Recently in 1999 Game Recaps Category

I have one rude remark to say about this series, but Q)(#%)Q#*(%)@#% THE YANKEES!

Once again, the Rangers go 3 and out against New York in the post season. I don't know what else to say. 9 straight losses to the Yankees in the post season. 5 of the last 6 have been shutouts. Our pitching was again good (the single mistake was the Loaiza home run). We can't score against the Yankees in the post season. It's as simple as that.

I'm rather depressed about the end of the season, tell you the truth. We lost 3-0, and we had chances, we couldn't come through. I don't really feel like writing about the final game of the season. Especially this one. :(

I'll be doing some off season remarks, and I'll be maintaining the site during the off season, so I'm not shutting down till February. Thanks for visiting, and it's been a great ride the season. I intend on doing it all again in 2000.

Oh yeah, I was at the game, and took my digital camera. Will be posting some pictures of the game shortly.

Well, it's now third down and long. If we don't get some yards soon, we'll be forced to punt again to the Yankees. Oh wait, wrong sport. However, the analogy probably isn't that far from the truth. :)

Even though we lost, this was a very well played baseball game. The entire game (except maybe the top of the 9th) seemed like a big deal at every moment. It's great baseball, even if we lost. The curse continues.

I'm really hoping we win at least one, before getting knocked out. My original prediction was the Yanks in 5, but I figured we'd split in NY, split here, and lose game 5 up in the Bronx. We may not make it back to the Bronx. I'm going to the game Saturday night, and I'm also hearing it's supposed to rain. Oh god, does that bring up bad memories of last year's playoff game here.

Rick Helling looked good, and surprisingly, didn't give up any home runs at all. I expected him to give up a few of them in Yankee Stadium. This start was rather indicitave of his entire 99 season. No run support. He pitches an awesome game, but loses the game, because we didn't score any runs for him. As frustrating as that is to us the fans, it must be worse for him. I feel that Helling should have gotten 20 wins again this season, if only he had run support. Rick was perfect the first time through the lineup, and also a batter or two into the 4th. Was a great start. Too bad it didn't finish that way.

Andy Pettite always seemed on the verge of giving up a bunch of runs, but never did. He saved himself on several occasions from being pulled. It's annoying, we were "this close" to busting it open in my eyes, and we didn't.

Juan Gonzalez got our 1 run for the off-season, we'll probably get shut out on Saturday again. Going back into the regular season, we now have a 5 game losing streak. I really don't want our season to end on a 6 game losing streak. Especially to Roger Clemens. :(

One funny moment. In the first inning when Chuck Knoblauch was up to bat, Don Zimmer put on a pith helmet that had the Yankees logo on it. It was damn funny, and I wish I have a picture of that; I don't. Zim sounds like a really fun guy to be around.

I'm still sick, and honestly, I wished last night's game wasn't on. I felt like complete crap during the game, and almost fell asleep a few times (because of my condition, not because of the Rangers' performance). Thank god game one wasn't in Arlington, I don't know how bad I would have felt if I was at the game!

Anyway, the Yankee curse is still in effect. Despite every piece of evidence pointing to the Rangers being better, we were shut down completely. In fact, it was even worse than last year's shutdown in the playoffs. This time, we had two hits all night, and both of them were by Pudge. Pudge was our best thing going last night. He also stole a base, and generally seemed to be the most "with it" player we had. The entire rest of the Rangers went 0-25 for the night. El Duque was pretty much the star of the show. Not a whole lot more needs to be said here.

However, on the other side, Bernie Williams was the story for the Yankees. He alone had 6 RBI's - if you take him out, that makes the game 2-0, which is far more reasonable. However, that's no excuse, we should have scored SOMETHING. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!

I didn't feel the Rangers pitching staff pitched as bad as an 8-0 score indicated. We seemed to be doing fairly well, until Sele seemed to lose it in the 6th. He was a bit shaky in the fifth, but a 3-0 lead isn't all that bad. I am having a hard time pointing to any one bad play pitching wise that caused this.

Again, I hope we can bounce back. This is now a four game losing streak going into the regular season. I felt bad for Don Zimmer, the ex Ranger manager who got wailed on the head by a Mr. Twinkie foul ball. Was nice to see him back up and on the bench quickly.

I'm sorry, but I won't be writing any commentary for the Angels series. As I write this on Monday, I've come down with what feels like the flu, and my head is rather woozy. I can't think straight for more than a few minutes at a time. I just wanted to get the site updated before the games against the Yankees tomorrow.

