Game 50: Rangers vs. Athletics

Game four of the series and the Rangers are going for the sweep. Millwood no longer has the share of the lead in wins among Rangers starters.
Oakland (18-29) will try to snap its four-game losing streak when it hands the ball to Dallas Braden (4-5, 3.69 ERA). He has a 1-2 record with a 4.07 ERA in his career against the Rangers, which consists of seven games (four starts). The Rangers bat .290 off him.

Athletics to Watch:

• Orlando Cabrera is 28-85 (.329) with four doubles, a HR, and eleven RBIs.
• Mark Ellis is 12-29 (.414) with three doubles.
• Jason Giambi is 7-16 (.438) with two HRs and four RBIs.

As a team, the A's are 76-268 (.284) off Millwood. They have 18 doubles, six HRs, and 31 RBIs.

Millwood (4-4, 3.25 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last four starts against Oakland. He pitched eight innings against the A’s on April 28 allowing four runs - two earned - and 10 hits in a 5-4 victory.

Rangers to Watch:

• Marlon Byrd is 5-13 with two doubles and three RBIs.
• Hank Blalock is 2-7 with a HR and RBI.
• Ian Kinsler is 3-7.

The Ranger roster is 21-64 (.328) with six doubles, a HR, and eight RBIs. Forecast: I like brooms... especially when it comes to sweep time. And it is sweep time in Arlington. Rangers win the game, sweep the series with a score of 7-3.

Home Plate

Game 11: FC Dallas at Chicago Fire

Chicago is 4-0-6 and is first in the Eastern Standings. Dallas is 1-6-3 and is second to last in the Western Standings. Soccer is like football... or any other sport, for that matter... when the great teams play the awful teams... well, what is expected is what generally happens.

Forecast: Chicago is going to tear up FC Dallas. Look for a score of 5-1. Of course, I am being really generous with the one.

Home Grass

Game 49: Rangers vs. Athletics

The Rangers are tops in the American League today. They have a one game lead over the Yankees and a four and a half lead over the Angels. And the top team is playing the bottom team... I like the Rangers odds.
Oddly enough, the Rangers don't have the best offense. And not surprising, they don't have the best pitching. But they are close on both accounts in the American League.
This is what I had said about Brett Anderson's Last Game vs. Rangers. Anderson is now 2-4 with a 4.98 ERA heading into this game. Should the A's lose this game, they drop the series. No Pressure, Mr. Anderson. The Athletics have lost the first six starts this season that Anderson started. His last two starts have been wins. And over those last two starts, we have seen his ERA drop from 6.03 to 4.98.

Already in eight starts this season, Anderson has given up ten unearned runs. That's 1.25 unearned runs per game. Great for their opponents, which means it is good for us. He has a 2.25 ERA over his last two starts. There are two unearned runs in those two starts.

His start against Texas was in Arlington on April 28th. He gave up three runs, but only one earned. That is his only career start against Texas. I don't like his chances today. Still, in five innings, he only gave up three hits.

You can follow this link for a Michael Young Interview. You can follow this link to read about Nolan Ryan pursuing the purchase of the Texas Rangers.

So... Brandon McCarthy. Yeah... well, I am tired. I just got in from the Texas Junior Rangers chat with Chris Davis. And it is hot out there. Containing a four year old out in this hot weather can be tiring. I'll post something about Chris Davis later, along with some pictures that really point out that I do not have a "in the know" about how to use my camera to the optimum level. I really don't feel like giving the know on Brandon McCarthy. Forecast: I like the Rangers due to them being the best in the American League and the A's being the worst in the American League. Do I really need any other reason than that? Not really. McCarthy is a solid pitcher and the lineup knows how to work a count... Rangers win it, 5-1.

Home Plate

Beavan vs Stockton

High-A: at Bakersfield 7, Stockton 4

Win: Beavan (4-4, 4.70)

Save: Flores (1, 3.13)

Blake Beavan just missed his fifth consecutive quality start in an outing longer on perseverance than dominance. Beavan allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits, three walks and two strikeouts in 6.1 innings. As I'd mentioned a few weeks ago, his rates of homers, walks, and strikeouts in Bakersfield aren't substantially different from last year in Clinton when he posted a 2.37 ERA. The major difference in his hit rate on balls in play, from .255 last year to .310 in '09.

