 wins screams to me of a certain respect for starting the first game. It would be the first playoff game this post-season for the Cats at home... but me, personally, I think it would be better for the team for a lower ERA guy to start against the Hogs lowest ERA guy. I really don't know what the playoff rotation will look like, but this is my best bet.

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Game 131: Rangers vs. Indians

Hopefully, the Rangers are going to get HOT. And I am not talking about 107° F at 10PM either. I am talking about great pitching and solid hitting. And by great pitching, I mean somewhere around 4 runs or less per nine innings. Is that too much to ask for? I guess it depends on the day...
Anyway, I am going to this game. The last time I went to a game where Padilla started, the Rangers won with a walk-off GRAND SLAM. Is that going to be the flavor for this game? Not likely, but it would be nice to grab a W... whether walk-off or otherwise, I'll take it.

Padilla is 12-7 with a 4.96 ERA. I still think the ERA is a tad high, but I'll take it anyway. He's given up the long ball six times in his last three starts. And he had nine days off between starts (8/9 to 8/19) and was rough out in his last outing. The question lingers in my head: is he healthy right now? I don't want to go and say send him to the DL... the last thing the Rangers need right now in trying to finish over 500 for the season is send another starter, a key starter in the rotation right now, to the DL.

He has five starts against the Tribe and is 2-2 with a 7.09 ERA. They slap him a hard .316 batting average but only have two HRs in the 26.2 innings. Padilla has lost his last two starts, but the Rangers won when he started in the previous four games. A good note is that Padilla is still good for innings. Twice in his last 13 starts has he pitched less than six innings. One of those two short outings sent him to the DL... and the other one was on 8/9, which was also injury related.

Indians to Watch (the usual suspects):

• Victor Martinez: 4-11 (.364 BA); 3 doubles and 3 RBIs
• Jhonny Peralta: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, and 5 RBIs
• Grady Sizemore: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs

Anthony Reyes has never pitched against Texas, but he comes into this game with a 4-2 record with a 3.66 ERA. He's pitched a total of 32 innings between St. Louis and Cleveland. He was a relief pitcher with the Cardinals and has moved to the starting rotation for the Tribe, where he has a 2.60 ERA as a starter. He has a career record of 12-25 with a save in 56 games. Chances are... he'll still stay on fire and spit out a good game.

Notable Rangers:

• Josh Hamilton: 1-3 with 1 HR and 1 RBI

Yep. That's it. Hamilton is it for the Rangers he has faced, but then, what could you expect.

Forecast: Well, Padilla will obviously know that I will be at the game, so it is a win for the Rangers. Stats don't matter when other "rules" come into play. Seriously, though, I think the Indians have a much better chance in this one... but then, stranger things. Score: 3-2, Indians.

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Game 130: Rangers vs. Indians

Doesn't the Indian look a ton better with Ranger colors? I think so. It brings out the... whatever. So... Harrison gets a little hammered. I have noticed that when I pick the Rangers, they lose and when I pick the other team, the Rangers win. That is just a recent trend... and I think it is telling me something. Now, if I pick the oponent thinking the Rangers will win, and the Rangers lose, because I was picking the oponent expecting the Rangers to win, does that mean I should pick the Rangers anyway? Or maybe if I pick the Rangers and they win, could that mean I was the system would have figured me out, thus negating the system to begin with? Maybe I overthink things too much.
Anyway, we have Sowers, who simply sucks. And then we have McCarthy who hasn't pitched in the majors this season. But we reserve the right to call McCarthy a typical pitcher, and we all know what that means, right?

Let's start out with McCarthy today. McCarthy went 5-10 for the Rangers last year and is 12-19 for his career. His ERA last season, however, was 4.87, and in a Texas uniform, that shapes up to be pretty good. McCarthy has a career ERA against Cleveland at 4.88 and a 4-2 record that has 12 games but only 4 are starts.

