If you went to grade school the same time I did, in the 1960’s, then you remember the excitement of watching television as a Gemini spacecraft sat atop a Titan II rocket with that familiar NASA voice counting down the minutes to launch time.

This last two weeks before the start of Spring Training is not quite that exciting– but I needed an anticipation metaphor and I’ll use any excuse to talk about the 1960’s - early 1970’s space program.

On to this week’s list:

1. Highlights from the Sluggers of the West Banquet:  I loved the group interview featuring Marlon Byrd, Josh Hamilton, Ben Broussard and Ian Kinsler.  (I can see why Marlon won the Good Guy award and I was pleasantly surprised at Josh Hamilton’s sense of humor ). Another highlight was  T.R. Sullivan’s excellent speech introducing player of the year Michael Young. The last part exhorting the minor league players in attendance to use Michael as the gold standard to model themselves after was perfect.  The best part of the evening for me was sitting with Grant Schiller, his dad and his grandfather – it’s becoming a tradition I look forward to.

2. Meanwhile on Saturday at Fan Fest:  The Newberg Booth was very busy.    There’s no doubt in my mind these were longest lines we’ve ever had for the autograph sessions and that includes 2002 when Mark Teixeira and Hank Blalock were two of our guests.  The players were all great.  1st round draft pick  RHP Blake Beavan gets the endurance award – he stayed and signed for almost 2 hours (more on Blake later).  We had a ton of fun, the crowds were big, over 5,000 in attendance for the entire event is what I read. Pictures in the Photo Gallery on the left.

3. For your baseball reading pleasure: I didn’t get a chance to  wander away from the booth for the most of the day at Fan Fest, but I did manage to stop by the MLB.com booth to talk with T.R Sullivan and  Rangers scout  Mel Didier.  In case you haven’t already heard, T.R. and Mel collaborated on a book about Mel’s long and varied baseball career.  Do you remember Kirk Gibson’s game winning HR in the 1988 World Series?  Then you’ve seen one of the results of Mel’s scouting for Dodgers.  The book is “Podnuh: Let Me Tell You a Story –  A Baseball Life ” published by Gulf South Books –  available by calling 1-866-405-1300.  I’ve already read the book - it’s terrific.  When we can get our schedules coordinated I’ll have a Q and A with Mr. Sullivan about the book on this blog.

4. Who was that guy?  If you read the comments last week then you know Jason Parks guessed the past Ranger prospect correctly as RHP Domingo Valdez.  Domingo lasted in the organization until  2003 when he reached Hi A Ball at Stockton, compiling a career 403 IP, 349 Hits, 197 BBs, 428 Ks and  a 3.66 ERA.  If I remember correctly he left baseball in order to pursue a car racing career.

5. Name Those Former Ranger Prospects #3:  And there are three of them pictured on the right - click on the picture in order to view the full image.  Two of the players  are pretty obvious, but the third is less well known.  No hints this week – and Jamey Newberg – don’t bother.

6. More about Blake Beavan:  There was this quote from Scott Servais in a recent Baseball America article:

"Another question I like to throw out there is where should you play next year? You're the farm director, where should we be sending you to play? And it's very interesting because a lot of the kids don't shoot high enough. And then some of the kids are like 'I'm ready for Arlington.' And my response is, 'Well, all right, slow down there a little bit, Mr. Beavan.' "

I asked Blake about that quote at Fan Fest, he said he’d heard about it and he just laughed.  I’ve only met Blake a couple of times, but both times I’ve come away impressed, in fact I’m now a big fan.   

Much ado was made of some quotes and a home video of Beavan right after he was drafted.  I thought it was much ado about nothing.  First of all because it was brought up by that idiot Tom or Tim what’s-his-name on the DMN blog (the reason I’ve stopped reading that blog). Secondly at the time Beavan was right – he probably could’ve pitched better than Rangers staff in early June. The fact is, none of it bothered me because the thing I like about Blake – aside from his tremendous talent -  is that he’s got swagger.  He is confident. But then no-one’s ever accused Bob Gibson, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens or Randy Johnson (in their prime) of lacking confidence.  If there’s one thing that I wished for the current major league team it would be little arrogance, a little more swagger.   Quiet leaders are nice – but they don’t make the opposition roll their eyes and worry a little more when they walk on the field.   The good news is there’s plenty of swagger in the minors – Eric Hurley’s got it, Thomas Diamond’s got it, Chris Davis has got it and so does Blake Beavan.  I’m  looking forward to the day when they  walk out of the Ranger dugout in Arlington and challenge the the team on the visitor's side to bring it on.