The amazing Blaze pen - in the form of Ryan Falcon (1.2 IP) and Adelberto Flores (1 IP, 3 SO) - held the Ports scoreless while the Blaze tacked on two insurance runs. 2B Matt Lawson was 2-4 with a walk, and Mauro Gomez drove in four on a single and double. Catcher Elio Sarmiento and SS Davis Stoneburner also had two hits.

In the 7th, Stockton's radio announcer mentioned that impending rain could be problematic because Bakersfield doesn't own a tarp.

Home Plate

Game 1 - Stanley Cup Finals: Penguins at Red Wings

Pittsburgh went 45-28-9 (or 45-37) during the regular season.

How they got here:

• Pittsburgh topped Philadelphia in the first round, 4-2.
• Pittsburgh edged Washington in the second round, 4-3.
• Pittsburgh swept Carolina in the Conference Finals, 4-0.

Pittsburgh has a winning percentage in the regular season of .549, but a .706 mark in the playoffs.

Detroit went 51-21-10 (or 51-31) during the regular season.

How they got here:

• Detroit swept Columbus in the first round, 4-0.
• Detroit edged the Ducks in the second round, 4-3.
• Detroit topped Chicago in the Conference Finals, 4-1.

Detroit has a .622 winning percentage in the regular season and has a .750 mark for the playoffs. Between the two teams, Pittsburgh is truly the underdog in this series. Detroit led the league in scoring, and they needed to, especially since their goalie's save percentage was so poor. The Penguins have an above average offense and a middle of the road save percentage, so the two teams appear evenly matched. Personally, I don't think there is a bad pick between the two. Forecast: Well, the nature of this blog is to predict who will win. Game 1 and Game 2 are in Detroit. Odds are that Detroit will prevail, as Pittsburgh is not as good on the road as Detroit is on the road. Detroit wins it at home, 3-1.

Home Ice

Harper's Island: Episode 7

Yep, Richard died at the end of the episode. I didn't clarify that this isn't a reality show. At least one character dies in each episode. The question is: who is doing the killing? And the other question is: who's going to die in the next episode?

Now, things are going to change, since the father of the bride is DEAD, the wedding in now cancelled, which opens things up for the bride and groom as official targets. I think the flower girl is safe. I think Abby is safe.
I like Maggie to die since she is not a major character, at least right now. Shea's father and husband are both dead... I figure she's not too far behind. Shea's daughter is the the flower girl, who seems pretty wakey and has something to do with all the murders. Danny... he's been under the radar of late, which opens him up to being a target. Those are my three for this Saturday. I still like Jimmy as the killer, although I'm not as confident about it as I once was.

Home on the Range

Games 47 and 48: Rangers vs. Athletics

The Rangers have dropped five of their last nine games, with a sweep by the Tigers and dropping two of three to the Yankees. They also swept the Astros in there. A series against A's could be just what the Dr. ordered (Dr. Pepper, anyone?). This is a four game set with a doubleheader today. Hunter hasn't started for the Rangers at all this season, but has had some good stuff in the minors. Tommy Hunter (2-2, 4.89 between Oklahoma City and Frisco this year) threw a season-high 123 pitches on Sunday, taking a shutout into the ninth inning. Last season he went 0-2 with a 16.36 ERA. He has faced Jason Giambi twice. He went 1-2 with a solo HR.

Texas is 2-2 against Oakland this season. Last year, the Rangers went 12-7 against the A's. Outman has nine games this season (seven starts) and is 2-0 with a 2.90 ERA. The A's have won in each of his last four starts. He hasn't pitched against the Rangers this season, but last year, he had two starts against the Rangers, going 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA. He has a 4.50 ERA in Arlington, where the Rangers hit him for a .417 batting average. If the Rangers work the count (which they have been good at doing this season), they should have great success against Outman.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young is 2-5 against Outman.
• Josh Hamilton is 2-5 with three strikeouts.
• Marlon Byrd is 2-5 with a RBI.
• Nelson Cruz is 3-4 with two doubles and a RBI.

As a team, the Rangers current roster is 11-30 (.367) with four doubles and two RBIs.

Forecast: Game 1: Well, I am really shooting into the wind on this one. This could go either way. I like Hunter. Outman is a huge question mark. He's looking good thus far this season. So... Rangers win the series opener, 4-1. Hunter goes six innings, gives up one run.
Edgar Gonzalez has one start this season, a game against the Arizona D-Backs. He went five innings, yeilding one run on four hits, walking two. That gives him the 1.80 ERA that he has. There are three Rangers who have a history against him. Omar Vizquel is 1-15 with a double and a RBI. Andruw Jones is 2-7 and Josh Hamilton is 1-4 with a HR and two RBIs. Combined, they are 4-26 (.154) with a double, HR and three RBIs. Gonzalez has never faced the Rangers (as a team).

