Whoops, things got a little behind this week....

This is the week that was: Aside from 30 run outbursts by a last place team – three of the Rangers minor league teams remained at or near first place in their divisions. The Redhawks got back into the PCL playoff picture by going 9-3 in their last 12 games including 2 wins each from Eric Hurley and newly promoted Armando Galarraga who’s sporting a  0.66 ERA in 13 IP since moving up to AAA.  The Redhawks are just ½ game out of first place in the PCL American South division.  Meanwhile the AA Frisco Roughriders, who are already assured of a playoff berth after wining their division in the first half, have lost 6 of their last 9 games, but remain only 2 games back of  San Antonio in the Texas League South division.   2007 draftee RHP Michael Main pitched the Short Season Spokane Indians into first place in the East division of the Northwest League.

I was able, finally, to attend a game in Frisco last week – I saw the Riders lose to San Antonio on Wednesday night. Yeah, I know I missed the big Ranger game – thank goodness for Baseball Tonight, TIVO and T.R .Sullivan – I got all the information I needed about that game.

Meanwhile, up north on the Tollway – Michael Schlact had his first rough outing in the Texas League pitching only into the 3rd inning.  Newly promoted Brennan Garr didn’t help anything when he took the mound after Schlact left – he walked the first two batters, allowing two more runs on Michael’s ledger.  The rest of the game was not particularly memorable – although I did see Chris Davis take walk – minor league pundits harped in Davis’s low BB total in Bakersfield (22 in 386 AB’s) – but Chris seems to have found his “eye”– he has 11 walks in just 82  Texas League AB’s.  I was impressed with Taylor Teagarden’s AB’s – he broke up Wade LeBlanc’s no-hitter with a single in the 5th and scored the first Frisco run.   Who knew Emerson Frostad could pitch? He gave up two hits (including a HR) but pitched the entire top of the 9th  in the 14-3 loss.

The best part of the evening: I sat with my friends Erin and Mia Hindman – there’s nothing better than Erin cheering “Go Taylor!”.

This is the week that will be:  There are precious few minor league games left – (deep sigh)- this week’s Thursday Lineup Card – which really will be written and published on Thursday – will recap the minor league season with a few honorable mentions for outstanding players.

Random Thoughts: 
Standing pat? Do you think the Dodgers are second guessing their decision not to trade for Mark Teixeira? Since the trade deadline they’ve fallen 6  ½ games behind, by going  9-13. In 9 of those 13 losses they’ve scored 2 or less runs,  with their prized first baseman James Loney batting just .214 for the month of August.

Am I the only fan who was a little disappointed after reading Michael Young’s interview with Ken Rosenthal last week?  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7148054   

Here’s the player that ownership anointed the “face of the franchise”. I know he’s tired of all the losing – but this remark really bothered me “I can't sit here and say that I'm going to wait patiently for my turn.” Well - dude - you should of thought about that before signing that contract extension  because that is what is on the horizon for the next couple of years.  And really, Michael, let’s be honest – you thought Mark Teixeira would re-sign with the Rangers?  Oh please, I’m a lowly fan in the stands, even I knew his agent’s MO, and that chances were slim and none that Mark would stay in Texas. 

Aren’t you wishing Brandon McCarthy were healthy? How much fun would it have been to watch a McCarthy – Danks match up this week.  By the way, it’s worth noting the White Sox have a worse record and worse winning percentage than the Rangers (okay, not by that much).

Also worth noting: Monday’s pitching match up in OKC:   Mets uber-prospect (and former Rice pitcher) Phillip Humber (10-9 4.43 ERA) vs Eric Hurley (7-2  3.25 ERA).

Will everyone please calm down: You can tell how little baseball news there is by the over reaction on some local fan sites to the Rangers handling of Edinson Volquez.   He missed a throwing session, the Rangers are holding him accountable for his actions - we don't need a congressional hearing on the incident. 

Feeling the breeze: By the way - Eric Nadel mentioned that the Mariners took just four walks during the entire four game series with the Rangers this weekend.  it appears that the M's are "hacking" their way into the playoffs - are they really that good (offensively) or just that lucky?

This Week's Non-Sequitor: Real life this year has been a little tough, personally, health wise and otherwise. The future isn’t too promising (facing a milestone birthday I’m not all that anxious to reach).  Baseball has always been my refuge from real life.  But this season, has not been the kind of refuge I sought – I’ve watched some truly awful baseball since I became a Ranger fan in 1979 – for some reason this season seems worse than those ugly team of the early 1980’s.  I’ve been distracted, flipping channels during commercials – and not always coming back to the game, or instead I TIVO the game and watch something else. 