7. Speaking of prospects – Mike Hindman’s Prospect Previews continue on his Rangers Farm Report blog with a look at the infielders in the system and the plethora of catchers. Mike even uses the phrase "he plays with his hair on fire" to describe one of the catchers (shudder).  I know I am ready to see Elvis at Frisco -  by the way that's Elvis in Bakersfield on the left.

8. For those who are hard of hearing and reading:  Stop whining about how JD didn’t get involved in the Johan Santana derby.  Read Jamey Newberg’s January 30th report  carefully. After winning the Cy Young award his contract ensured him a full no-trade clause.  Santana said he didn’t want to come to Texas – end of story.

9. Ryan and The Rangers – Yes, I’ve been reading all the stories and musings about Nolan Ryan joining the Rangers front office, as a matter of fact I really liked Jim Reeves column about that very subject in the Star Telegram.  But I don’t think it’ll happen. 

The Ryan family has a strong connection and money invested in the Astros organization.  Nolan owns the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and the AAA Round Rock Express (um, named after him) with his sons running both teams.  And while I’m not sure if there are any real legal problems – having Nolan in a decision making position in the Rangers front office while owning Astros minor league teams would at least have the appearance of a conflict of interest.   As Mr. Reeves pointed out I don’t think Jon Daniels would have a problem working with Nolan – in fact that’s  the last thing I’d worry about .  But I still don’t feel that the current Rangers owner would actually step back and let Nolan take the reigns for both the business and baseball side as Tom Schieffer did when the current US president owned the Rangers.  It appears to me that Mr. Hicks is looking at Nolan strictly as a PR type President which is shameful gesture on Hicks part.  I think Nolan Rayn is smart enough, and happy enough in Houston, to turn it down.  However, as Dennis Miller always said – “of course I could be wrong”.

Off Season Distractions - Channel Surfing Again

Finally: There was plenty of baseball to keep me occupied the last few days, I haven’t been as distracted, so just a couple of notes.  Loved the new episodes of “Chuck” on NBC – funniest moment – a drunken Casey listening to Neil Diamond’s “Love on the Rocks” ..."Friday Night Lights” also on NBC started off slow but has come back strong the last two episodes, Taylor Kitsch’s performance as troubled tight end Tim Riggins this season is Emmy worthy….I hate to write this:  NBC's “The Office” has jumped the shark as they say in the TV vernacular – I haven’t missed it at all during the writers strike – except for Dwight and the always creepy yet fascinating Creed.

14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, ignition sequence started, 8, 7, 6  - spring training can’t start soon enough -- Marla Hooch

Here’s what’s going on:  my idea/plan for this week’s blog fell through, plus we’re extra busy here at Hooch World Headquarters and most importantly I had the urge to write my first rant of 2008. 

Let’s get everything crossed off the list early this week.

1. Who was that guy? The first installment of Name That Former Ranger Prospect - no-one recognized the 39th pick of the 1997 draft: Jason Romano.  After being traded in 2002 by the Rangers with Gabe Kapler to the Colorado Rockies for Todd Hollandsworth he was traded to the Dodgers in 2003, and then to the Devil Rays in 2004.  Romano subsequently played for Cincinnati then Tampa Bay again – and appears to have retired after the 2006 season.

2. Rangers Fan Fest:   We will be manning the Newberg Report Booth at Rangers Fan Fest this Saturday January 26th from 9 am  to 5 p.m.   Be advised:  the booth will not be in the same spot this year – we’ve been moved somewhere in the vicinity of the main autograph section (I’m not exactly sure where it is).   The Rangers have promised ample signs pointing out our new location. Check on the website, Newberg Report.com Friday and Saturday for updates on who we’ll have for autograph sessions. Be sure stop by the booth to just say Hi and tell me about all the spelling mistakes and bad grammar on the blog. We’ll have a few pictures and report on Fan Fest next week.