Feldman is secretly the Rangers golden boy. He is 3-0 with a 4.04 ERA. I would recommend the Rangers consider signing him to a nice, long contract. Feldman has nine games and six starts this season, and has lasted six innings in each of his last four starts. His last three, he has thrown over 100 pitches each. I would like to see him go longer in the games, he seems to have the stuff to do it with. As a starter this season, he has a 2.52 ERA for the Rangers. He averages just under 6 innings per start. He started a game against the A's earlier this month, going six innings and getting the win.

The current A's roster is 25-106 (.236) against Feldman with five doubles, a triple, three HRs, and fifteen RBIs.

A's to Watch:

• Jack Cust is 5-13 (.385) with two HRs and four RBIs.
• Kurt Suzuki is 3-10 with a double and three RBIs.
• Ryan Sweeney is 3-9 with two doubles.

Forecast: Game 2: Gonzalez has done well with a few Rangers. He had a great start against his former team to start his ML 2009 season. I just see Feldman doing a better job today. He has success. He has it with this wonderful season he is having and he is having it against the A's. Look for a Rangers win in game two with a score of 6-4. Feldman goes six and a partial, yeilding two runs.

Home Plate

Game 46: Rangers vs. Yankees

The Rangers WIN. I love saying that the Rangers WIN over the Yankees. And I would definitely love saying it if Holland grabs one down against the Yanks.

According to at least one local report, lefthander Matt Harrison has been scratched from Saturday’s scheduled start with shoulder soreness. Righthander Brandon McCarthy, who had been set to pitch in Friday’s doubleheader, will pitch in Harrison’s place on Saturday.

Righthander Scott Feldman will start the second game of Friday’s doubleheader, but it hasn’t been decided who will take McCarthy’s spot in Game One. Candidates reportedly include righthanders Doug Mathis (who is not on the 40-man roster), Tommy Hunter, and Kris Benson.
Holland hasn't ever faced the Yankees. Duh. He has a 1-1 record with a 4.82 ERA. He's about as rookie as rookie can get, but can pitch. He's good. He's "beat down the Yankees" good. He pitched well enough against the Astros to get a win (but didn't). That was his first career Major League start. This is his second. He's given up only three HRs this season, but one in each of his last two appearances. Opponents are hitting .254 off him.

AJ Burnett is 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA this season. The Yankees are 5-4 when he starts this season. In his career against the Rangers, he is 1-2 with a 4.72 ERA. The Rangers hit .252 off him. He won his first two starts this season and has pitched at least six innings in all but two of his starts.
Forecast: I like the Rangers in this one. Of course I like the Rangers in this one. I like Holland. I've never been to the country, but I like the pitcher. He has done nothing but impress since he's been called up from the minors. AJ Burnett appears to be in a funk. His ERA is up and he can't grab a win to save his life, or so it appears. Rangers pound away and win with everything they got, 8-3.

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Game 45: Rangers vs. Yankees

The Rangers NEED to respond. Getting pounded 11-1 by a bunch of bozos is not what I would call something to just sit on. Millwood is the way to respond. If there is a pitcher who can lead this team to a win right now, it is Millwood. Chamberlain (2-1, 3.70 ERA) has two career starts against the Rangers, last a total of 8.2 innings. He's given up 13 hits and seven runs (two HRs) while walking six and striking out eleven. He has a 7.27 ERA against the Rangers, who hit .351 off him. The Yankees are 5-3 when he starts. Chamberlain is also playing with a bruised knee and threw a bullpen session on Sunday. He should be ready to go, with or without the injury, it's tough to say.

Yankees to BOO:

• Nick Swisher is 10-25 with two doubles, three HRs, and seven RBIs.
• Alex Rodriguez is 6-16 (.375) with a double, a HR, and two RBIs.
• Robinson Cano is 5-12 (.417) with two RBIs.
• Xavier Nady is 4-6 with a double, a HR, and two RBIs.

Mark Teixeira is 3-8 with a double. The current Yankee roster is 49-158 (.310) off Millwood. They have twelve doubles, two triples, five HRs, and 17 RBIs.