What’s been distracting me?  “The Closer” on TNT – Kyra Sedgewick is terrific, her supporting cast is excellent – and if Brenda doesn’t marry Fritz (Jon Tenney) I will  – (and the list of men I’d be willing to marry is extremely short). I can’t decide if I like “Mad Men” on AMC – but  I keep watching it - the costumes, sets and atmosphere of the show are absolutely perfect early 1960’s.  My favorite distraction is Holly Hunter’s “Saving Grace” also on TNT.  I’ll admit to being an enormous Holly Hunter fan – she played my favorite movie character, ever, Jane Craig in “Broadcast News” (once upon a time I wanted be Jane Craig).  “Saving Grace” is quirky,  the subject matter – salvation – is not necessarily handled in a reverent fashion – it’s an acquired taste, not for everyone – and I never miss an episode.

“From birth to age 18 a girl needs good parents, from 18 to 35 she needs good looks, from 35 to 50 she needs a good personality, from 50 on she needs cash.” – (Sophie Tucker) Truer words were never spoken. -– Marla Hooch

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. 

-- Russell Baker

This is the week that was: After the dust cleared from all the last minute 2007 draft negotiations the Rangers wound up signing 10 of their top 13 picks.  Texas had 5 picks in the first round - two regular picks - pitchers Blake Beavan and Michael Main (who was promoted to Spokane this week) , and three supplemental picks- OF Julio Borbon, pitcher Neil Ramirez and pitcher Tommy Hunter- the Rangers were able to sign all five picks.  Furthermore of their first 35 picks the Rangers signed 27, missed on 8.

Keep this in mind as a comparison:   the Rangers signed 7 players from the first five rounds - the Astros only signed one - they did not have a first or second round pick, then failed to sign their third and fourth round choices.

This is the week that will be: Taking a look at the standings in the minor, three of the six Rangers minor league teams are poised to participate in playoff baseball. 

The AA Frisco Rough Riders won the South Division first half title which guarantees them a playoff spot, and they are currently tied for first in the division.  The Clinton Lumberkings won the first half " western divsion wild card" spot in the complicated Midwest League post season tournament,  while the Short Season Spokane Indians have a 1/2 game lead in the East Divsion of the Northwest League.

Doing the numbers:

Keeping up with the new kids on the block:
Arizona Rookie League: SS Engle Beltre -  50 AB's - .240 BA
Short Season Spokane: RHP Neftali Feliz - 4 1/3 IP - 2.08 ERA
Low A Clinton: RHP Beau Jones - 9 2/3 IP - 1.86 ERA
High Bakersfield: C Max Ramirez - 61 AB - .361 BA, SS Elvis Andus 55 AB .327 BA

Gone, but not forgotten:
Atlanta: Mark Teixeira - 53 AB - .264 BA
Cleveland: Kenny Lofton - 54 AB - .222 BA
Atlanta: Ron Mahay - 8 1/3 IP - 1.08 ERA
Boston: Eric Gagne - 5.0 IP - 12.60 ERA

I agree with Cole Porter: - "It's too darn hot" -- Marla Hooch

“Them summer days, those summer days
That's when I had most of my fun…”

--- Sly and The Family Stone

This is the week that was: More kudos and kids climbing the ladder to the next level.
Baseball America’s prospect survey continued this week at A Ball level – Ranger prospects on the list included:  Clinton (now Bakersfield) 3B John Whittleman having the best strike zone judgment in the MWL, Bakersfield (now Frisco) 3B Chris Davis as the best power hitting prospect in the California League.  New Ranger prospects C Max Ramirez and SS Elvis Andrus were ranked with their former teams – Ramirez (now with Bakersfield) as having the best strike zone judgment in the Carolina League and Andrus (also now with Bakersfield) as the best defensive shortstop and most exciting player in the Carolina League.

The trade deadline deals and promotions to the major league team instigated a chain reaction with the newly traded players being assigned to teams and other promotions within the minor league system.  The notable promotions and assignments: 19-year-old RHP Neftali Feliz acquired from Atlanta was sent to Spokane – and now one of the youngest players on that squad.  The last player added in the trade from the Braves – Beau Jones  - was assigned to Low A Clinton, while RHP Omar Poveda was promoted to High A Bakersfield. 

Good guy and RHP Michael Schlact moved up to AA Frisco (and now the youngest player on that team) along with LHP Matt Harrison (placed on the DL) – another player from that mega trade with the Braves.  Texas-Ex and Carrollton resident DH/Catcher Taylor Teagarden is also filling up the stands with family and friends in AA Frisco now.  Third baseman Travis Metcalf was optioned back from the big league club but instead of returning to AA Frisco was sent to AAA Oklahoma. The “other” player, or some might say “key” player in the Boston trade – IF Engle Beltre – was assigned to AZL Rookie Rangers. 

You really can’t tell the players without a scorecard.