3. Name That Former Ranger Prospect #2: (pictured on the right) The Sand Gnats uniform should narrow it down a little.  And Jamey Newberg is still not eligible participate in this contest.

4. What’s on Marla’s mind?  I was not on board with Ron Washington when he was named manager.   I think the Rangers missed the boat by not even bothering to talk to Bud Black (now managing the Padres) a disciple of the smartest manager in the AL, Mike Scioscia.

Ron Washington has done little to change my mind.  While the team on the field bears the majority of the blame for the atrocity of the 2007 season, I think the manager shoulders a large part of it too.  It was obvious to me that he was in way over his head very early – and reports in the media in April and May confirmed the problems he was having.  The team straightened itself out later on,  but  I’m still not convinced he’s the manager this team needs to be a contender.

Mr. Washington’s quotes last week about Ben Broussard did nothing to change my initial impression of him.

First of all, why is Ben Broussard even on this team?  The Rangers have a roster crowded with outfielders – two of whom many think (defensively) are better suited to 1st base:  Frank Catalanotto and Jason Botts...however, that’s getting off topic.

On Thursday, we read on MLB.com that the Rangers talked to Jason Botts about moving back to first base here's the quote:  “The Rangers are looking for a platoon partner for Broussard after designating Chris Shelton for assignment earlier this week. Botts is a switch-hitter, while Broussard bats left-handed.”

Yet the very next day, again on MLB.com, we read this from Ron Washington:  “Washington said he's not necessarily looking at a platoon situation for Broussard: ‘I'm going to play him against left-handers. The only way he doesn't play against left-handers if he shows me he can't hit them.’ “   

Okay, Ron have you ever looked at Ben Broussard’s career stats vs left-handed pitching?

• Major league career AB's vs lefties: 348 AB - 79 Hits - 26 HR's - 26 BB - 91 K -.227 BA -.689 OPS
• Additionally for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons: 158 AB - 33 Hits - 6 HR - 10 BB - 47 K - .208 BA
• This is not a something new, in the minor leagues Broussard hit .171 (AA)  .175 and .167 (AAA) against lefties.

My questions for Ron Washington are:

• What is it about these numbers that “shows you” Ben can hit southpaws?
• What kind of special coaching secret do you have that will all of the sudden erase Ben’s career problems against left-handed pitching, and why haven’t you already used it on Frank Catalanotto?
• What happened to the manager who said "We're going to play young players.", "All I want to do is give all the players a chance to be what they want to be. I want to give them a chance to fulfill their dreams.' "

This appears to be more of the same old Rangers story:  the manager preferring “veteran” talent  from somewhere else and the front office preference for anyone but the players developed through their own farm system. 

End of rant.

Off season distractions – What’s for Dinner?

I’m sad to report that I stopped by Bodacious Barbeque on the way home from work one night last week,  and it appears that they have finally fallen victim to Greed...er... Glory Park/Jerry World and closed their doors (sigh).

Fortunately, there are still some independently owned great places to eat in Arlington including:

--Nino's Pizza/Pasta - North Arlington– their pasta is very good, their pizza tasty – but their subs are superb. Once you’ve eaten one of their super-subs you will never want a chain restaurant sandwich again.

--Mijo’s Fresh Mexican Food  on Park Row – does anyone remember the late, great ZuZu’s on Royal Lane in Dallas?  Many of Mijo’s entrees are the same,  they do serve traditional Tex-Mex favorites as well.  Their fish tacos with chipotle sauce is out of this world – and they get bonus points for being within walking distance of Hooch World Headquarters.

--The Arlington Steak House on Division St. – it’s an institution - the polar opposite of any North Dallas, heck, any North Arlington steak house.  The atmosphere is old-fashioned down home, melmac plates, no fancy decor where the only view is the used car lot across the street – and the food is very good.  Can’t wait for their St. Patrick’s Day  Corn Beef and Cabbage special in March.    The steak house received a nice review in the Startlegram a couple of weeks ago.

--And yes, I do eat at chain restaurants – as a matter of fact I await the completion of one of my favorites – The Panera Bread Company on Collins St.  It will open – soon – I hope.  My favorite: a breakfast of the cinnamon crunch bagel, with hazelnut cream cheese and big cup of coffee – worth getting up early on a weekend morning.