Millwood (4-4, 3.12 ERA) has seven starts against the Yankees and it really hasn't been a great run against them. He is 1-4 in a total 42.1 innings. There are 46 hits, 24 runs (21 earned), and seven HRs during that time. He has walked ten and fanned 37. He has a respectable 4.46 ERA against them, so it almost feels like he hasn't really gotten the run support he should when he pitches against the Yanks. His last start against NY was in New York on July 1, 2008, where he pitched five innings to get a no-decision. The Rangers won that game, 3-2.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young is 3-6 with a HR and three RBIs.
• Ian Kinsler is 2-4 with a double.
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia is 2-4 with a RBI.
• David Murphy is 1-3 with a HR and two RBIs.

Forecast: I like the Rangers in this one (surprised?) due to how Millwood is currently pitching and that Millwood's last start against the Yankees, he did quite well. I also like the Rangers due to the fact they got hammered yesterday (not drinking too much, but the 11-1 stomping they got from the Yanks). I don't see them get that kind of treatment two days in a row. Look for the Rangers to stomp the Yankees 9-4.

Home Plate

Junior Rangers Newsletter

I get to talk to Chris Davis. Actually, my son might ask him a question. In fact, I wouldn't put it past my son to run right up to him and ask him a question right to his face... that would be PRICELESS!

What question should I ask Chris Davis?

• Does your wife call you Crush Davis (I don't know if he is married or not)?
• How does it feel to be the guy who replaces Mark Teixeira?
• How did you get the nickname "Crush"? Who gave you the nickname?
• Who was your favorite player growing up?
• You started the season with some HORRENDOUS numbers. What did you do to keep a positive mindset?
• Did you play T-Ball when you were a child?

Home Plate

Game 44: Rangers vs. Yankees

Yes, I took the last game of the Tiger series off and the sweep of the Astros off. But don't you think I will be slacking against the Yankees. It is probably a safe bbet to say that I will pick the Rangers in each and every game of the series. And I will manipulate any and all stats to prove why the Rangers will win in each game. If anything, we can play Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock until the numbers work in my favor... Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock
The Rangers come into this series with the best record in the American League. The Yankees are 1.5 games behind the Rangers. The Rangers have won 10 of their last 13 games, with the three loses coming from Detroit. The Yankees have also won 10 of their last 13 games, but are 1-2 in their last three games. The Yankees are third in their division, trailing Boston and Toronto. The series consists of Harrison vs. Hughes, Millwood vs. Chamberlain, and Holland vs. Burnett. Ex-Ranger Mark Teixeira has 13 HRs. Ian Kinsler has 12, Hank Blalock has 11, Nelson Cruz has 11 and Chris Davis has 10. Johnny Damon also has 10, and he is the only other Yankee to have double digits in the long ball catagory.
Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes could be pitching for his spot as a major league starter Monday. Hughes (2-2, 7.06 ERA) rebounded from an ugly outing at Baltimore on May 9 by allowing three runs in five innings in each of his last two starts. He beat the Orioles on Wednesday as he struck out a career-high nine in an 11-4 victory. In Hughes’ only previous appearance against the Rangers, the right-hander - then 20 years old - had a no-hitter through 6 1-3 innings in Arlington on May 1, 2007. But he had to leave the game with a hamstring injury.

Harrison (4-3, 4.71 ERA) has one career start against the Yankees, where he pitched 6.1 innings, gave up two runs on five hits, which gives him a 2.84 ERA against the Yanks. Harrison had two back-to-back complete games before his last start, where he gave up five runs in five innings to the Tigers. He also had won four straight games going into the Detroit game.
Forecast: I am going to keep it simple today. The Rangers have the better team, better pitching and Hughes is trying to stay in the rotation for the Yankees... but I don't think it is going to happen. His last start for a while, he gets pummelled by the Rangers. Score: 9-2, Rangers.

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Beavan vs Inland Empire

High-A: at Bakersfield 4, Inland Empire 6 (12 innings)
Loss: Lueke (0-1, 1.17)

Bakersfield trailed 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th despite a another very strong performance from Blake Beavan, who walked none and struck out five while allowing two runs (one earned) in seven innings. Since a nightmarish outing on May 2nd, Beavan has a 2.17 ERA, four walks and 16 strikeouts in 27 innings.

Ian Gac followed a Joey Butler walk with his 4th homer of the season to tie the game. The 66ers scored in the top of the 10th, but Mitch Moreland again knotted the score with a solo homer, his 8th. Inland Empire plated two in the 12th that the Blaze couldn’t match.

Moreland (.345/.415/.600) also doubled and walked. SS Renny Osuna (.265/.327/.340) drew three free passes and doubled.

