March 27 - Baseball Has Been Very Good To Me

I know after reading that title you are expecting a Chico Escuela parody – sorry to disappoint – but it’s a sincere sentiment on my part.

As I mulled over or maybe just procrastinated about what to write about this week from my trip to Surprise Arizona for Rangers Spring Training, I finally realized what makes my baseball experience truly the best part of my life are the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made through baseball.  If  I was one of those fans who rooted for  “laundry” or lived by  “sabermetrics” then I’d buy a video game or join a fantasy league – but for me it’s much, much more than just stats on a sheet or the standings listed in a newspaper; and if I’ve never said it out loud – I am now: thank you baseball.

I’ve been to games in exotic locales from the fairgrounds in a scary neighborhood in Shreveport to the elegant confines of Safeco Field in Seattle. I’ve watched young men  grow from under the radar AA infielders to become face of the franchise team leaders.  I’ve met many players and their families, scouts, coaches, media types and other fans in stands with a passion for the game even more fanatic than mine. 

The smartest baseball move I ever made was exchanging e-mails with a young attorney about minor league baseball and then meeting him and a friend of his (yet another attorney) for lunch to talk about our mutual interests, specifically the Rangers minor leagues.  Little did I know that ten years later, those two gentlemen – Jamey and Mike – would become dear friends who allowed me to tag along on a baseball adventure I could have never imagined. Because of my involvement with the Newberg Report I’ve been part of memorable baseball events, met terrific people, some of whom have become treasured friends and had the absolutely the most amazing ten years of my life – thanks guys.

Last week in Surprise I had time to reflect on my good fortune while I watched the mosaic that will be the 2008 Texas Rangers Baseball Season start to piece itself together with the Major Leaguers tuning up for the challenge of a long season, while the minor leaguers eagerly work their way through the system until they too are living the dream of being on that opening day major league roster.

It’s a short list  today – next week we’re back to the Thursday Lineup Card profiling the minor leagues and random game report blog entries (as well as pictures). 

Speaking of pictures, I had camera “issues”  which means I did not take any pictures during my four days in Arizona.  However, let me direct you to Mike Hindman's Ranger Farm Report – he has an excellent Spring Training photo gallery on the left hand side of the page.  Plus I saw Scott Lucas take quite a few photos that I’m sure will be part of his blog Ranger Rundown.

1. Minor Matters: I did spend most of my time on the backfields watching the minor leaguers.  As always, the Rangers make it very difficult to figure out who you are watching – they don’t put names on the jerseys and often change numbers on some of the players, and there aren't any "lists" with names and numbers for those of us who are actually interested in the minor leagues (I know some the of parents watching the games would also have liked a listing of some kind too.)  Fortunately, the pitchers standing around (waiting for the 5th inning when they can leave) or the ones charting pitches in the stands are extremely helpful when you ask about who is playing CF or waiting on deck.   I  was duly impressed with Engle Beltre – Scott Lucas and I saw him hit a wicked triple to left and make it to third with the throw only a split second behind him.  Finally got to see Kasey Kiker pitch on Sunday – all I can say I’m in – looking forward to seeing more of him – soon.  As for Julio Borbon – the reports of his good OF instincts are not exaggerated – plus just saying his name “Julio” reminded me of one Billy Crystal’s best gags in the movie “Running Scared” (if you’ve seen the movie then you know the scene where he’s calling the villain played by Jimmy Smits on the car phone).  I missed seeing Blake Beavan pitch – but I did get hang around with him watching a couple of games – I also met Michael Main, talked a bit with Kevin Mahar and got my requisite hugs from John Whittleman, Michael Schlact, German Duran and a beaming Doug Mathis who was told he was going into the OKC rotation the day I saw him.

The thing that most impressed me:  Nolan Ryan sat in his golf cart watching an entire 9 inning Low A baseball game –  intently.  Now, who was saying his position with this team is only “PR”?

Update - Friday March 28th: From today's column by Jim Reeves in the Startlegram:

" 'I tell you one thing that's going to change next year,' Ryan said as he tried to figure out just exactly what minor league pitcher he was watching throw in the bullpen.
'We're going to put names on the backs of these uniforms. We've got about four pitchers wearing No. 19 and they all look alike.' "

God Bless you Nolan, I hope the guys in player development listen to you.

2. As for the major leaguers – everything you’ve read and heard about Josh Hamilton – it’s the truth –  he is “all that” if he can stay healthy – he might be the best reason to buy a ticket to a Ranger game this season.  One of my favorites, the ample citizen, Franklyn German will be in Arlington next week  (Baseball Mom will be happy about that). Of course, I’m glad that Jason Botts made the team – the problem is will the manager actually give him any meaningful AB’s?

3. And everyone else:  it was great to see so many baseball pals like Lacey and her Dad, Len, Sherry, the Schiller Family, Blake’s mom Michelle, Barbara, Scott and of course Jamey, Ginger, Erica and the irrepressible Max.

4. Odds and ends: What I like the most about Spring Training is the relaxed atmosphere and the relatively small crowds – it is indeed a welcome respite, if only for a few days, from the hard realities of everyday life.  And I have to mention that there are some excellent Elvis karaoke singers in Surprise and the surrounding area (and yes, I would’ve gotten up and sang “Mack The Knife”).

Marla’s musing on the upcoming season:  I’ve already predicted on The Monday Morning Manager on Postcards From Elysian Fields that the Angels will win the AL West - even with all their injuries – they will still be the team to beat in a very weak division as well picking another Red Sox World Series win.

The Rangers 2008 Season – it’s all about the pitching, always has been, always will be.

That's why I can’t say I’m terribly confident about their chances to compete at all this year. Alot could go right – much more could go wrong (and already has) especially on the mound.  Speaking of confidence,  I wrote this on another website but I’ll say it again: if this season's Rangers team is successful it will be in spite of the manager, not because of him.

I could use some baseball. -– Marla Hooch