"If the beat gets to the audience, and the message touches them, you've got a hit." - Casey Kasem

Let's start with a long distance dedication to the road weary Rangers: J. Geils "Musta Got Lost"

From Oklahoma City where the New Orleans Zephyrs (Mets) took on the Oklahoma Redhawks at Bricktown Ballpark we bring you a new photo gallery and "top of the charts" game reports.

And now, on with the countdown.

Friday April 27 - When Will I Be Loved? - Linda Ronstadt or John Koronka

Phillip Umber looked every bit of the Mets #4 prospect - for about 3 innings until Drew Meyer (remember him?) and, of course, Victor Diaz combined for 5 runs to chase Umber from the mound in the 5th in a 5-1 Oklahoma win.  Meanwhile, John Koronka, whose last 2 excellent starts have seemingly gone unnoticed, pitched 6 2/3 inning giving up only 3 Hits and 1 earned run.  Diaz hit a 2 run homer to start what would be a very productive weekend.  Note to John Koronka - you need to put me on the payroll - I was at your last 2 starts (April 22 and April 27) you pitched really well- coincidence?  I think not.

Saturday April 28 - Good Golly Miss Molly! Little Richard or the entire Redhawks offense

The Redhawks pummeled 4 New Orleans pitchers for 10 runs on 10 hits in a 10-1 win.  Victor Diaz (who else?) had yet another hit and 2 RBI's - and Mike Wood pitched 7 outstanding innings with 9 K's and only 4 hits.  But the real highlight of the game was Jason Botts second sac fly.  In the 8th inning with 1 out, Ramon Vazquez on 1st, Freddy Guzman on 2nd - Botts hit a very long, very high moon shot to left center that everyone in the park thought was a home run until CF Carlos Gomez flattened himself against the wall to catch the ball.  The crowd's disappointment quickly disappeared when everyone realized that "Fast" Freddy had tagged up - at 2nd base - and was flying around third heading for home while the Zephyrs fielders were trying to get the ball to home plate - but too late - Freddy scored on play that was not even close.  That's why I love minor league baseball - you never know what you are going to see.

Sunday April 30 - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? The Chiffons or Alfredo Simon

The Redhawks throw back jersey day (dig those socks on #9 Tug Hulett and #25 Jason Botts) was ruined by a 7-0 loss.  Starting pitcher Alfredo Simon's frustrating inability to get the third out - all 7 runs scored after there were 2 quick outs in the 3rd and 4th innings - along with Zephyrs starter Jorge Sosa's 6 IP and 6 K's ended Oklahoma's 3 game winning streak.  There were a few bright spots: one more hit for Victor Diaz, 4 hitless/scoreless innings pitched by Steven Rowe as well as Jason Botts solid single off the posterior of Sosa.

Random Thoughts: Bits and Pieces (The Dave Clark Five) and everyone else....

--The New Orleans Roster included a list, albeit a sad one, of Ranger alumni like Fernando Tatis, Sandy Alomar Jr, Rickey Ledee and, shudder, Chan Ho Park - who was called up on Monday to the big league team.  Even the Zephyrs hitting coach- Jack Voigt has some Ranger service time.

--This week's comparison: Brandon vs John - no not the one JD gave away - it's the lefty still in the Rangers system: John Koronka.

Here are the stats from their last 2 games started:

McCarthy: 4 IP, 10 H, 11 ER, 6 BB, 5 K

Koronka: 13 2/3 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 8 K

-- On the other hand, there is the lesson of Edinson Volquez. I was reading a game report of Edinson's last start in Bakersfield and the author remarked that Volquez was about the same age as his Blaze teammates, but with major league experience.  And that major league experience may have turned a promising career into a doubt filled one.  That is why I cringe every time I hear or read about a quick promotion to the majors for Rough Riders starter Eric Hurley. Many fans are excited about Eric's performance and potential. I sincerely hope that the Rangers have learned their lesson from what happened to Volquez and that JD and (especially) Mr. Hicks turn up the radio to drown out the noise of those who are clamoring for a quick fix to the Rangers rotation by bringing up Eric Hurley.

