The 2013 season for our Texas Rangers had ended in disappointment. Again. But that's not to say it wasn't a great ride.
The Rangers came up against an ace in Game 163. And that ace, David Price of the Rays, delivered.
Was there another September collapse? Yep. Just like 2012? Not so much. The 2013 Rangers had to win their last seven games to even force a Game 163. The 2012 Rangers just took a big dump in the middle of the field and wallowed in it the last week of the season and the Wild Card game. 2013 just felt different.
The Rangers overcame quite a bit to end up where they did. The entire projected starting pitching staff was on the DL for 7 1/2 months. Or at least that's what it felt like at times. David Murphy and Mitch Moreland were terrible for long stretches, if not entirely. Lance Berkman anyone? Elvis spent the first half of the season in a slumber. And then there's the Nelson Cruz thing.
This team, in reality, had no business being where they were on the Monday after the final day of the season. Which brings us to the hot-button topic as of late. Ron Washington.
Is he a great in-game manager? Nope. Does he make decisions that leave everyone scratching their collective heads? Sure. Would his every move be so highly scrutinized if his teams weren't successful? No. Would his teams be as successful if he were not the manager for 162 games? We think not.
We are definitely in the pro-Wash camp. And we are not apologetic about that.
We think Fox Sports Southwest's Emily Jones (@EmilyJonesFSN) had the winning tweet Monday night: I haven't covered a meaningless baseball game in four seasons. That says a lot about the #Rangers organization.
Well said, Emily, well said.
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Rangers Need to Take Advantage of Soft August
With about a month and a half left in the season, here is where our Texas Rangers stand. In first place. But Oakland is not going away.
In the past month, the Rangers have gained a Matt Garza and an Alex Rios. They have lost a Nelson Cruz, a Colby Lewis and now a Matt Harrison. So where does that leave them? Better than before.
"What?", you say. Texas has not had Lewis or Harrison for practically the entire season. Their losses don't mean that much. Sure the Cruz loss hurts, but Rios can fill in adequately and provide production. Not the same as Cruz, but he will contribute. Now, take a look at the rotation. Better to have Garza than a maybe Harrison or Lewis. Or maybe Neftali Feliz.
What the Rangers have right now is what they're going to have to go with down the stretch. We like the chances. However, looking at the schedules, the Rangers need to have at least a four game lead going into September.
Texas has an easy August schedule. Oakland's is tougher. The tables are turned in September.
And for the "Fire Wash" crowd, Ron Washington deserves no less than manager of the year if he guides this team to the playoffs. We won't bore you with the details now, but it could be coming at a later date.
In the past month, the Rangers have gained a Matt Garza and an Alex Rios. They have lost a Nelson Cruz, a Colby Lewis and now a Matt Harrison. So where does that leave them? Better than before.
"What?", you say. Texas has not had Lewis or Harrison for practically the entire season. Their losses don't mean that much. Sure the Cruz loss hurts, but Rios can fill in adequately and provide production. Not the same as Cruz, but he will contribute. Now, take a look at the rotation. Better to have Garza than a maybe Harrison or Lewis. Or maybe Neftali Feliz.
What the Rangers have right now is what they're going to have to go with down the stretch. We like the chances. However, looking at the schedules, the Rangers need to have at least a four game lead going into September.
Texas has an easy August schedule. Oakland's is tougher. The tables are turned in September.
And for the "Fire Wash" crowd, Ron Washington deserves no less than manager of the year if he guides this team to the playoffs. We won't bore you with the details now, but it could be coming at a later date.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Sleep Deprived Rangers Fans Would Welcome This
As fans of the Texas Rangers we, here in the Cheap Seats, suffer from sleep deprivation during weekday series on the left coast agaisnt West Division rivals Oakland, Seattle and Anaheim/Los Angeles, California. We are so happy that Houston has joined the AL West (and not becuase they are horrible). That means more games in the Central Time Zone.
With the advent of daily interleague play and the inevetible (in the eyes of many) adoption of the DH in both leagues, it may be time for radical realignment in MLB. We have often pondered a realignment of the West divisions, self-serving as it may be, but Matt Yallof of MLB.com thinks when (not if) both leagues go to the DH, then radical, geographic realignment should be considered.
