Catching Up with Lance in the Offseason

I Believe

Second playoff win in Ranger history.  A beautiful day.  Nolan is more of a hero now than ever.

Manny Ejected from Game, Team

In Manny Ramirez' only at bat on Sunday in Colorado he argued the first pitch, a called strike, and was ejected from the game.  That was his last official at bat in a Dodger unifrom as he is headed to the White Sox to likely be their DH.  Don't let the door hit ya...

Frank and Jamie McCourt are going to Court today to decide who gets custody of the Manny-less Dodgers.

The Red Sox put in a claim on Mike Napoli, but it doesn't look like they will get a deal done

It's Friday

Here is a great slideshow of legendary pitchers and the way they grip the ball

Roger Clemens will be arraigned Monday for allegedly lying to Congress about steroid use.  Maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and 1.5 MIL fine.  Yikes.  The recommended time, however, is between 15 and 21 months.

Cliff Lee got roughed up against Minnesota yesterday.  He says he's letting too many piches find the middle of the plate- rather than the edges.

Astros sweep the Phillies in 4 games!!!!

Multiple teams put in claims on Manny Ramirez... should know later today where he's headed

Hideki Matsui has been playing good baseball lately.  Will he still be a halo next season?

PETCO Park

I was in San Diego this week and happened to be eating lunch downtown a couple of blocks from PETCO Park.  I'd never been there so I walked over to check it out.  It was a really nice park.  There is a great Tony Gwynn statue and a tiny baseball field where a little kid was playing wiffle ball with his dad.  I'd love to catch a game here sometime.

Matt's Baesball Bolg

Manny Ramirez began his rehab stint with the Inland Empire 66ers yesterday... Here's how the 66ers advertised on the their website-

I found that gem on Uniwatch, who also notes that all four professional teams in Dallas do not use the team's nickname on their jerseys.  It's true.  On both the home and away jerseys.  Fascinating!

Here's a good story on the Golden Baseball League

RHP Cole Green and 1B Tant Shepherd will be back in Austin for their senior seasons with the Longhorns

I'm really disappointed about this- Roger Clemens was indicted today on federal perjury charge

Jamie McCourt says she has located a document that proves she has an equal share in the Dodgers.  Oh Joy.

The Astros sent Pedro Feliz to the Cardinals today.  They got minor league pitcher David Carpenter in return.

The race is on to get Manny back in a Dodgers uniform so they can get himout to clear waivers by AUG 31

15 Baylor Bears played summer ball in wood bat leagues.  About half of them took home championships.  You can read their profiles here.

" "

Espn's Page 2 has compiled a list of the greatest Sports movie quotes and monologues.  Here are some of my favorites...

56. "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."

-- Manager Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) in "A League of Their Own," trying to convince Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) to keep playing. Of course, some teams -- such as the Pirates, Royals, Cubs and Mariners -- make it look harder than it needs to.

40. "When I walk down the street people will say, 'There goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was.'"

-- Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) in "The Natural." Unless, of course, Albert Pujols is walking down the other side of the street.

26. "Losing is a disease. As contagious as polio."

-- The quack hypnotist in "The Natural." And apparently, they run out of the vaccine every summer in Pittsburgh.

18. "I just slid my ticket across the table and I said, 'Sorry, guys, I gotta see about a girl.'"

-- Psychologist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) in "Good Will Hunting," explaining to Will Hunting (Matt Damon) how he gave up tickets to Game 6 of the 1975 World Series so he could stay in the bar and drink with a girl he just met instead. That girl winds up being his wife. It's a lesson on seizing opportunity and avoiding years of regret. Of course, he admits, he didn't know Fisk was to going to homer in the 12th.

15. "Juuuust a bit outside!"

-- Harry Doyle (Bob Uecker) in "Major League," on a wild pitch that all but hit the mascot.

14. "Hey Dad, you wanna have a catch?"

-- Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) in "Field of Dreams." "(Sniff) Not right now, son, (sniff) I've got something in my eye."

4. "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

-- Lou Gehrig (Gary Cooper) in "The Pride of the Yankees." Best repeated with echoes.

3. "If you build it, he will come."