And now we've reached #1 - the final comparison - The Beatles vs Stevie Wonder - who does the better version of "We Can Work It Out"?

The original - The Beatles: legend has it this is one of the few true Lennon and McCartney collaborations - Paul writing the chorus and verse, John writing the middle bridge ("Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.")

The cover - Little Stevie Wonder: I grew up within listening distance of Motown so I am very partial to every thing written and recorded by Stevie Wonder. The pounding back beat and urgent vocals on his take of this song make you want to get up and dance...even if you don't know how.

Paul McCartney has said several times that Stevie Wonder's cover is one of his favorites of any Beatles tune.  If it's good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me - here's hoping the Ranger can  "work it out" during this homestand.

Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars - Marla Hooch

We never grow tired of Toby or the Postcards From Elysian Fields - in fact why aren't you reading and answering The Monday Morning Manager right now? http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/trsullivan/2007/04/monday_morning__4.html

"I am convinced that dogs think humans are nuts."(John Steinbeck) -- Marla Hooch

Marla is on the road with the Rockford Peaches this week, since the Rangers are playing in Toronto she asked her celluiod pals from Canada - Bob and Doug McKenzie - to fill in on Thursday's Lineup Card.

Bob: Okay, so g'day, I'm Bob McKenzie and this is my brother Doug
Doug: G'day - how's it goin' eh?
Bob: Marla asked us to talk to you guys about baseball
Doug: Yeah, that Marla is a babe - looks good in a toque
Bob: Geez, hosehead we're here to talk about the great game
Doug: You mean hockey and the great one - Wayne Gretzky?
Bob: No - baseball
Doug: Oh yeah - like the Montreal Expos
Bob: No the Expos moved - no-one would go the games 'cause they kept servin' that nasty poutine at all the concession stands
Doug: Oh, nice going there. If they'd served back bacon and doughnuts they might still be playin' at Olympic Stadium
Bob: Okay so let's talk about baseball

This is the week that was: 
Bob: Nice introduction - makes me feel like Peter Mansbridge
Doug: So here's this kid John Whittleman whose a third baseman at the team in Clinton Iowa
Bob: He's young 'eh?
Doug: Yeah, you nob - he's just turned 20, and last week he had 7 hits in 16 at bats, 2 HR, 4BB and 2K
Bob: That's alot of numbers
Doug: Take off hoser - alot of good numbers
Bob: Then we need buy him a beer
Doug: Too young - maybe a doughnut and some coffee from Tim Horton's
Bob: Oh, sorry. Okay the next guy we're going to talk about is A.J. Murray who was hurt for a couple of seasons so is pitching out of the bullpen in Oklahoma in 6 games,  7IP has only given up 2 hits, 0 Runs, 0 BB's and 7 K's
Doug: Oklahoma is OK
Bob: Get out, it's no Manitoba but...

This is the week that will be:
Doug: I'm puttin' on my Don Cherry coat and voice: Welcome to Hockey Night in Canada from Anaheim California
Bob: Where? What're you doing? Oh that's just not right
Doug: So we are going to talk about what might happen this week eh?
Bob: This is the looking ahead part and we're going be psychos like Dionne Warwick and her psychedelic friends
Doug: Okay - the Clinton Lumberkings are playing at home hoping it doesn't rain or snow or anything so they can get their four games in with the Great Lake Loons (Dodgers)
Bob: Loonies? They name their teams after Canadian money?
Doug: Aw, take off!  The next team is the Bakersfield Blaze who are playin' the Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox) at historic Sam Lynn Ballpark
Bob: Yeah and their hopin' Edison Volquez can control his temper and stay on the mound
Doug: Then like the Frisco Roughriders are in San Antonio (Mariners) and Corpus Christ (Astros) with Eric Hurley who is off to a strong start - 1.96 ERA - 4 BB and 18 K - on the hill Friday against the Missions.
Bob: Okay let's speed things up:  the Oklahoma RedHawks play the New Orleans Zephyrs (Mets) at Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City
Doug: The Mets? Don't they have Chan "Hoser" Park on that team?
Bob: No, get out!
Doug: And finally the major league team plays the Blue Jays..in Taranta
Bob: At Skydo...I mean the Rogers Centre
Doug: The Blue Jays? Does Joe Carter still play for them?
Bob: Take your toque off and bow your head when you say that name.