Mr. Yallof's full article is here, but here's the short version:
Realign geographically. Here is his proposed realigned divisions:
With the advent of daily interleague play and the inevetible (in the eyes of many) adoption of the DH in both leagues, it may be time for radical realignment in MLB. We have often pondered a realignment of the West divisions, self-serving as it may be, but Matt Yallof of MLB.com thinks when (not if) both leagues go to the DH, then radical, geographic realignment should be considered.
Mr. Yallof's full article is here, but here's the short version:
Realign geographically. Here is his proposed realigned divisions:
Eastern Conference
East
Boston
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Philadelphia
Toronto
Boston
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Philadelphia
Toronto
Midsouth
Atlanta
Tampa Bay
Miami
Baltimore
Washington
Atlanta
Tampa Bay
Miami
Baltimore
Washington
Midwest
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Detroit
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Detroit
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Western Conference
Northwest
Seattle
San Francisco
Oakland
Minnesota
Colorado
Seattle
San Francisco
Oakland
Minnesota
Colorado
West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Angels
San Diego
Arizona
Texas
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Angels
San Diego
Arizona
Texas
Central
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
St. Louis
Houston
Kansas City
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
St. Louis
Houston
Kansas City
Everything looks good in the Eastern Conference, as far as we're concerned (but we really don't care that much). The problems lie in the Western Conference. Geographically speaking, it kind of makes sense. The whole North/South divisions in the Northwest and West Divisions. But the time zone issues make it a nightmare for fans of the Twins and our Texas Rangers.
With there being six West Coast teams, keeping them all together is an impossiblilty, but if we're going to blow up the whole thing, let's make it more fan-friendly when we put it back together. Keeping in mind the fine fans of Minnesota and Texas (ok really just Texas because that's what affects us, but Twins fans get the benefit also), here are our proposed divisions for a Western Conference:
Central
- Chicago Cubs
- Chicago White Sox
- Kansas City
- Minnesota
- St. Louis
Southwest
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Houston
- San Diego
- Texas
West
- LA Angels
- LA Dodgers
- Oakland
- Seattle
- San Francisco
This just makes more sense. And lets us get more sleep.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Josh Hamilton and Laundry
Here in the Cheap Seats, we are long time fans of the Texas Rangers. Almost since their inception in 1972. Although we were four years old at the time. But as soon as we had an understanding of baseball, we were fans.
We have seen many great players come and go over the years. While they were wearing out team's laundry, we were their fans. As soon as they changed uniforms, they became the enemy. So it goes in this age of free agency and players changing teams on a regular basis.
Josh Hamilton made his return to Arlington this week in the uniform of the Los Angeles California Angels of Anaheim California. The hated rival. Based on that alone, he could not have envisioned a lovefest.
Had it simply been a case of Hamilton taking more money and moving on, so be it. Thanks for the memories, Josh. Now you're playing for the enemy. Don't expect the red carpet when you waltz back into town, but best of luck (but not too much).
But no, couldn't be that simple. Couldn't, as the Bible says, hold the tongue. Had to disparage Rangers' fans. That is where the real rub is.
As Rangers' fans, we can understand leaving for more money. But after you sign with the Rangers' biggest rival, for more money, and claim God was telling you southern California was where you needed to be, don't call us out as being bad fans.
Rangers' fans embraced Josh from the start. And we were rewarded with two World Series appearances, which we will be eternally grateful.
Rangers' fans aslo booed Hamilton at the end of 2012 when his play was abhorrent. That's what fans do.
As for us, we will be rooting for the current band of one-gloved, bat wielding mercenaries who currently wear the laundry of the Texas Rangers.
Sorry Josh, don't expect to be welcomed with unconditional love back to the Claw and Antler Nation.
You're wearing the wrong laundry.
And check your tongue with your baggage.
We have seen many great players come and go over the years. While they were wearing out team's laundry, we were their fans. As soon as they changed uniforms, they became the enemy. So it goes in this age of free agency and players changing teams on a regular basis.
