January 22 - The Thursday List...On Tuesday
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
Eleanor! Just wanted to tell you I just discovered you are doing this blog and I'll definitely be reading from now on. Great writing style and I always love when you're opinionated. Couldn't agree with you more on Ron Washington. And I would have recognized Jason Romano if I'd seen your post first. I have very fond memories of watching him and Michael Young as a great double play combination for the Drillers just a couple of weeks after we traded for Young. I don't have a clue on the new Name that Prospect though.
Oh! Sorry you lost your Bodacious Barbecue, but about three months ago one opened up literally two blocks from my house here in San Angelo. It's as good as I remembered it being when you took me there in Arlington. I have become a frequent customer.
Hope life is treating you OK,
Casey White
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Hey Hooch, that's our 1998 first round draft pick and the 2007 AL Silver Slugger Award Winner and the
2007 AL Comeback Player of the Year...
haha... that's Carlos Peña
I missed Hooch's inaugural 'Name That Former Ranger Prospect' or I would have nailed that one too :)
I'm fixin to get hungry mmmm yummy... love (been quite a few times) The Arlington Steak House. Never been to Mijo's. I'll check it out. However, I do remember ZuZu’s and loved their food.
I will also be their on on Saturday. I'll do my best to stop on over at the booth and say howdy.
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Casey White - wow - takes me back to the pre-Newberg Report gathering of the DMN forum for Esteban Loaiza's first start as Ranger. Glad to hear from you buddy - you have to come up to Arlington for some games this season.
HurlerHurley - Pena was indeed a Sand Gnat in 1998 - and this guy looks like Carlos - good guess, but it's not Carlos Pena.
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Is it the great Scott Heard?
-Jason Parks
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EMC... I agree with you about Ron Washington, however i wish we had released him this winter, and hired Trey Hillman... Hillman has already impressed me with how he's been handling Jose Guillen's big head over in KC. But then again... had we fired Wash, we wouldn't have been able to sign Milton Bradley. So maybe Ron was good for at least one thing this offseason.
One thing though: Ben Broussard is worse defensivly at first base than Frankie the Cat and Jason Botts? Huh? I'll have to go take a look at some fielding stats and Range Factors for all three at 1st base, and stop by again later... but I seriously doubt that either Botts or Cat is better than Ben B. over there at first.
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Another good guess, Scott Heard was also a Sand Gnat - but it's not Scotty.
Lonestar - what I meant to infer was: that Cat and Botts are not thought of as good defensive OFer's and that many think they should be platooning at 1B instead (including me).
Broussard is probably a better defensive frist baseman, but in a re-building year - why bother - when you already have a platoon that do the same job. Moving Frank and Jason to first clears some room in a crowded OF, and gives the Rangers an opportunity to give Botts a long look - which they ought to do. But it sounds like Washington is going the route of many managers - stubbornly sticking with a player who can't perform in certain situations - just because he's a "veteran player".
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Now that i've had time to relax and have a drink.
It's Jack... Joaquin Benoit.
Hooch you showed a nasty slider on this one. Cause he **** sure looked just like Carlos Peña in 1998.
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I'm guessing he is a pitcher, I don't think a position player would hold his glove upright like that.
Spike Lundberg?
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Joaquin Benoit, Spike Lundberg and Carlos Pena were all teammates on the 1998 Savannah Sand Gnats - however - the prospect pictured is not Jack, Spike or Carlos.
I admit, this guy wasn't as well known as all the players mentioned so far, but he was - very briefly - on the radar.
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Well EMC, RW has certainly been a disappointment to me as well. His hiring was a reflection of a team that was still not committed to youth - and was still trying to win. And you are correct, I believe, in your observation that he appears to have little patience for youth/mistakes. I really looked forward to a positive attitude in the manager's office, but it hasn't show itself very often. Guess his situation makes him feel like he has to win now to keep his job.
What are your thoughts on Matt Walbeck, who I like as the next manager? I think his personality and approach would be a great fit for a young team. I was really glad to see Texas hire him.
Oh, and lonestar, please tell me you're kidding about RW accomplishing something by getting us MB. Not sure that was a good thing.
Gotta love the 'Sand Gnats' as a mascot. One of the great names out there.
I hope to see many of you on Saturday if I can talk my way out of a birthday party for my 2 year old niece in east Texas (not likely, but we'll see).
Not sure I've ever posted on your blog, but I think you have some really good insights, and like seeing your comments on TR's page, too.
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Final Guess.
Jose Santos?
-Jason Parks
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Brian - thanks for the kind words. Anyone who posts on Elysian Fields is welcome here (especially since lately TR seems to be hiding out in Katmandu with Toby).
I've heard only good things about Matt Walbeck - his managerial record in the minors is pretty impressive. An unproven Hooch theory is that former catchers seem to make excellent managers (Oates, Torre, Scioscia). We'll see - the idea of young manager growing with a young team is intriguing (and it certainly has worked for the Angels - along with the red uniforms).
Jason Parks - wow! Great guess! No it's not Jose.
I'll give you a hint - he was a Newberg "award" winner.
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OMG... it's Travis Hafner!
Dang Hooch, If I emailed Jamey for help, that wouldn't be cheating would it?
I'm getting tired. I have to drive to Austin in morning. I need to hit the sack and I'm going to think about this.
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Nope - it's not Travis.
Here's an interesting side note: Hafner spent 2 full seasons at Low A Savannah at age 20 (1998) he hit .237 in 405 AB, then at age 21 (1999) he hit .292 in 480 AB. My point? If the Rangers had given up on him after the 1998 season - as many would suggest (on a certain forum we all know and love) because he was "too old" at age 21 at Low A - wonder how different his career would be? I am always frustrated with the junior GM's who immediately write off a player after one poor season, predicate everything on age, and/or advocate pushing a player through the minor leagues too quickly. Of course, that doesn't excuse John Hart from giving up on Hafner - probably the second worst transaction he made as GM.
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Is Jason Grabowski the mystery Sand Gnat?
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First, I haven't noticed any spelling/grammar errors. And I'm trained to look for them, so you do a fine job.
Second, I WISH I could come to Fan Fest this weekend. Alas, winter is not the best time for driving 900 miles and I don't have a private jet. Think Hicks would send the team plane for me? No? Okay, oh well.
Third, I'm not sold on Wash yet either. But I haven't given up on him either. I guess I'm hoping to see more this year. We'll see.
Finally, those restaurants all sound heavenly. And probably deadly to my diet. Ha ha.
http://diamondgirl.mlblogs.com
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Casey - Jason Grabowski! Yet another member of previously mentioned 1998 team. Does that guy have Grabber's hair? No, it's not Grabowski.
Micah -you won't miss out - next week's blog will have pictures and stories from Fan Fest.
And next week's installment of Name That Prospect will be a little more recognizable - I promise.
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You almost had me Eleanor!
Domingo Valdez!!!!
-Jason Parks
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Domingo Valdez is correct.
You have to promise me Jason that you didn't look it up on the Newberg Report archives :)
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Sorry. Gauging by the difficulty of the question, I wasn't aware that I couldn't look it up on the archives. I'm disqualified. Banished from the game like Shoeless Joe. Shoeless Joe Jason.
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