I did notice that of the six division winners, the Rangers had the fewest wins. We SHOULD have had the best, since the Indians and the Yankees also fell apart in the final weekend, plus all the game we played against bottom feeders in September that we lost, cost us a serious shot at the best record in baseball (which was owned by Atlanta with a 103-59 record; we had 95-67).

I'm sorry, but I won't be writing any commentary for the Angels series. As I write this on Monday, I've come down with what feels like the flu, and my head is rather woozy. I can't think straight for more than a few minutes at a time. I just wanted to get the site updated before the games against the Yankees tomorrow.

One thing about this game - it was nice to see old buddy Al Levine get a start. I still wish that he was still a Ranger.

I'm sorry, but I won't be writing any commentary for the Angels series. As I write this on Monday, I've come down with what feels like the flu, and my head is rather woozy. I can't think straight for more than a few minutes at a time. I just wanted to get the site updated before the games against the Yankees tomorrow.

Listened to this game at work today as it was a day game. I listened over the Internet as opposed to the radio that's sitting on my desk. Somehow it just seems "cooler" that way. :)

Anyway... This was very much a game of records. Check these things out:

• This was shutout #9 for Rangers pitching this season.
• We set a franchise record for wins with 95.
• Juan hit a home run, giving him 39. He needs one more for 4 straight years of 40 HR's.
• We now have 936 runs scored as a team, which is 4 shy of our own record.
• The team ERA is just a shade under 5 now.
• John Burkett had his first winning season since 1993, when he went 22-7 with the Giants with a 9-8 record this year.

John Burkett sounded dominating, as did the three relievers (Crabtree, Zimmerman, & Venafro). Between the four, they only allowed 4 hits (3 by Burkett, one by Venafro) over 9 innings, and 8 strikeouts and 3 walks. It was an extraordinarily well pitched game. The radio guys were spooging over Zimmerman saying his slider looked like the best he'd thrown all season. Burkett managed to pitch out a jam later in his appearance where the Mariners were threatening to tie up the game (it was 2-0 then). He looked really good, and again, he pitched well in the end of the year, and I suspect we'll probably pick up his option for 2000 and invite him to spring training. Of course, that's depending on what happens in the off-season, I'm sure.

This is the end of the home season at the Ballpark in Arlington. We finished up with 51 wins at home for the season (out of 81 home dates, I believe). We went 7-5 for the final homestand, shutting out Seattle twice in the last three games.

We got out early with a Lee Stevens solo home run in the bottom of the second, and that was the game winning hit - we didn't need anything more. Juan Gonzalez followed up with another solo home run in the bottom of the third. We got three in the 6th, and two in the 7th to close out the scoring. Was a nice spread, with Lee Stevens getting another RBI, and Tom Goodwin getting a couple, while Pudge chimed in again as usual.

We head to Anaheim for the final three games of the season. Given the way Anaheim has been playing, I wonder if we can't get to 98 wins out there. :)

No commentary, as last night was my bowling league, and the game was on during that, and I couldn't see it. However, it was nice to see that Todd Zeile wasn't really hurt. However, we have lost Danny Kolb for the rest of the season, and could be losing Mike Munoz for the rest of the season.

In looking at the box score, Aaron Sele had an uncommon off night (especially in the second half of the season).

I got very busy at work today, I won't have time to sit down and write commentary. Suffice it to say.. 10-0. Sweet. I was rather impressed with Jeff Fassero. If he pitches like this more, we might actually keep him for 2000. :)

Todd Zeile left the game hurt - I hope this doesn't extend to the post-season, or that will be a problem.

This was my final regular season game of the year. Last year, once it got down to my last few games at the Ballpark, I started getting down about it, but this year, it didn't hit me until I was walking into the park that this was the last time I'll be here for 1999 except for Game 1 of the Division Series here. I probably won't be able to go to any more playoff games, as there are better things to use that kind of money for (like more tickets for 2000). :)

I went into the game expecting to see a junk lineup, as is usually the case the day after a clinch, but we got the regular everyday lineup for the Rangers. I was surprised. Looks like they're really serious about making a run for the home field advantage.

This was a very well pitched game by both sides. Seattle pitcher Freddy Garcia showed why he's a good young prospect, more or less shutting down the Rangers from getting anything extended going. He looked good, and I'd love to have a pitcher like that on our staff. Rick Helling, while not getting the win pitched well in the game (oh, there's a shock). He struck out 10 in 5 2/3 innings, and Mike Munoz followed Helling and was really sharp as well. Matter of fact, all three Ranger relievers (Munoz, Crabtree, & Wetteland) didn't allow any hits and only one walk, as well as adding 5 more strikeouts. It was an extremely well pitched game by the Rangers.