-- The Voice in "Field of Dreams," instructing Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) to plow up his corn crop and build a baseball field. Sports owners would mimic this directive in following years by commanding taxpayers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to knock down entirely adequate stadiums and replace them with new stadiums designed to take more money out of the fans' wallets and place it in the owners' vaults.

2. "There's no crying in baseball!"

-- Manager Jimmy Dugan in "A League of Their Own," explaining baseball's etiquette to a bawling Evelyn Gardner (Bitty Schram). Dugan evidently never rooted for the Cubs.

7. "Well, you know I ... I never got to bat in the major leagues. I would have liked to have had that chance. Just once. To stare down a big league pitcher. To stare him down, and just as he goes into his windup, wink. Make him think you know something he doesn't. That's what I wish for. Chance to squint at a sky so blue that it hurts your eyes just to look at it. To feel the tingling in your arm as you connect with the ball. To run the bases -- stretch a double into a triple, and flop face-first into third, wrap your arms around the bag. That's my wish, Ray Kinsella. That's my wish. And is there enough magic out there in the moonlight to make this dream come true?"

-- Moonlight Graham (Burt Lancaster) in "Field of Dreams"

3. "Ray, people will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway, not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. 'Of course, we won't mind if you have a look around,' you'll say. 'It's only 20 dollars per person.' They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it; for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers, and sit in shirt sleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game, and it'll be as if they'd dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick, they'll have to brush them away from their faces.

"People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: It's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh, people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."
-- Terence Mann (James Earl Jones) in "Field of Dreams"

Someone informed Uniwatch that Ted Lilly wears his undershirt backward...

Great Story on Page 2 about ballpark statues

Here's another one about a guy who built his own wiffle ball field.

Nelson Cruz is on the DL for the third time this season.  Joaquin Arias will be activated from the DL tonight.  Moreland, Borbon, and Boggs will likely split time for Cruz's spot in he outfield.

The Angles officially signed their top draft pick Kaleb Cowart today

Tanner Scheppers will likely be called up from AAA in September for the Rangers.  He will likey be the Rangers closer of the future, as Neftali Feliz will probably make his way to the starting rotation

Rich Harden is back on familiar ground- the DL.  It's possible he will miss the playoff roster

Dodgers draft pick Zach Lee is currently a freshman at LSU and playing quarterback.  Tonight is the deadline for the Dodger's to sign him

A date that will live in baseball infamy...

I know it was yesterday, but still... (from ESPN Page 2)

I became a baseball fan when Nolan Ryan became a Texas Ranger.  It was 1989 and I needed a hero.  My dad lived in Arlington at the time and I loved going to see the Rangers play ball in the old Arlington Stadium.  If Nolan was on the mound it was extra special.  I was more than a casual fan.  I clipped newspaper articles, kept up the standings with my little plastic helmets (I still do this), collected baseball cards and researched them in Beckett Magazine, and believed EVERY YEAR, despite what the standings said, that the Rangers would claw their way in and make it to the World Series.  After all... they had Nolan Ryan.  This was my relationship with baseball until mid August 1994.  The Rangers were in first place in their division and the season ended.  Baseball was no longer innocent.  I didn't watch another baseball game for years.  I became a football fan instead.  Needless to say, I have regained my affection and interest and love for baseball... but August 12 1994 was a major day in my childhood. 

Nerdy Stuff

This is kinda nerdy... but I like this website

It's official- MLB owners unanimously approved the sale of the Rangers to Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan

Rangers a Lock

The Rangers are going to skip Rich Harden's next start, which would have been against the Red Sox.  He will start next Tuesday at the Rays.  The BoSox will face Hunter, Lewis, and Wilson this weekend in Arlington.  Harden needs the rest.

ESPN is saying that the Rangers are a lock for the playoffs

Adam Dunn was claimed by one team while on waivers and no trade took place... He's a Nat for the forseeable future 

Ian Kinsler's recent MRI still shows inflammation in his groin, possibly keeping him out until the end of the month.  Cristian Guzman has not been a good replacement at 2nd.  He's 3-29 with 7 strikeouts and an error.

Torii Hunter and the Angels will be going after Carl Crawford in free agency.  But he is from Texas...

Rafael Furcal is officially on the DL.  He will be eligible to return on 8/18.  Expect the Doyers to fill his spot with Juan Castro until Furcal's return.