The best part of my summer is quickly coming to an end: there are only about 3 ½ to 4 weeks left for most of the minor league teams seasons.  Medical (and schedule) impediments mean that I won’t be traveling to Oklahoma City anymore this season (deep sigh) – I’ll just have to wait until next April to see what new road work the great state of Oklahoma has started on I-35 to slow down my drive to Redhawks games. 

The good news for me is that there’s one more regular season homestand and at least one round of playoff games for the Frisco Rough Riders.

Oh yes, Jason Botts was finally called up to the big league team.

This is the week that will be:   Monday August 13th is Native Culture Night at Short Season Spokane.  Now Spokane is nicknamed the City of Lilacs, and is tied strongly to the lumber industry in state of Washington – so are the give aways flowers and 2 x 4’s? -Just asking. 

Moving on: it’s Thirsty Thursday August 16th in Bakersfield sponsored by (who else) a beer company. The Frisco Rough Riders are on the road next week – but while they  are in Tulsa Thursday night the Drillers are sponsoring the World’s Largest Wedding with an Elvis imitator (and ordained minister) performing the ceremony at home plate (I’m not making this up http://tulsadrillers.com/team/promotions/)

The Elvis theme continues in Clinton Iowa on  Saturday August 11th which is Elvis Night – the grand prize is an Amtrak train trip to Memphis (cue Gladys Knight and Pips “Midnight Train...” on never mind, wrong city) while on the same day the Redhawks are handing out “Throwback T-Shirts”.

And finally in Surprise Arizona, where the Rookie League Rangers play – the forecast calls for temperatures between 106 –108 next week.

Do the numbers:

Redemption:  Is it possible that RHP’s Edinson Volquez and Armando Galarraga have put themselves back on the Rangers list of bona fide pitching prospects? 

In his last five starts in AAA Volquez has 31 IP, 15 Hits, 7 ER, 15 BB and 39 K (2.03 ERA) – most importantly, he has lasted into the 6th and 7th innings of 4 of those games.  One the most frustrating things about watching Edinson last season was his penchant for throwing way too many pitches in just 3-4 innings – has he finally learned to trust his stuff and become more efficient? I hope so. 

Galarraga in his last five starts for Frisco is sporting a 1.82 ERA in 29 IP, 6 ER, 11 BB, 34 K – although he did give up 21 hits in those 5 games – keep in mind Galarraga, when acquired from the Nationals in the Soriano trade, was coming off an injury plagued year – and may be pitching fully healthy for the first time since joining the Rangers.

Danks vs McCarthy – No I can’t let it go – and yes, I’m still willing to give Brandon a chance, especially after seeing these numbers for both pitchers starts since July 1st.

Danks: 34 2/3 IP, 38 Hits, 24 ER, 7 HR, 10 BB, 24 K – 6.23 ERA
McCarthy: 39 IP, 40 Hits, 17 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 20 K – 3.92 ERA

Gone and best forgotten: All statistics are post All-Star Break

Kevin Mench – 65 AB – .231 BA
Gary Matthews Jr – 93 AB – .258 BA
David Dellucci – on the DL since June 20th
Francisco Cordero – 14 IP – 3 blown saves, 2 losses – 4.50 ERA
Adam Eaton – 25 IP, 42 Hits, 7.71 ERA

Final Thought:  About that guy in San Francisco and that record he set: I’m just waiting for the day ARod puts Barry in second place, it can’t happen too soon.

Standing outside the Elysian Fields Bar and Grill, tapping my foot, looking at my watch, waiting for Kid Nance to open up for Happy Hour – Marla Hooch

Since T.R. and Toby are taking the week off to trek through the mystical terrain  of Transvaal we thought we’d fill the Sunday void with our own almanac.

Alejandro ascends from the gardens and front lawns of your friends and neighbors to the shoulders of the interstate highways and by-ways of the great southwest to look at the week ahead.

This is the week that is: Fans have the opportunity to get to know the reformulated Rangers as they start the longest homestand of the 2007 season. Nine games and two off days – playing the A’s, Rays and Royals.  Saturday August 11 is the Rangers Hall of Fame induction for Rusty Greer, Sunday night August 12th is the Dog Days Game of August (not sure if Toby will back in time for that one). Don’t forget CJ Wilson hosts a Guitar Hero video game charity event/tournament on Monday, August 13, at the House of Blues in Dallas. Tickets are $10 at http://www.hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=47713.
Revenue from ticket sales will go to the DFW childhood hemophilia support
programs.

Bay Area M*A*S*H:  The A’s lead the major league using the DL – 19 times so far this season. Friday they placed 3B Eric Chavez on the DL with lower back spasms. They have never had less than five players on it at a time – but still remain in third place 4 1/2 games ahead of the last place Rangers.

Bad Idea: Last week the US Army hosted a “Reds’ Legends Baseball Camp” for kids in the Cincinnati area.  One of the legends invited to talk to the 7 to 14 year old campers was Pete Rose. 

