What was promised to be an epic matchup between two CY young pitchers, developed into nothing of the such. The Ranger bats, with patience and timely hitting, roughed up and chased Justin Verlander in the 3rd. YU darvish was not unhittable, but he did what aces do, he pitched 8 innings, on 130 pitches, and led the Rangers to an impressive 10-4 win. At the beginning of the season I, as well as a few others, predicted that Mitch Moreland was going to break out this year. I think it is safe to say, that patience has paid off, and he has arrived. He had, yet another impressive hit, and a tremendous play in the field on a Cabrera smash in the 8th. Speaking of Cabrera, was that 62 mph curve that he completely whiffed on not a thing of beauty? The Rangers just keep on rolling, despite injuries to 3/5ths of their starting rotation, and the Angels, paper champions, keep on losing. The lead here on May 17th is a whopping 12 games over the Angels and 7 games over the Mariners, yes the Mariners.

Lets get them again tonight!!!! GO RANGERS!!!!

This weekend has set up to be a fantastic weekend of baseball. A meeting of the two American League super powers. Both the Red Sox and the Rangers have jumped out to great starts and sit atop their respective divisions. This weekend also marks the return of fan favorite, Mike Napoli. Napoli’s tenure with the Rangers was short, but was filled with magical moments and he will always be a fan favorite around here. Unlike the return of Josh Hamilton, I expect Mike Napoli to be welcomed with a standing ovations and loud chants of NA-PO-LI. Then the battle will begin between the two AL heavyweights. This weekend should be a magical weekend out at the ballpark and I can’t wait for it to start.

GO RANGERS!!!!

Today at 1pm the Rangers will announce an extension for Elvis Andrus. The reported deal is an 8 year extension worth 120million, with a possible option year and also a player opt out in 2018 or 2019. Though the final details wont be known until today, I suggest this is a steal. Elvis is more than a gold glove shortstop, a good quality hitter, a good baserunner. He is clearly a leader, with his charismatic smile, his upbeat attitude day in and day out, and his knack to get the clutch hit, he is clearly the face of the franchise going forward. I wasnt sure how it would work out with Boras being his agent, but my admiration and respect for Elvis has skyrocketed when he reminded everyone that, “Boras works for me” and not the other way around. Sure, Elvis could have waited 2 more years and probably got more on the open market, but he wanted to stay here, and build on what we have done so far. I realize that Profar is a “can’t miss” prospect, but no one is “can’t miss”. We know what Elvis is, we know he raises his game in the playoffs, we know he is a leader, and we know he is a winner.

With the announcement of this signing, the Rangers have cemented the direction of the franchise. We have been to 2 World Series with Elvis, and now we will have a chance to win one, or two, or three with Elvis! Today is a good day to be a Texas Rangers fan, and I am excited to know that Elvis will be here for a long, long time.

GO RANGERS!!!!

We are one week away from the start of the 2013 season. This is going to be a different ballclub than the one we are used to. Gone is Josh, Young, and Napoli, and in is the big puma and AJ. A lot of people are picking the Rangers to take a step back, but I think this team is just as good as the teams from the past couple of years. Sure, some things need to go right, but there are other people who I believe will step up that will make this transition easy. I am confident in Darvish and Harrison at the top, and feel Holland and Ogando can be strong. We will be getting the Cobra back in early may, so if we can play good ball till then, we will be okay. The bullpen will still be solid, with Nathan, Sheppers, Ross, and Kirkman anchoring the pen. Add in Soria in late may and we will be just fine. Now the lineup. I think we know Elvis, Beltre, Murphy, AJ,  and if healthy, Lance Berkman will be fine. The key to the lineup will be the bounce back years of Cruz and Kinsler. Kinsler, I think is poised to have a huge season and will help offset some of the offense that has left in the offseason. My two players who I predict will make the difference is Leonys Martin and Mitch Moreland. I have been a huge fan of Martin’s talent and think this is the year he puts it together. Mitch Moreland I think is going to be the big surprise this year. He plays a solid first base, and has light tower power. This is the year he puts it together and has a huge season for the Rangers. I think if Holland, Kinsler, and Cruz bounce back, and Berkman stays healthy, we are going to have yet another magical summer here in Arlington!

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!!

Let me preface this by saying a am a huge fan of Nolan Ryan and all he has done for this franchise. I had posters of him growing up, and he is a baseball God to me, and always will be. If the reports are true, I am not sure I believe most of them, that Ryan wants out, and there is a disagreement between he and Jon Daniels, than the choice is CRYSTAL CLEAR.

The Rangers will go with JD, Thad, and AJ over the great Nolan Ryan. Not only is this the right choice, it is the only choice. Look, Nolan helped bring the Rangers back on the map, and gave this team national popularity again. However, he did not build this team. Did he have his hand in the process? Of course he did, but the farm system, and team was and is built by JD and his team of masterminds. This move was far more than JD versus Nolan. It was about keeping our brain trust in tact, and by moving JD to president, you can now move everyone up a notch in hopes that we do not get picked apart by other teams. Nolan has got to do what Nolan has got to do, and if that means he does not want to stay here in a different role, than thank you for everything you have done, and you will always be and icon here in Texas. The hope is that he will stay and continue to help us grow as a franchise.

There is also speculation that there is a rift between JD and the coaching staff. While Wash wont come out and say it, if there is a rift, both parties will need to learn to make concessions and meet in the middle. It is a debate between new age baseball and old school. In order to sustain success, you have to be willing to say goodbye or let go of veterans before they decline, and infuse your club with talented youth from the farm. See the Cowboys for a classic example of how not to run a franchise. I do not think any of you want to see the Rangers turn into the Cowboys, as they are always paying for past mistakes and paying off debt from five years back. To keep winning, you do not over pay for players, you do not overpay in trades, and you do not resign players who will be in decline for half of their contract. Simple as that. Does JD need to be in Wash’s office every day debating the lineup? No, he does not, however Wash hopefully has learned that you can not run your team into the ground and have to trust the youth of the franchise and that they will deliver. At least give them a fighting chance, and while doing that you also preserve the legs of your veterans for the playoffs. This team played more games than anyone else the last three years and were worn out in september last year. So a premium must be paid on playing the young guys. If Wash doesnt learn, bless his heart, but he will be out too. The money men of ownership, love JD and will back him, and JD deserves that. He has built a well run franchise, that is built to sustain winning.

So my wish for you Nolan, is simple; “Please accept a lesser role, as you are 67 years old, keep helping this team grow, and enjoy watching quality baseball for the next decade, and hopefully longer” You are a Texas Ranger icon, and I believe I speak for every single Ranger fan when I say, “Work with this incredibly smart front office and continue to strive to bring a championship to Arlington.”

#InJDiTrust #InThadiTrust #InAJiTrust and #WeWantNolanToStay