Where's Marla this weekend?
Bob: Um, Marla, well I don't know...
Doug: She's going to Oklahoma City for the Redhawks/Zephyrs series you nob!
Bob: Why?
Doug: I don't know - because it's there?

This week's non-sequitor
Doug: What's a non-sequitor?
Bob: It's one those things they teach you at McGill University. So anyway here is where we get to talk about anything we want eh?
Doug: I want to talk about beer
Bob: Okay, but first let's mention that Animax entertainment is working on developing an animated version of the McKenzie Brothers and that there is a short version of this cartoon on the "Strange Brew" DVD and that the creators of the McKenzie Brothers (Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis) appeared as characters very similiar to Doug and Bob McKenzie in the animated feature "Brother Bear" as two goofy moose named Tuke and Rutt.
Doug: Grab a cold Molson and pop in that DVD of "Strange Brew"
Bob: "My brother and I used to say that drownin' in beer was like heaven, eh? "
Doug: Take off that's my favorite line from the movie
Bob: Yeah. It's a beauty

Doug: Okay - so we are done
Bob: Yeah - so thanks Marla
Doug: That's so lame - take off!
Bob: Yeah, well you take off!

G'day - Bob and Doug

"We have been following our plan in a disciplined manner," Tom Hicks (2003)

"The most successful people are those who are good at Plan B" -- greg rogers

My impression is that the Rangers are now on Plan P or Q. There are some who'd say they are using "Plan 9 From Outer Space". 

Let's transport back to the games I saw this past weekend.

Friday April 20: A’s vs Rangers at the Ballpark. What hasn’t been said and written about this ugly game? I won’t even discuss the score (or the starting pitcher). However, there was a silver lining in my trip to the Ballpark: Friday was Grant Schiller’s birthday, he and three of friends chose to spend it at the ballpark.  If there is anything that will quickly remind you how much fun baseball can be, spend a few innings watching a game with a group of 5th graders .  It may have been a disaster down on the field –but in section 242 the joy of the game was celebrated by Grant and his friends – be sure to read about it on Grant’s blog: http://texasrangerstrades.blogspot.com/

Saturday April 21:  Game 1 Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston) vs The Frisco Roughriders at Dr. Pepper Ballaprk. Yet another doubleheader – it’s never two much for me.   The first game featured all the offense the big league team was missing, with the Riders battering their way to a 13 – 6 win. It didn’t start well, the Hooks scored 4 runs off Luis Mendoza in the top of the 1st.   However, in the bottom of the first, Riders took aim at James Barthmaier (rated by BA as Houston’s #4 prospect) and didn’t let up – Barthmaier gave up 8 runs and had only recorded 2 outs when he was pulled in the first inning.  Other notables from the game: every position player reached base via a hit or walk. Salomon Manriquez set off the centefield fireworks with a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth.  Baseball heritage name on the Hooks roster: Tim Raines Jr.

Game 2: The Frisco bats took the rest of the evening off as they were no hit until the 4th when Kevin Mahar and Steven Murphy both got solid hits to account for 2 of the 3 hits the Riders managed during the 4-0 loss.  Ken Chenard and a parade of relief pitchers sloughed their way through a pretty dull game.  Notable:  The team 25 miles SW of Frisco wish they had corner OF’s who are hitting like Kevin Mahar (.314) and Steve Murphy (.367)

Sunday April 22: Oklahoma RedHawks vs Round Rock Express (Houston) at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. I loaded the CD player with America’s Greatest Hits, Better Than Ezra Live in New Orleans and Abbey Road, then headed down I-35 to one of the minor league’s finest facilities.  John Koronka eased through 7 innings – 4 hits, 2 runs, 4 K’s (hey it’s better than Brandon McCarthy –sorry, had to bring it up) – meanwhile Victor Diaz 2 for 4, 4 RBI – what more can I say – well, I will later in this entry. “Fast” Freddy Guzman looked like a lead off hitter with 3 hits and 2 walks.  Most interesting sight:  Jason Botts playing RF –  caught 3 fly balls – no problem.