Josh Hamilton made his return to Arlington this week in the uniform of the Los Angeles California Angels of Anaheim California. The hated rival. Based on that alone, he could not have envisioned a lovefest.
Had it simply been a case of Hamilton taking more money and moving on, so be it. Thanks for the memories, Josh. Now you're playing for the enemy. Don't expect the red carpet when you waltz back into town, but best of luck (but not too much).
But no, couldn't be that simple. Couldn't, as the Bible says, hold the tongue. Had to disparage Rangers' fans. That is where the real rub is.
As Rangers' fans, we can understand leaving for more money. But after you sign with the Rangers' biggest rival, for more money, and claim God was telling you southern California was where you needed to be, don't call us out as being bad fans.
Rangers' fans embraced Josh from the start. And we were rewarded with two World Series appearances, which we will be eternally grateful.
Rangers' fans aslo booed Hamilton at the end of 2012 when his play was abhorrent. That's what fans do.
As for us, we will be rooting for the current band of one-gloved, bat wielding mercenaries who currently wear the laundry of the Texas Rangers.
Sorry Josh, don't expect to be welcomed with unconditional love back to the Claw and Antler Nation.
You're wearing the wrong laundry.
And check your tongue with your baggage.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Baseball Hall of Fame: How to get it wrong
Let's get one thing straight right out of the gate: The latest MLB Hall of Fame vote was a travesty.
No one gets in?
NO ONE?
Really?
What a sanctimonious, self-righteous, Pharisee-like lot the BBWA is.
We can throw out all the known and suspected PED users and the result is still baffling. There were no real right answers in this round of balloting, but they somehow managed to get it totally wrong.
Now we will address the issue of the "Steroid Era".
Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, one the most respected national baseball writers on the planet has taken the Taylor Swift approach to those of the steroid era. Never, ever, ever. Never. Ever.
While reading his stance on these players, you can't help but nod your head in agreement. Verducci makes very valid points and states them eloquently. We, however, tend to disagree.
Another respected voice, ESPN's Jayson Stark, asks whether the baseball HOF should be a shrine or a museum, while leaving the answer up for debate.
Here is our take. How can you discount an entire decade of baseball? No matter what happened, there were Hall of Fame caliber players playing the game during that time. Sure, the numbers for baseball have been skewed for the rest of time because of that era. But you know what? In the words of Stark, it happened.
There are at least two no-doubt Hall of Famers in the current class, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, with or without steroids.
To be fair about our position, we don't have the highest regards for the Baseball Hall of Fame anyway. Without "cheating the game" in any way during his playing career, Pete Rose is not in the Hall.
Explain this: Well yes Joey, this is the Hall of Fame which pays tribute to the best baseball players of all time. However, the all-time hits leader, all-time home run leader, pitcher with the most Cy Young awards are not honored here. You're right. Now, how far is Canton anyway?
No one gets in?
NO ONE?
Really?
What a sanctimonious, self-righteous, Pharisee-like lot the BBWA is.
We can throw out all the known and suspected PED users and the result is still baffling. There were no real right answers in this round of balloting, but they somehow managed to get it totally wrong.
Now we will address the issue of the "Steroid Era".
Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, one the most respected national baseball writers on the planet has taken the Taylor Swift approach to those of the steroid era. Never, ever, ever. Never. Ever.
While reading his stance on these players, you can't help but nod your head in agreement. Verducci makes very valid points and states them eloquently. We, however, tend to disagree.
Another respected voice, ESPN's Jayson Stark, asks whether the baseball HOF should be a shrine or a museum, while leaving the answer up for debate.
Here is our take. How can you discount an entire decade of baseball? No matter what happened, there were Hall of Fame caliber players playing the game during that time. Sure, the numbers for baseball have been skewed for the rest of time because of that era. But you know what? In the words of Stark, it happened.
There are at least two no-doubt Hall of Famers in the current class, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, with or without steroids.
To be fair about our position, we don't have the highest regards for the Baseball Hall of Fame anyway. Without "cheating the game" in any way during his playing career, Pete Rose is not in the Hall.