And we're back...

A lot has happened since my last post.  let's pick up with fall ball...

The Longhorns are going to play Texas State on OCT 10 and Vanderbilt on OCT 15 & 17.

Ronald Belisario is finally going to rejoin the dodgers after a month long absence.  He won't talk about the reason for the time off just saying that he had "personal reasons"

The Royals designated Jose Guillen for assignment last week and the Dodgers are apparently interested in the outfielder. This could mean that Manny may not be back for a while... or that they may be moving Ethier to first base more often.

Jason Bulger and Brian Stokes are close to returning from the DL for the Halos.  That's bad news for Scot Shields who's got a 6.05 ERA in 36 appearances.  He's walked 31 in 38 2/3 innings.

The Nats are beginning extension talks with Adam Dunn after he was not traded before the deadline

Carlos Lee's move to first base may be permanent in Houston.  We miss you Lance.

Prognosis: Negative

NEWS

The good news is- Dan Haren's X-Ray was negative and he'll be ready for his next start.  The bad news- it's against the Rangers

Huston Street was hit by a line drive in batting practice and was taken to the emergency room.  He passed out 2 or 3 times and had ringing in his ears.

The Nats are still in talks with the Sox about sending Adam Dunn to Chicago.  One of the players they are interested in return is Jordan Danks (Let it be known that I was Jordan's camp counselor when he was in 7th grade.  Taught him everything he knows.)

The Rangers want Jorge Cantu but they want the Marlins to pay the rest of his salary for the year.  Needless to say, the deal is on hold...

Once again... Roy Oswalt is too expensive

Mike Lowell to the Rangers is no longer likely

Chase Field

I got to go to Chase field to see the D'Backs play the Giants on Saturday.  It was a blowout, but a good time was had.  There is nothing like being at the ballpark.  Especially a big air conditioned one in the middle of July in Phoenix.  One interesting thing... a foul ball knocked Buster Posey's shoulder pad off and it flew all the way back to the backstop...

In other news, the Astros wore their throwbacks on Saturday.  I like them.  You can check for accuraccy here.

The only difference is black cleats as opposed to white.

And Roy wore his stirrups backwards

Even the cups were thrownback!

NEWS

Baylor junior Logan Verrett has been named to the East Team in the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star game at Fenway Park.

Dan Haren will get his first start for the Angels TONIGHT vs. the BoSox

The Rangers are more likely to take Jorge Cantu of the Marlins than Boston's Lowell.  Rumors are that the Cantu deal is already written up and agreed on.  They may also take a peek at Derrek Lee.

Ronald Belisario has resumed workouts at Dodger Stadium

The Dodgers are excited about Kenley Jansen.  He was the catcher for the Netherlands in last year's WBC and he is now a picher for the Dodgers.  He played his second game on Sunday (his first was Saturday) and picked up the save.  He's got some good stuff and this is only his first year as a pitcher.

The Braves may be looking at Lindstrom

Adam Dunn may be headed to the White Sox- They are looking at Brett Myers as well

The Tigers are also serious about Dunn

Roy Oswalt is just too expensive...

NEWS

Baylor had 6 players selected in the draft 6 weeks ago.  Let's check in:

-Willie Kempf was promoted from the GCL Braves to the Danville Braves.

-Gregg Glime is with the GCL Marlins.  He went 3 for 3 with 3 runs and 2 RBI in his most recent game.

-Raynor Campbell is with the Salem-Kaiser Volcanoes- he recently had a 9 game hit streak

-Shawn Tolleson is the closer for the Ogden Raptors.  In 11 appearances he is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 7 saves.  In 12 innings he has struck out 20 and allowed only 2 walks.

-Craig Fritsch is with the Williamsport Crosscutters.  He's got a 0.68 ERA in 13.1 innings.

Manny returned to the Dodger's lineup last night in his glorious return from the DL.  He left in the 1st inning and will have a 2nd MRI today.  Probably headed back to the DL.

Dustin Nippert has a very hard head.  Exhibit A.

There is a push to get the Ranger's auction date pushed back from AUG 4 to allow for more bidders.