The offense wasn't all that great, but it was just enough to get the win. Seattle's runs all came in the 3rd. One was on a home run ball by Ibanez off of Helling, and the other was a sac fly by Arod. That's it for Seattle. Our first run came in the second when Todd Zeile grounded into a double play and Juan scored from third. The second to tie the game up again was by Pudge in the 6th, a single scoring Tom Goodwin. Lee Stevens, who has been very prone to the strikeout lately (had a few tonight) came through with a sac fly to left in the bottom of the eighth to close out the scoring.

It was a great game, not a blowout on either side. Well pitched by both teams, and was a great baseball game to watch. I was sitting over by the Rangers dugout (had some good seats), and it made it all the sweeter sitting that close to the action. As a side note to that, Zonk is very loud when you're sitting about 4 seats away from him. :)

Tampa Bay did us a big favor by beating the Yankees for the second straight game. We're now two games behind the Indians, and one behind the Yankees. The Yankees appear to be slumping now (at least a little), which could help in the playoffs if we meet them and get out and get the first game.

We went 30 games over .500 for the first time in club history last night, too. :)

Oh man - what a high! I was at this game and we won. We won big, we won at home, WE WON!

I'm running late at work, I won't have time to write my commentary right now, but I will tomorrow. I'm actually going again tonight to the Mariners game (the final game of my 1999 Mini Plan package), so I'll do this tomorrow.

I took a bunch of pictures with the digital camera of the game and the celebration, I'll be posting them tomorrow, too. In the meantime, here's one of me standing outside my car after the game was over. What you can't see in this picture is that my car has a Texas Rangers license plate, and a window sticker on it, too. :)

UPDATE: As I sit down to write this on Tuesday afternoon, the game is a blur. I don't remember much about the specifics of the game except for the Rafael Palmeiro grand slam that hit the foul pole. After that, the buzz (at least I felt this) was that the game was over when they hit that slam. Todd Zeile did have a home run earlier that felt good, but the Palmeiro slam was positively awesome. That's the third Grand Slam I'd seen with my own eyes this year (the other two were another by Palmeiro and one by Roberto Kelly). This was just awesome.

It was really cool that my wife and I were at the game to see the win in person. What made this even sweeter was that we didn't have to pay for the game. When Jim Lites took over as president of the Rangers, a package was sent out to all season ticket holders with a bunch of discount coupons and the like. One thing in there was a voucher for two free tickets to a game in September (you got to pick from three). We picked this game (back in August). What a lucky break that was. And to make matters even cooler, it was fan appreciation weekend, and we also got vouchers for two free tickets to a game in April or May of 2000! What a deal!

Thinking back to the game itself, Esteban Loaiza pitched really well, going 7 innings, allowing only four hits and one earned run. Matter of fact, he retired mostly everyone except for one inning. It was a nice bounce back from a few mediocre outings. Jeff Zimmerman though, wasn't as dominating. He allowed another home run, and has shown in the second half of the season that he's a "real person". :) His ERA has gone up to 2.39, which is still awesome, but isn't the same way he was pitching in the first half of the season. The rest of the game is a blur to me, I just remembered a few points, but the big deal here was the division title.

What was particularly cool about the post game celebration was that Chuck Morgan played Frank Sinatra's "New York New York" on the PA while "Bring on the Yankees" was flashed on the scoreboard. They also played the locker room celebration that was shown on Fox Sports Southwest on the Jumbotron, which was very cool. They invited folks to stay in the stands to watch (normally, you get chased out quickly, which I never like). I was surprised more people didn't hang around to watch it. It was very awesome.

I don't know what else to say. It was totally awesome that we won this at home with a win, instead of backing into it like we did the previous two years. Perhaps this is an omen for further success in the playoffs. :)

UPDATE #2: The pictures I took at this game are now online. Check 'em out here.

My wife's commentary:

WOW! This game can be summed up with just that one word. After being a Ranger fan (and season ticket holder) for the past three seasons, clinching the AL West at home with a big win was so sweet.

The Rangers did something in their pre-game activities that I hadn't seen before. They played the video clip from the movie, "Rudy", where the Head Coach of Notre Dame gives the pre-game speech: "No one, I mean NO ONE comes into our house and pushes us around..." The scoreboard below the Jumbotron kept flashing "OUR HOUSE". I thought it was a great way to show the fans how big this game was to the Rangers. They also replayed the same video clip in the top of the 9th inning.