Happy Eating - see you Saturday! –- Marla Hooch

   

I've spent the last two days trying to think of something clever to write, and I'm still thinking ....

While I'm pondering, here is the first installment of Name That Former Ranger Prospect (pictured on the left) and a few, very few baseball notes. 

P.S. Jamey Newberg is not eligible for this contest

Good News:  Mike Hindman's Prospect Previews continue on The Rangers Farm Report with a profile of the OF prospects (Michael Main at #4? Really?)

Interesting News: Signing catcher Adam Melhuse to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. 

This is the guy who lost his job when the Rangers traded for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and as of today that situation hasn't changed with both Gerald Laird and Salty still on the team.  You have to wonder why a player like Melhuse would come back. But on the other hand you have to wonder what the front office told him about how the major league catching situation might change? 

Maybe one of the catchers could be traded - (not very likely) - but Gerald Laird's name is often mentioned in trade rumors - alot can happen during Spring Training. Jon Daniels isn't shy about making a late spring trade (Robinson Tejeda). 

Or maybe since Salty has options left -he may start the season in OKC  - (more likely) - in order to catch every day, sharpen his defensive skills and work with the pitchers who will most likely be his future batterymates (Hurley, Mendoza, Galarraga, Murray). 

Or maybe Adam Melhuse just likes Oklahoma City (okay, that's a real stretch).

Better News: According to the Rangers website, they are going to move Jason Botts back to first base to platoon with Ben Broussard.

By the way Jason's stats from the Mexican Winter League: . 326 BA / .414 OBP/ .500 SLG - 15 HR - 54 RBI.

Today's news:  Signing Jason Jennings. 

Another low risk could be high reward.  Jennings pitched and won in Coors Field so the Ballpark shouldn’t be a problem for him.  Plus, I don't buy the argument that he's blocking the road for young pitchers.  The candidates for the rotation behind Padilla, Millwood, McCarthy and Jennings really lack experience:

• Luis Mendoza has never pitched an inning at AAA and only 16 major league innings in 2007
• Armando Galarraga pitched 24 innings at AAA in 2007 and only 8 in the major leagues last season.
• A.J. Murray hadn’t pitched since 2005 until last season, and only pitched about 80 total innings (combined minor and major) for all of 2007.

And keep in mind:  what happens if Kason Gabbard can’t stay healthy, or just plain can’t pitch well?

Considering the Rangers poor track record of developing their own starting pitching, and their habit of pushing young pitchers to the majors too early (causing more set backs) instead of letting them progress through the minor leagues – I don’t have a problem with signing Jennings.  Please don’t say that it can’t hurt to just throw the inexperienced pitchers out there since this is a re-building year. If you are talking about superior talents like an Adam Miller or Justin Verlander that’s fine to rush them through – but no-one is going to mistake Mendoza, Galarraga or Murray for one of those guys.

They all three have a chance to be good solid major league pitchers. There is no reason to gamble with their development by putting them in a major league situation they aren’t ready for just yet. The same goes for Eric Hurley. If necessary let them get a couple of months at last interim step of development at AAA, then in June start bringing them up.  If Jason Jennings is pitching well – some contender will want him and give up another prospect to stock the farm system with – if not – then the young guys who’ll take his spot will have a little more development experience on their ledger before they are thrown into the fire.

Unbelievable news: The Cardinals are talking about giving Juan Gonzalez an invitation to Spring Training. I suppose if Sammy Sosa can do it - why not Juan. Good luck with all that.

Off-season distraction news: Mrs. Schmenge told me to watch "Chuck" on NBC.

I didn't.  But when I received an I-Tunes gift certificate for Christmas, I downloaded all the episodes of "Chuck" and have been watching them on my I-Pod.  I admit - I'm smitten.  I immediately recognized a certain kind of perverse and witty humor in the writing - then realized I knew why as I watched the credits: a couple of writers and producers on this show also worked on my beloved (and much missed) "Veronica Mars".  Two new episodes of "Chuck" next week - can't wait to see them on a real television screen.