John Kruk thinks that the Rangers will end up with Prince Fielder before the deadline

Taylor Scheppers just moved back to the bullpen in Oklahoma City.  Is he about to make a move to Arlington to set up Feliz?

The Dodgers need starting pitching.  They can't afford Oswalt or Haren.  Here are some options- the Pirate's Maholm, Cleveland's Westbrook and Carmona

The boys in blue are also looking ar 3 relievers from Toronto- Downs, Frasor, and Gregg

The Dodgers don't know what to do with George Sherrill now that he has cleared waivers- send him to minors, release to free agency?

Likewise, the Nat's don't know what to do with Adam Dunn.  The White Sox want him bad.

Insult to Injury

NEWS

Today Roy Oswalt was on the mound trying to break the Astros record for career victories. He didn't.  Instead he left the game with a hurt ankle and the Astros lost 9-0 to the ... PIRATES.  Ouch.

Today... was Joe Torre's 70th birthday.  He had company on the bench as James Loney sat out due to a hamstring cramp.  Rub some dirt on it, kid.

In other news- C.J. Wilson struck out 10 at Fenway for a Ranger victory.

In the AL WEST... If Colby Lewis stays strong the Rangers should be in good shape to win the division.  If you didn't know, Colby has been in Japan until this season and has been a great addition to the team.  If the Angels want any chance of catching the Rangers, Scott Kazmir will need to step it up.

Josh Hamilton is Incredible

He just is.  He hit .454 in June and so far he's at .400 in July.

You know who else is Amazing?  Bengie Molina.  The Ranger's new catcher hit for the cycle including a grand slam at Fenway last night.  He did leave the game with tightness in his quadriceps.  

NEWS

Felipe Paulino is not ready to come back for the Stros.  His shoulder pain flared up again after a recent start in AA.

If the Rangers don't get Mike Lowell from Boston, they may turn to Jorge Cantu in Florida.  They also have their eye on Miguel Tejada and Ty Wiggington in Baltimore.  

The Dodgers are looking at Baltimore's Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie

The Astros will probably start selling soon...  Matt Lindstrom is on the block for relievers.  

TGIF

Love those Angels Logo Stirrups...

I love this.  You know there is gold in some of these pictures.

The Rawlings S100 helmet (the Gazoo) was worn by several players in the All-Star game.  It is required for all minor leaguers... Here's an article about it from the Fresno Bee.

NEWS

The Rangers poured in on the Red Sox last night at Fenway.  Final Score 7-2, but Josh Hamilton left the game with a sore right calf.  It was probably sore from running out his three doubles.  He's not expected to miss any time.

If George Sherrill clears waivers he has said that he will not accept an assignment in the minors- making him a free agent.  The Yankees are taking a look at him.

Garrett Anderson could be the next to go...

Astros could make a good trade with Brett Myers as he doesn't have all the attachments that come with Oswalt and Berkman

After backing out of the deal in December, the Rangers are still interested in Mike Lowell, who is about to come off the DL in Boston.  He would be a good replacement for Smoak

Whew! The Break is Finally Over

What is your opinion on ball players wearing their pants like pajamas?  Paul Lukas has strong feelings about it.  See his article here.

Players like to play ipad games in the clubhouse

NEWS

Baylor sophomore pitcher Crayton Bare has been named to the East Division team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star game.  I had never heard of that until today...

If Frank and Jamie McCourt don't resolve payments in their divorce- the judge will order that the Dodgers be sold

George Sherrill has been placed on waivers

Felipe Paulino will be back in the Astros rotation next week vs. the Cubs

Adam Laroche could be heading to Anaheim to replace Kendry Morales

All-Star 2010

Man, I loved the All-Star game last night.  I liked the warm reception that Vlad recieved during player introductions.  I liked the new batting helmets.  I like the star on the back of the mound and the outfield grass. I liked seeing Cliff Lee pitch in a Rangers uniform for the first time.  I liked Jonathan Broxton holding it down in the 9th for the first NL win in 13 years.  Apparently, if you want to be cool in the AL, you have to have white cleats...

This makes me miss Texas...

NEWS

The Texas Rangers will be up for auction on August 4.  I'm pulling for Nolan.