Explain this: Well yes Joey, this is the Hall of Fame which pays tribute to the best baseball players of all time. However, the all-time hits leader, all-time home run leader, pitcher with the most Cy Young awards are not honored here. You're right. Now, how far is Canton anyway?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Enjoy the Texas Rangers Post Season
Our Texas Rangers are on the verge of their third straight playoff appearance. We are just as excited this year as we were two years ago. Or in the late nineties.
Our advice is to never let it get old. Or taken for granted. Ask the fans of the Royals. What would they give for one playoff appearance?
The 2012 is both fun and frustrating. They never give up, except when they do. They can come back from a six run deficit or be totally inept in a 1-0 loss. The pitching can carry for while, the bats can carry for a while. Ian Kinsler can throw the ball into the stands or turn an amazing double play. Josh Hamilton can wave helplessly at breaking balls for weeks or can hit 242 homeruns in a homestand. Derek Holland can be the best pitcher in baseball for a month or can give up 108 runs in a third of an inning.
They lost two fifths of their starting rotation. They have seen the entire lineup slump for an extended period. They have won a total of nine games in a month.
But you know what? Their magic number is three with six games to play. They hold a four game lead over Oakland. They will be in the playoffs.
Enjoy this. It doesn't happen all the time.
Our advice is to never let it get old. Or taken for granted. Ask the fans of the Royals. What would they give for one playoff appearance?
The 2012 is both fun and frustrating. They never give up, except when they do. They can come back from a six run deficit or be totally inept in a 1-0 loss. The pitching can carry for while, the bats can carry for a while. Ian Kinsler can throw the ball into the stands or turn an amazing double play. Josh Hamilton can wave helplessly at breaking balls for weeks or can hit 242 homeruns in a homestand. Derek Holland can be the best pitcher in baseball for a month or can give up 108 runs in a third of an inning.
They lost two fifths of their starting rotation. They have seen the entire lineup slump for an extended period. They have won a total of nine games in a month.
But you know what? Their magic number is three with six games to play. They hold a four game lead over Oakland. They will be in the playoffs.
Enjoy this. It doesn't happen all the time.
Monday, August 20, 2012
NFL Preseason: Avoid at All Cost
I enjoy the NFL. I follow the NFL. The NFL is great.
The NFL also has a huge scam going on the with fans. It's called the preseason. It's the worst excuse for football that is put out for public consumption. A bunch of 6-year-olds playing flag football is better.
From what I hear, some people actually watched the first NFL preseason game, the Hall of Fame Game. I'm sad for those people. For the rest of us, here's all you need to know to get you through until the real games begin.
The NFL also has a huge scam going on the with fans. It's called the preseason. It's the worst excuse for football that is put out for public consumption. A bunch of 6-year-olds playing flag football is better.
From what I hear, some people actually watched the first NFL preseason game, the Hall of Fame Game. I'm sad for those people. For the rest of us, here's all you need to know to get you through until the real games begin.
What to look for: An escape. A back door.Plausible deniability. A conveniently timed illness. A sudden urge to take up hot yoga. A neglected dog to walk. A "CSI" marathon. Anything.
How to interpret what you see: You cannot. Because if you were smart, you didn't see a thing. If you did happen to see anything, it means nothing to the average fan. It's all evaluations for who gets the 53rd roster spot.
What to take from the final score: Nothing. The final score means nothing. Preseason records mean nothing. You shouldn't even care.
How to avoid watching: Take an interest in MLB baseball, ATP and WTA tennis, mow the lawn, clean the house, go out for dinner, play with the kids, take in a movie, wash your hair, read a book, anything. As a sports fan, I immerse myself in the pennant races that are heating up in MLB, the tennis tournaments leading up to the US Open and the US Open itself. There's also golf, which is really good if you need a nap.
What to do if it seems like viewing is imminent: Immediately find a sharp pointy object and stab yourself in the hand, skillfully avoiding any nerves, tendons and ligaments. Make sure it requires stitches so a trip to the ER is unavoidable.
See you in September.