28 Days (and I'm not refering to that terrible Sandra Bullock movie) -- Marla Hooch

“There are only two seasons -- winter and Baseball.” – Bill Veeck

Scanning the landscape for baseball worth talking about this week finds it as dark and barren as a cold January night in Northwestern Ohio – Lucas County to be exact.

The Baseball Hall of Fame – Most of the reading I’ve done the last few days is on the Baseball Hall of Fame. The debate goes on – there’s plenty of it on internet forums and most notably on Postcards From Elysian Fields.  The discussion continues on who belongs and who doesn’t. Just my opinion, but lately it sometimes seems the BBWAA is rewarding longevity rather than true transcendent accomplishments – if that’s the case Julio Franco is a shoe-in for the HOF.  Writers still agonize about their ballots, fans still criticize the outcome – it’s heartening to know that everyone still cares.    Drew Davison, a very nice young man I met at Spring Training last year,  wrote an interesting piece in the Startlegram on the selection process for each of the major sports' hall of fame.

Speaking of Lucas – How do you like that for a bumpy segue?  - I’ve been meaning to send some not so valuable Hooch PR the way of Scott Lucas who writes the daily minor league wrap-ups for the Newberg Report. He is a  gentleman and a scholar – as well as an entertaining baseball writer.  His website Ranger Rundown is a must read, and I know I’m bit late pointing out his December 2nd entry on the Rangers 2008 Calendar featuring the likes of Mark Teixeira, Kenny Lofton and Sammy Sosa (scroll down to the December 2nd entry).

And…well…ahhhhh…um….that’s about all the baseball I can find to ruminate on today. 

Off Season Distractions:

There’s not much to watch on TV, and if you don’t care about football (like me) even less.  Let me suggest you add these to your Netflix queue to watch on a winter’s afternoon: 

Marla’s Hooch’s List Of The Five Best Movies I Bet You Haven’t Seen:

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) – I love all of John Sayles movies.  Baseball fans will know him for “Eight Men Out”.  However, he's also made wonderful films like : “Brother From Another Planet”, “Lone Star” ,"Passion Fish" and "City of Hope". He is one of the most underrated filmmakers of my generation.  "The Secret of Roan Inish" is his best.  A beautiful story of a family and a myth that  could only be set in Ireland.  By the way – did you know John Sayles re-wrote the script for Ron Howard’s excellent “Apollo 13” ?

Local Hero (1983)  - A Houston oil company presided over by Burt Lancaster sends  Peter Reigert to a small town in Scotland to buy up the land for a refinery.  It’s a gentle, off beat comedy with great music by Dire Strait’s Mark Knopfler.  An article I read said the town’s eccentric nature  was the inspiration for the 1990’s TV series “Northern Exposure”  Did you know that "Local Hero" was a joint venture between the Texas and Scottish film commissions?

Jet Lag (2002) also known as Décalage Horaire – yes it’s a French movie, yes it has subtitles – don’t let that keep you from watching the luminous Juliette Binoche and the always hot Jean Reno in this romantic comedy. Did you know that Jean Reno is the only reason to watch the awful “Da Vinci Code” movie (also directed by Ron Howard)?

Kinky Boots (2005) – A  young Englishman takes over his family’s struggling shoe factory and saves it by changing their line of footwear to flashy boots worn by – ahem – cross dressing entertainers.  Trust me, it’s funny.  If you’ve already seen the movie you’ll know this line: “Honey, not in these shoes.” Did you know this is based on true story?

Nobody’s Fool (1994) – A small town slice of life inhabited by  Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, Jessica Tandy and a brief but always memorable role by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. At the center of it all Paul Newman carrying the story effortlessly – I know I’d like Newman’s character Sully Sullivan as my neighbor. Did you know this was Jessica Tandy’s last film?

Pitchers and Catchers:  is it still a very long 35 days from today (1/10)? –- Marla Hooch

There is just not enough Latin written on MLB Blog entries lately and in the same vein – there’s still not enough baseball to muse about this time of year.   But that’s not necessarily going to stop me.

Viva Yaquis! As pointed out in Scott Lucas’s most recent Minor League Report on The Newberg Report, Yaquis de Obregon’s left fielder Jason Botts (yeah, you read that right – he played LF) was in the top 10 in every offensive category as his team heads to the playoffs.  What you didn’t read was that Jason's 54 RBIs are a new record for the Yaquis - erasing one that had stood for 27 years.