Torii Hunter was working on Carl Crawford this week in Anaheim to become an Angel this winter

Baseball season may start earlier next year... meaning the World Series would be held entirely in October

R.I.P. Big Stein

I remember the Steinbrenner character from Seinfeld more than I remember the actual man.  But I like to imagine that they were one in the same.  Either way, baseball lost an icon today.  I just noticed that there is a guy picking his nose in the picture above.  Oops.

Cool Magnets!

Great Astros window sticker

Did you know the Dodgers used to wear satin uniforms?  You can buy on here for around $10,000.

One of my favorite blogs, Uniwatch, is searching for "white whales" in the uniform world.  One of these white whales is the Ranger's powder blue road uniforms and white home pants from the 70's.  They are lovely.  Pics here.  More here.

What do you think of the Ranger's blue dugout jackets with their red hats?

Mike Stanton should have been OUT!- watch where the ball lands

This is going to be really cool...

Paul Lukas wrote a very detailed history of all-star game uniforms HERE

NEWS

The Angels are going to pursue Carl Crawford this winter

The Padres are looking at Lance Berkman to fill out their outfield

Jeff Bagwell was just hired as the Astros new hitting coach... is he being groomed for a bigger job in the future?  I hope so.

There is interest from a lot of teams for Adam Dunn right now, especially after his three home run game vs. the Padres Wednesday.

The Ranger's ownership is a mess... Nolan Ryan and company are filing suit against the team, there are even rumors that Mark Cuban is interested in buying in.

The Future

Tonight was the MLB Future's game.  The USA whooped the World team 9-1.  The MVP was Angel's prospect Hank Conger (pictured) who hit a three run homer.  Another Angels prospect, Mike Trout, doubled and singled.  Future Ranger's pitcher Taylor Scheppers closed the deal in the 9th- reaching 101 on the speed gun.

NEWS

Dodgers beat the Cubs tonight 7-0 as Vicente Padilla takes the no-no into the fifth.  He pitched a two hitter through 8 innings.

Could the Rangers also get Ben Sheets from the A's?  Crazier things have happened

Cliff Lee, Texas Ranger

That Sounds good, don't it?  It turns out the Rangers could get Lee without an owner.  I hate to see the Smoak monster go, but this is a good deal.  The Rangers are now the clear favorites in the AL West.

I watched the Angels-A's game last night.  Aybar picked a great time to hit his 3rd home run of the season.

Do you want a custom Jersey?  This guy will make it for you.

NEWS

Here's some guys to keep an eye out for in Sunday's Future's Game:

1. Mike Trout, OF- Angels

2. Jordan Lyles, RHP- Astros

3. Hank Conger, C- Angels

4. Tanner Scheppers, RHP- Rangers

5. Dee Gordon, SS- Dodgers

The Yankees didn't get Lee, who they wanted, will they go to Roy Oswalt instead?

Did you know that when Kendry Morales got injured the Brewers called the Angels to see if they were interested in Prince Fielder?

Brett Myers may be a realistic option for the Dodgers, who need a starting pitcher

Howdy

I love baseball, so I thought I would post some things that I thought were interesting.  This will mostly be a collection of things from other blogs, news from my favorite teams, and personal experiences and stories.

-Check out these cool MLB signs on ebay!

NEWS

-Jake Peavy got hurt and may be out for the season.  This means 2 things for me:  Peavy is on my fantasy team and I'll have to deal with that.  Also, The SOX may go after Roy Oswalt.
-The Mets also might be after Roy Oswalt as it looks like the Yankees are going to get C. Lee
-Manny is probably coming back right after the All-Star break.  Will the Dodgers release Garrett Anderson or send Xavier Paul back down to AAA?
- The Astros are shopping Oswalt and Berkman.  It should be noted that Felipe Paulino is coming back to the bullpen- will they look to trade Matt Lindstrom as well? (also on my fantasy team)
- The Angels may be interested in Derrek Lee
- The Rangers could probably get Cliff Lee if they could decide who their owner is going to be. Come on Nolan, get it together!
- Speaking of Roy Oswalt- he pitched a one-hitter yesterday.  Was that his last game in Houston?  The Stros are on the road for all of his starts until the trade deadline on July 31.  The Dodgers had a scout in attendance yesterday.
- The Dodgers are also looking at Carlos Zambrano