April 17 - The Church Of Baseball

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