Everyday Eddie:  We are all still waiting with eager anticipation for the signing and official press conference introducing big free agent acquisition Eddie Guardado.  Maybe I’m exaggerating just a bit.  But what many of us, or at least I am wondering about is Guardado’s role in the Rangers bullpen. It'll be disappointing if I hear JD and Ron Washington anoint him as the closer.  I think C.J. Wilson is best suited for that role, and if they don’t trust him yet, why not Joaquin Benoit?  But as our friend Panther Parent pointed out on the Monday Morning Manager the Rangers are all talk when it comes to developing homegrown pitching because the reality is the Rangers”… remain reluctant to trust our own players. This is a franchise that always deems the neighbor's lawn far more plush.”

Speaking of Developing Pitching: Don’t miss Mike Hindman’s excellent Prospect Previews now being unveiled on The Rangers Farm Report.  They are terrific reading, and how can you not love a baseball article on Kasey Kiker that references Dr. Vinny Boombotz?

Off-Season Distractions:

Holiday Hangover:  There’s still time to view the Christmas Lights Extravaganza at Campo Verde restaurant in Arlington. I’m not making this up: over 150,000 lights, 12,000 feet of garland, moose heads with ornament earrings – you have to see it to believe it.  Our family fondly refers to the decorations as Extreme Navidad.  The lights are up through end the of the Fort Worth Stock Show (February 2nd). Since I’ve discovered taking pictures with my cell phone: on the right are a couple of blurry pictures of these famous lights.  (Click on the picture to get the full effect).

P.S. Campo Verde also has the tastiest chips and salsa in town!

Best Supporting Actors:  If you are like me and are tired of the plethora action, horror and gross-out humor movies aimed at 12 year old boys, let me recommend two movies for grown ups with great scripts that are riveting, smart and have some wonderful actors: “Michael Clayton” and “Charlie Wilson’s War”.   

"Michael Clayton" is the best movie I saw in 2007.  Everything about it reminds you of what a tremendously powerful storyteller movies can be and it’s adult without the gratuitous scenes of sex and violence – plus Tom Wilkinson is heart of the movie in an astonishing supporting role.   

Aaron Sorkin, the creator of  the late, great “SportsNight” and “Studio 60” (oh yeah, and “The West Wing” too – but I never watched that)  authored the script for "Charlie Wilson’s War".  Sorkin’s strength is dialogue, in this movie he is at his best.  The showy names in the film are Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts – and they are both very good – but Phillip Seymour Hoffman absolutely steals the show in a supporting role.

Finally: I read a world wide best selling book during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday.  There was an interesting short story in it about a young man who left home, became wealthy and then got himself in trouble, a lot of trouble.  He finally reached bottom and decided to clean up his act and went home, humble, with hat in hand.  His family, especially his Dad, was glad to have him back and pledged to support him on his road to recovery.  That is except for one family member who grumbled about the young man’s return – wondering why everyone should welcome and support him when they’d all managed stay out of trouble and lead normal lives. The young man’s father said – I understand ,  but we are a family and my son, though he’s had his problems, has admitted them is making an effort to change and asked for our help.  Are we so self righteous that we've never made a mistake, and are unable to forgive others faults? We should be glad to have him back rather than wandering the streets wasting his life.  If I remember correctly, this story from this book was part of the inspiration for a well-known song – one of the verses being “I was lost, but now I’m found”.

I thought that story was an interesting parallel to some of the messages I’ve been reading about the Rangers new CF Josh Hamilton.  Yes, he’s had his off the field problems, and it appears that he’s made a sincere effort to overcome them, but in some quarters compassion seems to be in short supply for him.  I don’t know how Josh is going to do this season, but one thing I do know: if I’m going to judge him, it will be on what happens in the OF and in the Batter’s Box - not on what happened in the past – just as I hope others would do for me.

By the way, you can read that book and story I referenced: it’s Luke Chapter 15 verses 11-32 – The Prodigal Son. Oh, in that same book is this timely reminder “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew Chapter 7, Verse 1)

Non est ad astra mollis e terris via – Marla Hooch