This was a long game, but the biggest offensive plays were Juan's triple, Todd's homerun, and Palmeiro's grand slam. Where we were sitting (upper deck section 329), I thought the ball was foul until Joe yelled, "It hit the foul pole, it's a grand slam!!!". The house went crazy, and what made it even better was that Palmeiro came back out and tipped his hat to the fans. That was the first time that I saw that in person.

The Ranger's fans were so into this game, and they were so LOUD!!! Mostly everyone stayed until the last out of the ninth, and the Ranger's won the West. There were fireworks, and "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" was played. It was so great to see all the Rangers run out onto the field for such a big celebration. Then, it was announced that the clubhouse party would be shown on the Jumbotron for all the fans to enjoy. I do wish that the Rangers would have had some sort of ceremony on the field to include the fans more, but at least we could watch all the champagne flowing on the Jumbotron with thousands of other Ranger fans.

After the game, my voice was almost gone, and we were a bit sunburned, but it was so worth it. Let's go Rangers, and get to the World Series!!

The power stroke got going in a big hurry today. We went down 3-0 early, after a Ben Grieve single to right got by Juan Gonzalez. Mark McLemore started off the bottom of the 1st with a solo home run into the Ranger bullpen. That's all we got in the first, but in the second....

We put up a huge 8 spot which crushed the A's from that point on (although they did get a solo home run in the 8th). Tom Goodwin came through in the bottom of the second with a two run single to right to tie up the game again. We took the lead when Appier delivered a wild pitch. After another single a and a wild pitch (and another run), Rafael Palmeiro was walked intentionally to load the bases, but Todd Zeile made 'em pay for it with a Grand Slam over the left field scoreboard to cap off the 8 spot. Oakland pitcher Ron Mahay came on, and shut down the Rangers after this. Our 8 spot was it for us, except for a Rusty Greer home run (his 20th) in the seventh inning. Mahay probably should have started. :)

John Burkett went 7 innings, allowing 3 runs (two earned) on five hits. Pretty good pitching, actually. This second game drove our magic number down to one, and the excitement level at my house through the roof, as my wife and I had tickets to the Sunday game, which meant they could have clinched while we were there.

Aaron Sele notched his 18th win of the year (one less than last season) today with a bombing of the Oakland A's. There was much doubt coming into this game whether or not the Rangers had "lost it". We had a really bad funk against a bunch of teams we should have crushed. We lost most of those games, and some (myself too I admit) were wondering if the Rangers were just going to back into the playoffs with no spirit. That was certainly answered with a vengeance tonight!

Sele pitched very well, allowing only 1 run (unearned) over 7 innings and allowing only 5 hits. He looked again to be our best pitcher this year, and that worries me a bit, as he only signed a 1 year deal after last season, and is our highest paid pitcher. I really hope we make a big effort to resign him for 2000 (and possibly 01 and 02, too), otherwise we'll have even more pitching problems in the off season.

It was a fairly quiet game through the first four and a half innings. The A's had scored an unearned run in the top of the second, but that was it until we broke through in the bottom of the fifth. We busted out with four runs that inning, capped by a Juan Gonzalez two run home run. That was nice, but not as nice as what happened in the 6th. After putting the A's down, we went back out on offense in a big way by hitting two more two run home runs (one by Royce Clayton, and a second one by Juan Gonzalez). That put us up 10-1, and pretty much that was the game. We scored one more run in each of the 7th and 8th innings, and Oakland scored 3 in the final two frames, but the game was over after the sixth. One of these other runs was a third home run by Juan Gonzalez, the first time he's had a 3 home run game since 1993 - 6 years ago! It was awesome to watch - Juan even came out of the dugout to wave to the fans.

A great start to this series, winning 12-4. Perhaps Rafael Palmeiro's little speech got the team going. Doesn't matter what got them going, they got it going! :)

A sweep, but the wrong way. Coming into the game, the Rangers had a magic number of 6. They made a big stink out of this at the ballpark itself (I was at this game; more on that in a bit). The number six appeared all over the place. It seemed to get the fans going, especially when Chuck Morgan announced the fact over the PA system. Gave the fans a buzz to start the game, I felt. The Rangers busted out big in the first inning, which was something they haven't done in some time. We were up 4-1 after the first inning, and I have to say most Ranger fans were feeling pretty happy about that.