There are pictures from the Frisco and Oklahoma games in the new Photo Gallery section.

Random Thoughts: Wilkerson vs Diaz – last 7 (team) games:

Wilkerson -- 4 AB, 2 Hits, 2 RBI’s
Diaz -- 29 AB, 9 Hits, 8 RBI’s

If you didn’t read TR Sullivan’s superb “First Person: Covering A No Hitter” – then here is your opportunity to correct that oversight:  http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070419&content_id=1919467&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

One last comparison:  Rawlings Sports Grill vs Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill – at the Ballpark. 

Rawlings (current)
- food:  terrible -you can get better at any of the concession stands
– service:  even worse – both times I’ve been there I had to practically tackle the waitstaff to place my order and get my food
– atmosphere: awfully quiet for a sports bar located inside a baseball stadium – and it’s only open from March until September.

Friday’s (1994 to 2005)
– food: offered most of their regular restaurant menu  - which is pretty good
– service: prompt, friendly and sometimes entertaining (see Devin Pike)
– atmosphere: busy and noisy during games and was lively in the off season, especially on Saturday’s during college football/basketball season – which means the Front Row Grill  was open year round.

I’ve eaten at Rawlings twice – I would not recommend it to anyone –- ever.

We used to go to Friday’s even in the off season - take family and friends for special occasions to the Ballpark, or sometimes go on a winter Saturday to see the field and talk about the upcoming season. I can’t remember how many times I’d bring someone to the Ballpark just for a meal and wind up at one of the shops, or the Legends of the Game Museum.   But it made too much sense – making the Ballpark a year round “destination” with a good restaurant.  That would be cultivating fans – and unfortunately this management’s “plan” for cultivating fans is having dancing girls on the dugout sponsored by a company whose advertising is in questionable taste.

Ahead warp speed seven Mr. Sulu – Marla Hooch

Have you answered  T.R. Sullivan's  Monday Morning Manager on Postcards From Elysian Fields?  T.R. slaves over a hot laptop thinking up questions - you need to answer them - I always do! http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/trsullivan/2007/04/monday_morning__3.html

--What me worry? Marla Hooch

“The most difficult part of attaining perfection is finding something to do for an encore.” – Author Unknown

Let's hope the Ranger offense thaws out tonight.

This is the week that was:

Bakersfield third baseman Chris Davis: 7 for 19 (.368) with 2 HR, 2 Doubles and 9 RBI’s.  Many of you had the opportunity to meet Chris Davis, who lives in Longview, this past January when he signed autographs at the Newberg Report table during the Winter Warm Up.

Clinton right handed pitcher Omar Poveda’s first outing this week was stellar: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2BB and 7 K – he came back down to earth last night with 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2BB and 2K.  His ERA is still a very respectable 2.81 – don’t forget the 20-year-old Poveda was called up to AA Frisco last season for a start.

This is the week that will be:

--Eric Hurley and his 0.98 ERA will start at home in Frisco this Sunday

--Also on Sunday, old friend Michael Schlact (who I chauffeured around Dallas a couple of years ago) takes the mound for Bakersfield 

-- Kameron Loe returns to the Rangers rotation on Saturday at the Ballpark

-- Redhawk Victor Diaz’s blazing hot bat travels to one my favorite minor league park’s this weekend: Dell Diamond in Round Rock. 

--The Point Place Vista Cruisers continue to aim for a 60-win season taking on the Dirty Water Dealers, the Wattsboro Bronzebacks and the Arnprior Cow Chips during the week. Who are the Vista Cruisers?  My strato league team of loveable losers, named for one my guilty pleasures, “That 70’s Show”.