Home Plate

Wow

Well, I was off on Harper's Island. Richard died. It's not a reality show. Wouldn't that just be horrible if it was a reality show and people got killed each and every week. That would just be wrong. I bet the ratings would be through the roof, though.

Anyway, the Rangers swept the Astros and have the best record in the American League. They have the second best record in the Majors. Next up? The Yankees. I will do my forecast on the series now... Yankees get swept by the Rangers. Surprised? Probably not. I just HATE the Yankees (remember, it's professional, not personal).

Home Plate

Harper's Island: Episode 6

I don't normally... well, I have never included Reality Shows or anything like that on my postings here. But I love this show. It's kind of creepy and at least one character get's knocked off each week (show). I think the flower girl is safe. I think Abby is safe. Also, the groom and bride are safe, so they aren't going to get knocked off...

Who will get knocked off this upcoming episode? Maggie, the wedding planner is tops on my list. My second choice would be Mrs. Wellington and my third choice is JD.

Who is my choice for "who done it?" Well, Jimmy is my leading candidate. I don't have any second choices... but Jimmy is my best bet for who is doing all the crime and has been for several weeks. The reason? Well, he looks like the least illogical answer. And because of that, I think he's the leading candidate.

Home on the Range

Game 10: FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy

These two teams ALMOST equally suck. Dallas is 1-6-2 while the Galaxy is 1-1-6. If you wish to adjust the numbers, Dallas is 2-7 while the Galaxy is 4-4. Dallas' win percentage is .222 and the Galaxy is an even .500. Statistically speaking, the Galaxy is a better team. And being that Dallas is the worst team in Soccer, whoever they play and where just won't make a difference. The other team should be favored to win. One thing that is interesting is that Dallas dropped the first three, grabbed a tie and followed that with a win. Then they dropped another three and snagged a tie in their last game. Is this a pattern? If there is a team out there that they can beat, I would say that the Galaxy could very well be that team, albeit simply a hunch. The last time the two met was last season that ended in a 2-2 tie.
Forecast: Call me strange, I think I am going to go with the pattern. Dallas wins it 2-1.

Home Grass

Game 8: Airhogs vs. Pelicans

Ah, the home opener. I have tickets to tonights Airhogs game. The Hogs are 2-5 coming into their home opener and the Pelicans are 3-4, so not too much difference between the two right now.

In Beam's first start, He dominated, yeilding three hits and a walk (one HR) in five innings of work. He struck out four while giving up two runs in the process for the win. He is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA.

Jose Cordero looks to make the start... although the statistics page tell me that it is Stephen MacFarland's turn, as Cordero is a relief pitcher. It would really help if they gave me a scheduled starter information. OK... MacFarland. He has a 1.93 ERA while only pitching 4.2 innings. He gave up one hit and two walks that led to a single run scoring. Opponents are hitting .067 off of him.
Forecast: I like the Airhogs in this one, although the pitching looks like it could be good from both sides. Still, the Airhogs have been itching to get some home games in, as the road hasn't been to nice for them. Score: 5-3.

Home Plate

Game 39: Rangers at Tigers

Well, the winning streak is over. Time to start another one. Harrison is a pitcher who can do that for the Rangers. The Rangers now have a three game lead over the Angels, and look for the Angels to be strong in their current series against the Mariners. That's just the nature of the beast.
Detroit does well against the Rangers. I'm not terribly sure why, but over the last few years, the Rangers couldn't do anything right in Detroit. Yesterday, they mustered up only one hit as they got shutout by a pitcher with an ERA over seven. YUCK! Again, it's the nature of the beast. The Rangers will pick themselves up and make something happen today. I don't see them going 0-2 to start this road trip.

Harrison is 4-2 with a 4.23 ERA. He doesn't strikeout much, but when you are a finesse pitcher, you don't really need to be. You trust your defense to take care of business. When you have Kinsler and Andrus up the middle, you find it easy to trust your defense. And let's not even mention the outfield, catcher, and third base. Those guys get it done, too. Harrison has thrown two complete games and has a personal four game winning streak. In his last four starts, he has a 1.80 ERA, which makes him pretty unbeatable. I'm not saying that he is unbeatable, I'm just saying that with those types of numbers, it takes solid pitching for the other team to just compete.

Verlander is 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA and has a career 4-1 mark against the Rangers. In his last four starts, he has a 0.92 ERA, which should make this start very interesting. Two juggernauts pitching so good, you can't really ask anything more from them. And Verlander does well against the Rangers. In six starts, he has a 2.23 ERA against them.