McCarthy's last start against Cleveland was on July 31st of 2007, where he went 6.2 innings and gave up one run (a HR) on four hits and three walks. That was his last career victory. I guess it is fitting that he start this season with a start against the Tribe.

Indians to Watch:

• Grady Sizemore: 6-17 (.353 BA); 2 RBIs
• Victor Martinez: 5-12 (.417 BA); 4 doubles, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs
• Travis Hafner: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 2 HRs and 6 RBIs
• Ryan Garko: 5-10 (.500 BA); 1 HR and 3 RBIs

Wow. It is not as bad as you think, though, because the rest of the team is 3-33 with 1 double, 2 HRs and 3 RBIs. So, even with the few hits the rest of the bunch has, they still do some damage.

Sowers. Man, what a strange name. But, I guess he didn't get to choose his last name, it was given to him... moving on. Sowers is 2-6 with a 5.46 ERA. He should do OK pitching here in Arlington. I say that due to him having a 1.29 G/F. He has been nothing but a starter for Cleveland. Despite pitching for Cleveland for three seasons, he has never faced the Texas Rangers and he has only faced one batter on the Rangers roster, Josh Hamilton, who is 1-2 with a solo HR. He is also coming off his second win, at home against the Angels. He is 1-5 on the road this year with a high ERA at 6.59 and a higher OBA at .309. His other victory this year was against the Mariners, also in the AL West. He hasn't pitched against the A's this season.

Forecast: Well... I'll just shoot from the hip and say the Rangers own more of the numbers on this one. So, should I say the Tribe, because I think the Rangers, or should I say the Rangers because I think the Rangers... I think I will say the Rangers by a margin of 6-4.

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Airhogs vs. Cats in Playoffs

GAME SCHEDULE AND TIMES (Best-Of-Five Series):

• Monday August, 25- Grand Prairie at Fort Worth, game 1
• Tuesday August, 26- Grand Prairie at Fort Worth, game 2
• Thursday August, 28- Fort Worth at Grand Prairie, game 3
• Friday August, 29- Fort Worth at Grand Prairie, game 4*
• Saturday August, 30- Fort Worth at Grand Prairie, game 5*

Notes: Games at 7:05 PM CST (* if necessary)

We're going to the game on the 28th. Sweet!

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Game 129: Rangers vs. Indians

I like Harrison. I like how he can take the mound and end a losing streak. He has confidence. He has skill. And every time he takes the mound, be believes he can and will win. And, I was reminded that Harrison threw a no-hitter earlier this season for Frisco. He knows he has great stuff.
I created this post two days ago... and I don't know if you would call it boredom or writers block or what, but I have really struggled in putting this one together. Yawn. So, here goes...

Fausto Carmona has an ERA of 4.71 with a 5-5 record coming into this game. Cleveland has won their last four games and would be considered HOT, especially compared to their opponents, the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are 3-7 in their last ten, whereas Cleveland is 7-3 in that time.

Carmona simply sucks against the Rangers. The Tribe is 2-5 in his last 7 starts, including the May 23rd Game against the Rangers. In that game, the Rangers got 3 walks and five hits in his two innings of work and scored 6 times on their way to a 13-9 victory. That was at the Jake (formally the Jake, anyway, before they sold out the cool name for something commercial). That game, Carmona went to the DL.

Carmona's career against the Rangers consists of four starts and a 1-3 record. In those four games, the Rangers hit .250 and have handed him a 5.56 ERA. Outside of the last game, Carmona looks a WHOLE lot better.

Notable Rangers:

• Michael Young: 3-7 (.429 BA)
• Milton Bradley: 2-6 (.333 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, and 1 RBI
• David Murphy: 2-2 with 1 double and 3 RBIs

The current Ranger roster is 11-51 (.216 BA) with 4 doubles, 1 HR and 6 RBIs.

Matt Harrison, the kid who threw a No-Hitter earlier this season for Frisco, is a good deal better at home. He is 5-2 with a 5.77 ERA, but his ERA at home is 4.08. This is his first stint in the Majors, and it looks like he is here to stay. The Rangers are 6-2 when he starts. He has three consecutive wins, which are against the likes of Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and the NY Yankees. He has good stuff and he is not afraid to use it.