However, that's all there was to cheer about Ranger wise. With the exception of a really great defensive catch by Tom Goodwin, the rest of the night was Orioles. That was due to their starter Scott Erickson. After being shelled in the first inning, Erickson gave up only a single to Pudge in the second, and that was the only hit he gave up for about 13 straight batters (although there was a walk mixed in there). Erickson was very strong after the first, and only came out in the 9th after he let a couple get on, bringing in Mike Timlin, who was equally as good. Honestly, looking at this Orioles team, I find it hard to believe they are so far back in the standings, they appear to have a pretty good team from my own eyes, I've seen them 4 times in person this year (twice in Baltimore).

Anyway, the high point for the Rangers offensively was a home run by Raffy in the first inning. I felt bad, as a small kid behind me got really scared at all the noise and the fireworks. I felt bad - his father had to leave with him after that. I hope they just moved elsewhere. Speaking of home runs, Mr. Rick Helling gave up three last night, including two on consecutive pitches. Rick leads the AL in allowed home runs this year, passing Jeff Fassero (who I still have a hard time believing is a Ranger). If Rick gives up three more this year, he breaks a 20 year old Ranger record for most allowed home runs held by Fergie Jenkins. Just for kicks, Mike Venafro allowed a home run to Albert Belle, too.

However, Danny Patterson really surprised me. He pitched outstandingly, and I thought he was the sharpest I can remember him this season. I've kind of soured on Patterson this season, but damn - this was good stuff. If his stuff is this good all the time, I wonder if he could be a starter.

The way the Rangers have been playing this past week reminds me of the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies. That year is legend in Philadelphia sports history. After leading the league much of the season and owning a six and one-half game lead with 12 games to play, a seemingly certain pennant was snatched away as the Phillies lost 10 straight in late September. The collapse devastated an entire city. I wasn't born yet (that happened the next year), but I know it very well, as anyone know knows Phillies history can tell you. I don't take the division as a lock, because I'm sure if we lose the division to the A's, we're out - stranger things have happened.

As I said before, Lynn & I were at this game tonight, and it was wonderful. We sat in Section 325, Row 10, and I have to say, I very much loved this view of the Ballpark. Our current season tickets are in Sec 39, and while we've had those for three years, the fact that they're $60 a game (for two tickets), coupled with the obstructed view of the scoreboard, and seeing the backsides of the players make me want to move up here. Hell, these tickets are $28 a game (for two), and you can see everything in the park, with the exception of a clock (which isn't a big deal). I had a wonderful time at the game last night, as it was very cool (game time temp was 72), my wife got to wear her Ranger sweatshirt for the first time this year to a game, and it wasn't that crowded. There was a pack of Orioles fans about 3 rows from the top of the section, which was cool. That same thing happened when we were in Baltimore, there was a big pack of Ranger fans making a lot of noise. :)

One cool thing.. If you've seen the ads for the Ranger Pennant Drive flag for your car from Albertsons, you may not know about this. If you drive up to the Ballpark with one of these on your car, they give you a voucher for a promotional item you can get from the Fan Relations Booth behind section 126. Well, I had gotten one of these flags, and put it on my car. Got the voucher, and walked to the booth, and they gave me a bat! That was really cool! It was the Rafael Palmeiro giveaway bat from earlier in the season for kids. I didn't care. It was way cool. These vouchers are being given out for the remaining games at the Ballpark this season, so if you were thinking about going to one of the remaining 7 games at home, show up with one of these flags, they'll give you something free for it. I still have two more games to go to (Sunday & Monday), so hopefully I'll get to see the Rangers clinch the division one of these days, and get a couple more cool giveaway promotions. Man, the Rangers rock, and these little added things really make it nice (for me, anyway).

Oh yeah, Route 30 was closed last night, so I took the 35 to 183 to 360 to Ballpark route. My god, did that SUCK! I don't know if that's normal traffic flow there, but if it is, jeez... I don't know how anyone can drive that regularly. It was backed up for the entire time from Texas Stadium all the way out to the Ballpark in Arlington. That was horrible!

Second straight game we only got two runs. Not enough offense. Would rather be on more of a roll heading into postseason. Our only two runs came on solo home runs by Lee Stevens & Royce Clayton. We had a few chances later in the game, where we left two men on base for two straight innings. Not enough follow through.

Esteban Loaiza pitched really well, except for the fourth inning. He gave up five singles, and extended his own misery by going after a ball that was heading foul, and making it fair by trying and missing it. Other than this inning, the Orioles didn't get any runs (all four of theirs came in the fourth). Overall on both sides it was an extremely well pitched game, but the Loaiza hiccup in the fourth cost us the game.