Forecast: This is a tight game with a tight score at the end. Rangers win this one by a call to the 'pen 3-2. Look for this one to possibly go extra innings.

Home Plate

Bakersfield Blaze vs Visalia Rawhide

High-A: Bakersfield 10, at Visalia 5
Win: Beavan (3-4, 5.28)

Blake Beavan’s outing resembled Michael Main’s: not great but ultimately effective. Beavan gave up three runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out three. Tim Murphy returned to action as a reliever after a week on the DL. Murphy walked two and allowed two runs on two innings. Pitcher Ryan Tatusko went on the DL in Murphy’s place.

The insanely hot Mauro Gomez (.371/.444/.694 in May) was 4-5 with three doubles and a two-run homer. Gomez led the Clinton Lumberkings with 21 homers in 2007 but slumped to eight while slugging .361 last year in Bakersfield. Jonathan Greene doubled twice and singled.

With a single and triple, Engel Beltre (.238/.283/.343) pushed his hit streak to 11. He also stole his 8th base.

Home Plate

Game 38: Rangers at Tigers

I don't know what the Angels and Mariners will do, but I can't see Oakland coming back to win this one, so they will move to nine games back.

At worst, the Rangers will be four games over the Angels when tomorrow's game starts. And that's not bad, especially since they are winners of seven straight games. There are several hot teams out there. The Yankees have won five straight. So have the Brewers. The Phillies, Rays, and Blue Jays have all won four games in a row. The Brewers and Rangers are winners of eight of their last ten games. Dodgers and Blue Jays are the only teams with a better winning percentage. Things are looking great for my team in Texas. I find it easy right now to love baseball. And I really love baseball.

Brandon McCarthy is looking more and more like the player he gave up John Danks for a few seasons back. In his career against Detroit, McCarthy is 1-2 in eleven games (four starts) and has a 5.11 ERA against them. In his last two starts this season, McCarthy is 0-1, giving up eleven runs in eleven innings. His ERA has gone up from 4.67 to 5.92 in that stretch. He is 0-2 in Detroit.

Rangers to Watch:

• Andruw Jones is 15-48 (.313) with six doubles and six RBIs.
• Marlon Byrd is 6-18 (.333) with two doubles, a HR, and two RBIs.

The Rangers current roster is 26-95 (.274) with nine doubles, a HR, and ten RBIs.

Detroit is first in their division with a 20-16 record. They have a game lead on the Royals, who have lost seven of their last ten. You could call it fading early... but it is a stretch to call it fading. More like plummeting. Still, the Tigers are now a first place team. Willis has two career starts against the Rangers and is 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA. He has only one start (game) this season in which he took the loss of a 14-10 slugfest in Minnesota. He gave up four runs in 4.2 innings, which will account for his 7.71 ERA I don't expect any miracles against the Rangers. In fact, I expect his first start to continue its woes.

Tigers to Watch:

• Magglio Ordonez is 4-10 (.400) with two RBIs.
• Brandon Inge is 3-8 (.375) with a HR and three RBIs.

The Tigers current roster is 10-47 (.213) off McCarthy with a double, a triple, a HR, and six RBIs. Forecast: It is really easy to pick the Rangers. This game has me a little leary in doing so, though. My concern mostly comes from McCarthy's record in Detroit. He's 0-2 in Tiger Town. So, I'm a bit nervous. I like his numbers against the current Tiger roster. And the Rangers are hot, but coming to play with an a day of rest. Does rest kill momentum? In football, definitely not. Baseball? It can at times. Will it for the Rangers? I think just changing the scenary could cause a bit of a problem. Tough to say why I feel this way. Maybe it's the cold I've been carrying around... Rangers win it, 6-4.

Home Plate

Remaining from the Draft: 2005-2007

2007 Rangers Draft

Round	Player Name	Currently
1	Blake Beavan	Rangers A
1	Michael Main	Rangers A
Comp A	Julio Borbon	Rangers AAA
Comp A	Neil Ramirez	Rangers A
Comp A	Tommy Hunter	Rangers AAA
2	Matthew West	Rangers A
3	Evan Reed	Rangers A
6	Robert Wilkins	Rangers Rookie
8	Jonathan Greene	Rangers A
9	Ralph Stoneburner	Rangers A
10	Andrew Laughter	Rangers AA
14	Matthew Lawson	Rangers A
16	Joshua Lueke	Rangers A
18	Ryan Tatusko	Rangers A
24	Chris Gradoville	Rangers AA
29	Ryan Falcon	Rangers A
33	Jared Hyatt	Rangers AAA