“It was a complete embarrassment,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Tischler, commander of the Army recruiting station that sponsored the event.  “You don’t swear in front of kids, that’s just common sense.  He dropped the F-bomb.  He told them winning is everything and if you get second place you’re just losers”  The Reds might want to re-think that invitation for the next camp. 

Doing the numbers:  Tigers OF Curtis Granderson leads the AL with 17 triples, which is a pretty amazing number when you consider the second on the AL list is Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford with 8.

Who was it that suggested the Rangers offer Marlon Byrd a 2-year contract extension?  Anyone taken a look at his numbers since the All-Star Break?  85 AB – 20 Hits - .235 Batting Average.

This is courtesy of the fabulous Mike Hindman: Be patient with switch hitting DH Jason Botts, he starts off slow (not unlike a recently departed first baseman) but once he gets comfortable:

Frisco after his promotion in late 2003:
.263 BA/ .341 OBP / .392 SLG
Then in 2004:
.293 BA/ .399 OBP / .507 SLG

First season in OKC – 2005:
April (83 AB’s) - .241 BA / .351 OBP / .530 SLG
May (105 AB’s) - .362 BA / .446 OBP / .600 SLG

The Oracle of I-35:  Baseball Hall of Fame curator Ted Spencer, on his most memorable day at the Hall of Fame:  “The year Harmon Killebrew was inducted. It was 1984, and my oldest boy was probably about 12.  I used to play whiffleball with him in the backyard. I was out there hammering away.  During that induction ceremony I was outside our building listening as he gave his speech. Harmon tells the story that his mother was complaining because the boys were playing baseball on the lawn.  His dad said ‘we’re raising boys, not grass.’ That really hit home.”  (Courtesy of MLB.com)

If you can’t say anything nice...: Barry Bonds on Alex Rodriguez: “Is he as good as me? ****, no.  He’s better than me now because he’s younger than me. ****, no” 

Speaking of Barry: if you have the time, go to the NPR website and listen to the Reporter's Notebook on following Bonds by Tom Goldman from Saturday Morning’s Weekend Edition – the comment by Bud Selig is “priceless”. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12503703

Minor Details: Baseball America is in the process of naming the best “tools” in the minors (level by level) they’ve listed AAA and AA already – there are four Ranger prospects on the lists:

AAA – Best Base Runner – OKC  OF “Fast” Freddy Guzman (I’ll agree, this season I saw him score from second on a sacrifice fly, and two weeks ago in Round Rock I watched Guzman steal home without a throw from the pitcher).

AA – Best Base Runner – OF Anthony Webster
AA – Best Defensive Second Baseman: German Duran
AA – Best Change Up: LHP Daniel Ray Herrera

Making a good first impression: C Max Ramirez, acquired from the Indians for Kenny Lofton, is hitting .393 in 28 AB’s with 4 extra base hits for High A Bakersfield.  Meanwhile, IF Engle Beltre – the key player in the Eric Gagne trade – made good on his phenom tag during his first game with the AZL Rookie Rangers.  In the 12th inning he doubled to center, then went to 3rd on the throw to home and scored the winning run when the next batter singled.

Birthdays: Former Rangers: Mike Lamb turns 32 and Big Frank Howard turns 71.  Steroid suspect Jason Grimsley is 40 and Bernie Carbo, whose pinch hit HR tied the game that lead to the legendary Carlton Fisk game winning HR, turns 60 (really?). The two notable birthdays celebrated this week: HOF pitcher Christy Mathewson on August 12th 1880 (I highly recommend reading “Christy Mathewson, Baseball and the American Century " by Phil Seib) and Andy Messersmith is 62.  For those don’t remember – Messersmith, following in the footsteps of Curt Flood, is one the players responsible for the end of the Major League Baseball reserve clause and instituting free agency in Major League Baseball.

In 1975 Messersmith (along with Orioles pitcher Dave McNally) challenged the reserve clause after failed negotiations with their respective teams  - they then took their grievance to arbiter Peter Seitz who ruled in their favor.  The owners fired Seitz the day after the ruling, McNally retired, Messersmith signed a 3 year $1 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves and the free agency era was born.

Last Call: “I’ve never been the blonde at the end of the bar. I’m not even worth $3 in fantasy baseball” – Tigers closer Todd Jones

--- Bueno Domingo! from Alejandro (and Marla Hooch)

Stop whatever you are doing and reading today's "Postcard's From Elysian Fields" by T.R. Sullivan.

http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/trsullivan/2007/08/branch_rickey_j.html

Let's start a fund to purchase copies of that book for Mr. Hicks, JD, Jim Reeves, Randy Galloway and all DMN columnists.

On rehab assignment at the Gibson Hospital and Rest Home in North Arlington - Marla Hooch