Cal Ripken got one hit, and now needs 9 to get to 3,000. If he gets a couple tomorrow night, there's a decent chance he can get to 3,000 during the doubleheader they have to play against the A's on Thursday night in Baltimore. Would be nice for him to get it at home.

Rusty was back in the lineup for the first time in awhile last night. However, he had to leave after the fourth inning with "discomfort in his eye". Tom Grieve said at the time it was announced as purely a "precautionary measure". However, he's slated to see two eye specialists on Wednesday. It's not a very good sign. If this goes on into next week, I wonder if Roberto Kelly will end up being our starting left fielder for the playoffs.

Very very shameful. :(

Mike Simms did finally make an appearance in 1999 as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. Was his first appearance since last September 27th.

I didn't get to see or hear very much of this game at all. My wife and I were out to dinner and a movie. We saw "For Love of the Game". Was a great movie. Yeah, it's a Kevin Costner movie, and it had the usual "mushy sap" in it that women seem to eat up, but I very much enjoyed the movie.

There was some awesome direction in the movie, especially the bits where Costner's character (a pitcher) was drowning out the crowd. Extraordinarily well done, I thought. If you like baseball, go see this. Especially if your wife/girlfriend/whatever is into romantic movies, she'll love it, too. I was hoping the Texas Rangers would get mentioned, even in passing, but they didn't (old Arlington Stadium was actually in his first baseball movie, Bull Durham).

Aaron Sele pitched well (from what I see in the box scores). Mr. Flaherty hit another home run (what is it with us and one player from the other team just unloading with home runs?). A really nice story was the appearance of Jim Morris, the oldest rookie (at 35) since 1970. Came in, threw the last out for Tampa Bay, and blew away Royce Clayton on four straight 95 or 96 mph pitches. Hope he sticks around next year, was great to see.

Ex Ranger Julio Franco was called up from Tampa's AAA team, and was on the bench and in uniform for Tampa, but did not appear.

I was at this game, due to tickets I picked up in exchange for the rainout a week or so ago. First thing..

I HATE FRIGGIN' CRICKETS!

They were all over the place. It was actually kind of gross, tell you the truth. They were hopping around, making nuisances of themselves, and it got to the point where I was spending more time looking for crickets than at the game, which I didn't care for. I hate this time of year because of this. Weather is starting to cool down, but out come the crickets. :(

There was some cool pre-game stuff. This was Latin American night at the Ballpark, and the Rangers had dancers out in the concourse, which were nice to watch (they were mostly kids or teenagers). There was a very cool pre-game ceremony where Luis Mayoral (Rangers Spanish radio announcer) gave awards to all the Latin American players on both the Rangers and the Devil Rays. Furthermore, for the first inning, Mayoral was following Chuck Morgan's player announcements with a Spanish version. It was very cool to hear Mayoral announce the Latin names in Spanish. Had a much more "Spanish sounding" feel to it. It was very cool.

I don't know if anyone from the Rangers will see this, but I wanted to say I very much enjoyed this kind of thing. These little added extras make it very cool to attend games in person.

As for the game itself, it can be summed up pretty easily with two things: Home run ball, & missed opportunities. We left fourteen men on base thought the game. There wasn't an inning where we didn't have at least one hit, and most innings had people in scoring position. The bottom of the eighth was the worst, because we left the bases loaded. Lee Stevens struck out swinging three straight innings in a row, which is never good. The wind did keep several balls inside the park that probably normally would have gone out.

However, the Devil Rays hit a few, including one by Canseco (there's a shock). However, their catcher (John Flaherty) hit two home runs, and only missed a third by a few feet due to a spectacular catch by Tom Goodwin. All but one of Tampa Bay's runs came as the result of one of their home runs. It was not a good night for us, but we didn't get blown out.

It's really our own fault - 14 men left on base!

Although the Twins made it a little interesting in the 9th inning, the Rangers finally managed to get out in front of a bad team and keep the lead through the entire game.

For the second game in a row, Twin manager Tom Kelly gambled on one of his pitchers getting Rafael Palmeiro out, and he lost. Last night, it was a two run double to give us this win. Today it was a three run home run to give us a 6-1 lead. Roberto Kelly also chimed in with two home runs of his own - the first off of Minnesota starter Brad Radke, who used to be a teammate of Roberto's when Roberto played in Minnesota; Kelly had never faced him before.