2006 Rangers Draft

Round	Player Name	Currently
1	Kasey Kiker	Rangers AA
3	Chad Tracy	Rangers AA
4	Marcus Lemon	Rangers AA
5	Chris Davis	Texas Rangers
6	Jacob Brigham	Rangers A
9	Brennan Garr	Rangers A
10	Craig Gentry	Rangers AA
14	Michael Ballard	Rangers AAA
16	Cody Podraza	Rangers A
25	Derek Holland	Texas Rangers
33	Eric Fry	Rangers A

2005 Rangers Draft

Round	Player Name	Currently
2	John Whittleman	Rangers AA
3	Taylor Teagarden	Texas Rangers
5	Michael Kirkman	Rangers A
6	German Duran	Rangers AAA
10	Matthew Nevarez	Rangers A
13	Douglas Mathis	Rangers AAA
15	Kea Kometani	Rangers AA
32	Renny Osuna	Rangers A
37	Timothy Rodriguez	Rangers A
49	Glenn Swanson	Rangers A

Where Are They Now? Part II

2006 Rangers Draft

Round	Player Name	Currently
1	Kasey Kiker	Rangers AA
3	Chad Tracy	Rangers AA
4	Marcus Lemon	Rangers AA
5	Chris Davis	Texas Rangers
6	Jacob Brigham	Rangers A
7	Grant Gerrard	UNSIGNED
8	Josh Bradbury	UNSIGNED
9	Brennan Garr	Rangers A
10	Craig Gentry	Rangers AA
11	Craig Crow	UNSIGNED
12	Matthew Jaimes	UNSIGNED
13	Kevin Angelle	UNSIGNED
14	Michael Ballard	Rangers AAA
15	Cody Himes	UNSIGNED
16	Cody Podraza	Rangers A
17	John Maschino	Independent
18	Michael Wagner	UNSIGNED
19	Miguel Velazquez	UNSIGNED
20	Tyler Fleming	UNSIGNED
21	Brandt Walker	UNSIGNED
22	Cory Luebke	San Diego A
23	Jay Heafner	UNSIGNED
24	Robert Mcclain	Boston A
25	Derek Holland	Texas Rangers
26	Kenneth Gregory	UNSIGNED
27	Jared Olson	UNSIGNED
28	William Hall	UNSIGNED
29	Daniel Hoben	UNSIGNED
30	Nickolas Cadena	UNSIGNED
31	Adam Schaecher	UNSIGNED
32	Shannon Wirth	UNSIGNED
33	Eric Fry	Rangers A
34	Austin Weilep	UNSIGNED
35	Brian Nelson	UNSIGNED
36	John Slusarz	UNSIGNED
37	John Lambert	UNSIGNED
38	Jonathan Hollis	UNSIGNED
39	Gary Poynter	UNSIGNED
40	Christopher Dennis	UNSIGNED
41	Brandon Gribbin	UNSIGNED
42	Lance West	UNSIGNED
43	Shawn Sanford	UNSIGNED
44	Daniel Sattler	UNSIGNED
45	Daniel Herrera	Cincinatti Reds
46	Clifton Thomas	UNSIGNED
47	Joseph Norwood	UNSIGNED
48	Rylan Ostrosky	UNSIGNED
49	Clint Stubbs	UNSIGNED
50	Patrick Donovan	Independent

Where Are They Now?