See you in September.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Get Yourself to the Park.........The Ballpark, That Is
A grandmother, a teacher, choir member and darn good cook.
A home-grown-smoking, home-brew-swilling, aging hippie bespectacled looking at life through rose-colored prescription lenses.
A giggling, screeching teenage girl with a mouth full of metal and rubber bands, hair in pigtails and ever-present flip flops.
A singer in a rock band in his favorite vintage AC/DC tee shirt with the sleeves cut out.
A slick, big-city banker sporting designer sunglasses and what hasn't been discarded of a three-piece suit.
A housewife in a sundress, floppy hat and dark glasses, sporting the latest fashion in nail polish on her recently pedicured toes.
An ex Army medic turned firefighter with a penchant for attracting psycho-babes and an affinity for spicy foods.
A father, dressed in khaki shorts and his team tee shirt explaining the intricacies of the double steal to a kid with an oversized baseball cap slurping ice cream out of a miniature replica helmet.
What do all of these people have in common? Why, they're all baseball fans, of course. Nothing I have seen in the course of everyday life brings together a more diverse cast of characters than a baseball game on a lazy summer evening.
I attended my first professional baseball game at the old Arlington Stadium with my uncle to see the Texas Rangers take on the hated New York Yankees in a double header, long before the days of the day/night variety. Being a baseball fan already, I was hooked on experiencing the game in person.
Not everyone is there for the same reason. There are the die-hards, the casuals, the socializers, the partyers and those that just want to get out and enjoy the weather. But, by and large, everyone is there to have a good time. There are always those contrarians, those who look to start or get into trouble, but they are the minority.
Everybody is your friend at a baseball game. Sitting out in the blistering Texas sun and need some sunscreen? The girl across the aisle will be happy to share some of hers. Going back to your seat after a brief rain delay and don't want to sit in a puddle? The guy two rows up is loaning his towel out to whoever needs it.
We could all take some life lessons from the camaraderie shown by a large group of strangers held together by nothing more than a rooting interest in the laundry worn by this year's roving band of gloved, bat wielding mercenaries.
The pace of baseball lends itself to this kind of relaxed revelry. It is not adrenaline induced pummeling of an opponent. It is not non-stop, up and down a court, sometimes lumbering, sometimes in bursts. Baseball is leisurely paced, perfect for getting to know one's neighbors. Perfect for summer.
After competing in the rat race at a breakneck pace, taxiing kids from one activity to another and fighting ever-increasing traffic; baseball provides a welcome three to three and half hour respite from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I'll take that any day of the week.
What do all of these people have in common? Why, they're all baseball fans, of course. Nothing I have seen in the course of everyday life brings together a more diverse cast of characters than a baseball game on a lazy summer evening.
I attended my first professional baseball game at the old Arlington Stadium with my uncle to see the Texas Rangers take on the hated New York Yankees in a double header, long before the days of the day/night variety. Being a baseball fan already, I was hooked on experiencing the game in person.
Not everyone is there for the same reason. There are the die-hards, the casuals, the socializers, the partyers and those that just want to get out and enjoy the weather. But, by and large, everyone is there to have a good time. There are always those contrarians, those who look to start or get into trouble, but they are the minority.
Everybody is your friend at a baseball game. Sitting out in the blistering Texas sun and need some sunscreen? The girl across the aisle will be happy to share some of hers. Going back to your seat after a brief rain delay and don't want to sit in a puddle? The guy two rows up is loaning his towel out to whoever needs it.
We could all take some life lessons from the camaraderie shown by a large group of strangers held together by nothing more than a rooting interest in the laundry worn by this year's roving band of gloved, bat wielding mercenaries.
The pace of baseball lends itself to this kind of relaxed revelry. It is not adrenaline induced pummeling of an opponent. It is not non-stop, up and down a court, sometimes lumbering, sometimes in bursts. Baseball is leisurely paced, perfect for getting to know one's neighbors. Perfect for summer.
After competing in the rat race at a breakneck pace, taxiing kids from one activity to another and fighting ever-increasing traffic; baseball provides a welcome three to three and half hour respite from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I'll take that any day of the week.
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