Raffy's 43rd home run of the year gives him a personal best for home runs in a season. Matter of fact, quite a few things happened in today's ballgame:

• Raffy setting a new record for himself with 43 home runs in a season.
• The first time the Rangers have ever beat an opponent for the entire season (going 12-0 against the Twins in 99 - next closest was 11-1 against the 1975 Tigers)
• The first time any team has beat another in a season series 12-0 since 1996
• The Rangers beat the Twins in home runs this season against each other 21-5.
• Eight out of the 12 games against the Twins were decided by one or two runs.
• The 10th time this year the Twins failed to have 10,000 people in attendance at a game.

Since I listened to this at work, I couldn't pay close attention to the game, unfortunately. It was nice to get a win, and head back to the 29 games over 500 mark. Our magic number is now 10, and could be 9 depending on what happens during tonight's play.

It was a thrilling win, if nothing else. Yet again, we're letting a team that we should be crushing get into the game. We were losing 1-0 after two, but we led until the bottom of the 7th, when the Twins went ahead 4-3. We were down to our last out in the 9th inning when Tom Kelly tried to play percentages, and walked Pudge to get to Raffy. That was a mistake, because Raffy made 'em pay for it with yet another game winning hit. This one a double to right center, scoring Royce Clayton, who was already on base, and Pudge all the way from first. It was a sweet win, but I don't think we should have put ourselves in a position where we had to win the game like that.

I admit to not knowing a bunch of the small details of this game, because for the first time all season, I got to see my hometown Philadelphia Phillies on TV! I grew up in Philly, and have always been a Phillies fan, but down here, I don't get to see 'em. They got shellacked, 12-2, but I had fun watching them, and I'd flip over to see what the Rangers were doing. I only saw the last 3 innings of the Ranger game solid.

This win makes us 11-0 against the Twins in 1999. If we win on Wednesday afternoon, it will be the first season sweep in forever (that I can remember) of an opponent. I'm hoping we can get one big win, because after this, the "really bad" team stretch is over, and we've only played .500 against them. Not good at all.

Magic number is down to 11. My wife and I have four games left to go to at the Ballpark in the regular season. Of the upcoming homestand, we see one game from each series, and I'm hoping that the Rangers can clinch it when we're there. Would be nice. Hey, it would be nice if we could clinch it with a win, instead of backing in like we have in 1996 and 1998. :)

Well, we won. However, it wasn't the prettiest of games for many reasons. We lost a few players for a few days with injuries. Rusty Greer got hit in the eye with a ball during warmups, and is out for a few. Luis Alicea sprained a muscle during the game, and is out for awhile. Jeff Zimmerman also came out of the game early with muscle tightness.

Add to that the fact that we let the Royals get back in it to send the game to extra innings isn't good. Add to that the fact that the 10th was given to us on a silver platter by KC (errors, wild pitches all over the place), and leads me to believe that we shouldn't have won this game either.

Don't get me wrong, I'll take the win, and I'm glad to get out of KC, but I don't think we deserved the win. I'm hoping we can do better in Minnesota, and then have the team healthy on Friday when the DRays come to town.

Ugh. No commentary again. Three in a row to the Royals while the Yankees were also swept? This is sad.

Ugh. No commentary again.

Ugh. No commentary.

The name of this game was John Burkett. I read in the news reports that Burkett was booed when he came on at the start of the game - I didn't see it, as I was at my bowling league for the start of the game. When I came home, the game was already 3-0. When Burkett was pulled, it was really, really nice to see him get a standing ovation - made me feel really good. Teared up a bit. :)

Tim Crabtree got the pitch of the game when he struck out Manny Ramirez with the bases loaded to preserve our shutout. That was the biggest single moment of the game, although Burkett's pitching was stellar.

We're 29 games over 500, and going further into uncharted territory. We did spoil the Indians clinching their division. They won it after they had left the Ballpark already and had packed up their champagne - HAHA! :)

The AP story says that two fans were married in the stands - I wonder who they were. :)

It was announced that Mark Clark will not be activated for the rest of the year - hopefully he can get it together next year, and contribute.

I don't have much time to write this - I'm really busy at work today. Was an awesome baseball game, and I was even thinking this before Pudge hit the home run to win the game. This was one of those games that if we had lost, I wouldn't have minded it, but it was great that we won!

Couple of roster moves - Mike Simms was active for the first time all season (although he didn't play), and Rafael Palmeiro was out of the game (as well as tomorrow) with a hand problem leftover from being hit in the hand in the first game of the double header the other night.