He has never faced the Tribe or any of their hitters (DUH!)... but I would think he would and should give special attention to the likes of Sizemore and Peralta who have considerable power. Ben Francisco, who has some pop and hits for average.

Forecast: Logic simply states two different things in this particular game. Logic first tells me that since Cleveland is hot, they will win. Sizemore has been on FIRE and things are clicking for the Tribe. But, then logic tells me these things: The last pitcher to lose for Cleveland? Carmona. And Harrison pitches good enough each time to win. So then Logic first tells me Cleveland, and then it tells me the Rangers... and I ALWAYS listen to logic when it says Rangers (well, at least today). Score: 8-5, Rangers.

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Top 20 Ranger Prospects

Top 20 Ranger Prospects according to Jamey Newberg:

1. NEFTALI FELIZ, RHP, AA Frisco
2. DEREK HOLLAND, LHP, AA Frisco
3. ELVIS ANDRUS, SS, AA Frisco
4. MICHAEL MAIN, RHP, Low A Clinton
5. TAYLOR TEAGARDEN, C, AAA Oklahoma
6. MAX RAMIREZ, C, AAA Oklahoma
7. JUSTIN SMOAK, 1B, Low A Clinton
8. ENGEL BELTRE, CF, Low A Clinton
9. BLAKE BEAVAN, RHP, Low A Clinton
10. KASEY KIKER, LHP, High A Bakersfield
11. WILMER FONT, RHP, Rookie-Level Arizona League
12. JULIO BORBON, CF, AA Frisco
13. MARTIN PEREZ, LHP, Short-Season A Spokane
14. NEIL RAMIREZ, RHP, Short-Season A Spokane
15. WILFREDO BOSCAN, RHP, Short-Season A Spokane
16. JOSE VALLEJO, 2B, AA Frisco
17. TOMMY HUNTER, RHP, AAA Oklahoma
18. GERMAN DURAN, IF, AAA Oklahoma
19. CRISTIAN SANTANA, LF, Low A Clinton
20. ROBBIE ROSS, LHP, Unassigned

I know a good deal about some of this players, others I am pretty well clue-less... but I guess the surprise of the entire list is that Ian Gac is not on it. I would be an idiot to disagree with the first pick. Anybody would be. The top ten are definitely solid... Tommy Hunter, Duran, and Borbon are others I agree with... I do not know enough about the rest to have an opinion. I know Smoak and Ross are the top two picks in this years draft... I guess you have to have them in the top 20, by default if for no other reason.

For Newbergs reasons, go to this link here: Newberg Picks

Jamey puts together a report signing at the end of the year... all I ask for is to have BEAVAN there. I would LOVE to have that dude's autograph.

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Pre-Season Game 3: Cowboys vs. Houston

Well, let's see. The Cowboys are 0-2 in the pre-season and the Texans are 2-0. And that is all because it is pre-season. Seriously, things should start changing here as the starters are going to be getting more time and the third strings will be getting cut. I do not have the #'s to prove squat right now... outside of what happened last year. The Texans finished 8-8 last season and the Cowboys finished 13-3. If the Dallas starters stay in for an entire half, they should find a grove that will work for them and put some points on the board. Austin's injury could create some trouble for the recieving portion of the Cowboy's game, but we shall see how this unfolds.

Forecast: Cowboys finally win their first pre-season game. This one is at home, at Texas Stadium... Romo and TO put on a show. Score: 31-21, Cowboys.

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Frisco No-No

I've got a post in the past with similar information, if I am not mistaken... actually on May 18th of this year. Here's the post: Matt Harrison No-No Now, another Minor League great discovers no-hitter success. Neftali Feliz, pictured below, threw five innings of no-hit in a combined no-hitter with one out going to Trey Hodges before the game was called for rain.

Here is a copy of the box score... just for grins.

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