It’s a good thing I own a Honda Hybrid:  My weekend schedule is a little slice of baseball heaven. Friday I’ll be in Arlington to endure…I mean watch a well-rested Brandon McCarthy, again. (I’ve only been to one ML game this season ... guess who started). Saturday night heading up the GB for the Frisco/Hooks game to check out Emerson Frostad, Steve Murphy and my favorite Rough Rider, Steven Rowe. Then Sunday, making the trek for the afternoon game between RedHawks and Express at Round Rock (with a stop in West for some Czech baked goods).  Game reports on Tuesday.

Compare and Contrast:  Padilla vs. Eaton

Phillies Free Agent acquisition at $8.1 million per year Adam Eaton: 11 2/3 IP – 6.94 ERA

Rangers Free Agent re-singed at $11 million per year Vicente Padilla: 17 2/3 IP – 6.62 ERA

What is that quote from Charlie Finley about the high price of mediocrity?

This week’s non-sequitor:  NBC has to renew “Friday Night Lights” and this statement is from someone who loathes football.

At first I thought ”Studio 60” was the best new show no one was watching – but FNL blew past Matt and Danny and is now at the top of my Tivo list, the book was great, the movie was pretty good – the television show is excellent - the final 5 minutes of the season finale showing the victory parade with the song “Devil Town” playing over it was poignant.

On the road again.-- Marla Hooch

Baseball is like church.  Many attend,  but few understand -- Wes Westrum

I believe in the church of baseball. -- Annie Savoy

And I do believe.  Growing up in Ohio in the 60's and 70's , I believed in the fruitless seasons of the Cleveland Indians, and then after moving to Texas in 1979 I was baptized into the congregation of fans that follow the often entertaining, often trying, Texas Rangers.

This blog is my record of the 2007 season.  I live in Arlington, however, you will more often find me in Frisco or San Antonio, or Oklahoma City or Round Rock or Albuquerque watching the Rangers minor leaguers.  That's where this blog will begin:  Oklahoma City, Sunday 4/15. 

My original plan  to spend the weekend in Oklahoma City, was scuttled by bad weather, but the baseball gods smiled on me. A rainout on Friday meant the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) and Oklahoma Redhawks would play a doubleheader Sunday afternoon at Bricktown Ballpark.  Minor league double headers are 7 innings - I stayed for both games.   

Notes from Game 1:  Josh Rupe pitching - not as well as his line would indicate - only 2 hits, however 4 walks and he worked in and out of trouble all 6 innings he pitched.   The most interesting player in the game:  Rick Ankiel in CF - he can throw, and looked comfortable at the plate.  If "Fast" Freddy Guzman could figure out how to get on base - his speed is a huge asset and the guy can play CF (and what are the Rangers going to do about CF in the future?  Joaquin Arias? Anybody seen him around lately?) I dig Willie Eyre's socks (the Ian Kinsler look). 

Notes from Game 2: A scoreless tie that went into extra innings (and delayed my drive home)   Francisco Cruceta 6 IP, 5 K's (although 4 BB's too) O Runs - relieved by large human being Franklyn German. Nice to see AJ Murray get the win - and David Matranga? David Matranga? a minor league career .250 - the walk off HR? It's baseball - you've gotta believe.

It was good to see old friends Kelvin Jimenez, Edgar Gonazlez, and Brian Esposito who were all on the Frisco team that won the Texas League Championship in 2003.  As well as former Ranger farmhands  Andy Cavazos and  Ryan Ludwick.   

Random Thoughts:

Not forgotten:  Jason Botts in the last 2 games- 4 hits (2 doubles)

Just in case you didn't notice: Victor Diaz vs Brad Wilkerson

Victor .375 BA/.447 OBP/.600 SLG 

Brad: .222 BA/.358 OBP/.448 SLG  (stats as of 4/16)

One more comparison: Sammy vs Frank....no it's not Sosa vs Thomas

Sammy (Davis Jr) - Best cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles"

Frank (Sinatra) - Worst cover, ever, of Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson"

Say Amen, Somebody! -- Marla Hooch