2005 Rangers Draft

Round	Player Name	Currently
1	John Mayberry, OF, Stanford University	Phillies AAA
2	John Whittleman, 3B, Kingwood HS	Rangers AA
3	Taylor Teagarden, C, University of Texas	Texas Ranger
4	Shane Funk, RHP, Arnold HS	UNSIGNED
5	Michael Kirkman, LHP, Columbia HS	Rangers A
6	German Duran, 2B, Weatherford College	Rangers AAA
7	Jacob Rasner, RHP, Wooster HS	Chicago WS A
8	Bradley Barragar, RHP, Golden West College	UNSIGNED
9	Ronnie Anderson, OF, Blanche Armwood HS	UNSIGNED
10	Matthew Nevarez, RHP, San Fernando HS	Rangers A
11	Nathan Fogle, RHP, Oregon State University	UNSIGNED
12	Dexter Carter, RHP, Greenbrier Christian Academy	Chicago WS A
13	Douglas Mathis, RHP, University of Missouri-Columbia	Rangers AAA
14	Steven Murphy, OF, Kansas State University	UNSIGNED
15	Kea Kometani, RHP, Pepperdine University	Rangers AA
16	Jesse Hall, LHP, Yavapai College	Independant
17	Christopher Dominguez, 3B, Gulliver Preparatory	UNSIGNED
18	Robert Fontaine, SS, Daytona Beach CC	Tampa Bay A
19	Brian Valichka, C, University of Delaware	Baltimore AA
20	Joseph Hooft, 2B, Arizona State University	UNSIGNED
21	Brandon James, RHP, Carlisle HS	UNSIGNED
22	Jarrod Dumont, RHP, Riverside CC	UNSIGNED
23	Steven Marquardt, 3B, Columbia Basin CC	UNSIGNED
24	Zach Borba, CF, Columbia Basin CC	UNSIGNED
25	Brian Spielman, RHP, Bradley University	UNSIGNED
26	Benjamin Crabtree, C, Ohio University	UNSIGNED
27	Jon Wilson, THP, Winthrop University	UNSIGNED
28	Sergio Morales, CF, Hollywood Hills HS	Chicago WS A
29	Matthew Hawke, 1B, University of Louisiana-Lafayette	UNSIGNED
30	Truan Mehl, OF, University of Maryland	UNSIGNED
31	Austin Faught, LHP, University of Louisiana-Lafayette	UNSIGNED
32	Renny Osuna, SS, New Mexico JC	Rangers A
33	Kevin Gossage, C, Coronado HS	UNSIGNED
34	Steven Hunt, RHP, Ramapo HS	UNSIGNED
35	Christopher Hicks, RHP, Milton HS	Houston A
36	Steven Farris, RHP, Langham Creek Senior HS	UNSGINED
37	Timothy Rodriguez, CF, Centennial HS	Rangers A
38	Jeffrey Murphy, RHP, Yavapai College	UNSIGNED
39	David Makin, RHP, Monte Vista HS	UNSIGNED
40	Thomas Van Buskirk, RHP, Santa Clara University	UNSIGNED
41	Warren Rosebrock, RHP, Sacramento State	UNSIGNED
42	Travis Hill, RHP, Seminole State College	UNSIGNED
43	Shawn Keil, OF, Seminole HS	UNSIGNED
44	Roberto Valiente, CF, University of Tampa	UNSIGNED
45	Frank Lonigro, C, Fullerton College	UNSIGNED
46	Thomas Berkery, C, Mississippi State University	UNSIGNED
47	Marc Nobriga, RHP, Hartnell College	UNSIGNED
48	Broc Coffman, LHP, Lower Columbia College	Independent
49	Glenn Swanson, LHP, University of California-Irvine	Rangers A
50	Joe Napoli, OF, Bradley University	UNSIGNED

Starting Rotation

This was the opening day rotation for the 2008 season. Padilla and Millwood are the only two still in the rotation today. Jamey Wright and Kason Gabbard are no longer Rangers and Jason Jennings is working out of the bullpen for the Rangers.
This is the opening day rotation this season. Only one change thus far, Kris Benson went on the DL for the Rangers. Benson is still with the Rangers, however now he is pitching out of the bullpen.

Benson's replacement in the rotation, Scott Feldman, has done well. He is 2-0 as a starter and the Rangers are 3-1 when he starts.

Home Plate

Playoff Game #1: Blackhawks at Red Wings

I am not going to say that the logo is bad, but the Blackhawk logo could be better. The Red Wings were seeded second and the Blackhawks were seeded fourth coming into the playoffs. Both teams amassed over 100 points in the NHL point system. The Red Wings limped into the playoffs while Chicago steamrolled on in. Who is the better team?

Chicago has played six games in the first two rounds (12 games in all), while Detroit swept in the first and went seven in the second (11 games in all).

Detroit won all four games in the second round at home. They are undefeated at home in the Playoffs.

Chicago is 2-4 on the road during the playoffs. Chicago has won it's last three playoff games. Detroit has won three of their last four.

Forecast: I don't know. I like Chicago for the series. I'm really not at all sure why, but I do. Maybe it is because my wife is from Illinois (and I am secretly biased, so secret that I don't even know about it). Either way, if Chicago does win the series, they have to take one on the road from a Detroit team who hasn't lost at home since the playoffs started. Detroit wins this one tonight with a tight score of 4-3.

Home Ice