The Rangers are now 28 games over 500 for the first time ever. We could end up winning 100 games this season - it's not all that unlikely. After this game, there are 22 games left. If we win 16 of these 22, we'll have 100 wins. It'll be an awesome season. It still is a great season, but I'd like to push through and win 100 games.

Well, after last night's rainout, Jeff Fassero got pushed off to game 2 of the double header. The starter was Rick Helling.

After an extremely quick top of the first, we blew out to a big lead in a hurry. After a passed ball that let Alicea score (and Juan to first on strike three), Jim Parque plunked Raffy in the hand to load the bases. Todd Zeile came up, and smacked one over the center field wall. It wasn't a monster home run, it didn't get up onto Green's hill, but it was enough to get over the fence for a grand slam! That put us up 5-0 after the first inning, and it was 6-0 after the start of the second when Royce Clayton belted one over the 407 sign in right center field - the deepest part of the park. We also got two more in the 6th when Pudge doubled home two runners. However, the runs in the first and second seemed more dramatic to me. - It was nice to get Rick Helling some run support, though - something he's not gotten all year, and has kept his win loss record down.

Rick Helling was doing really well - his only mistake through 6 innings was a solo home run ball in the fifth inning to Chris Singleton, and another solo shot by Carlos Lee to lead off the seventh. After the start of the seventh, Rick seemed to lose it a bit, allowing a few more hits, and two more runs. Venafro came on to finish out the 7th, and start the 8th. After a triple, Zimmerman came on, and would have gotten out of the inning unscathed, but an error by Royce Clayton allowed another run to score.

Scarborough Green came into the game as a pinch runner and was promptly picked off first. D'oh!

That closed out the scoring at 8-6. This is a game where we let the White Sox get back in it by small stupid things, when they shouldn't have. We outplayed them for the most part, and let 'em creep back into the game. Fortunately, we had enough going offensively to overcome it. Wetteland came in and allowed only a single to get his 38th save of the year.

I have to say, I wasn't a big fan of Jeff Fassero coming here. And I suppose I'm still not. But, after last night, he didn't seem any worse than some of the pitching we've thrown out there. Plus he's a lefty, so I guess that can help. Jeff went 5 innings, giving up 6 hits and two earned runs. Not all that bad, really. He wasn't pitching poorly when he was pulled, so I was surprised that he was. Read this morning in the DMN that Johnny Oates had him on a pitch count total, which was the reason he came out when he did.

Danny Kolb came on to relieve Fassero, and gave up just about as much as Fassero did, but in only 2/3 of an inning - not a good outing here. After him came the forgotten man in the bullpen, Mike Muñoz. Mike pitched very well, going 1 2/3, giving up just one hit, and nothing else. Tim Crabtree also pitched, giving up nothing, and Wetteland got his second save of the day (For some reason, the box score doesn't list Wetteland as having pitched). Overall a decently pitched (if not great) game by the Rangers. Was a little surprised by Fassero, but given his history in '99, I'll save my excitement for later - like a shutout against the Yankees in the playoffs. :)

Our offense this game came from the longball. A three run shot by Rusty in the third gave us the lead, and a huge shot by Juan with Rusty on in the 5th was all we needed. There was another one in between these runs (a sac fly in the 4th), but game two seemed to be long ball offense. Was nice to see Rusty get another, and Juan to hit one instead of his usual swing and miss on a slider low and away. :)

A long night of watching baseball - was slightly over 6.5 hours. I would have sat through it at the Ballpark, but hey, I don't want to torture my wife that much. It was enough she watched through most of it with me on TV. She's great. :)

Well, my wife and I got out there, and it had been raining all day. It didn't rain during our drive to the ballpark, but once we got there.. boom. Rain! We sat there through the two hour rain delay (that's nothing for us - we sat through two 3 and a half hour delays in 98), until they called it. There were two things to see during the delay...

The usual thing the Rangers do on Sunday before a game was still done. That was the bit where they picked a family (although I've not seen anything other than a father and a son) play catch out in left field in front of the scoreboard. They did that in the rain. At first I thought "Oh man, you get picked, but what crappy weather". Then I thought it would still be cool to do that, even if it was in the rain. The other thing was a pre-game show by some frisbee catching dogs. It was fairly cool, especially since there was nothing else going on.

This was the Beanie Baby night for the Rangers this year. The giveaway was "Luke", a black Lab (shown here). This was tied into Rusty Greer, who has a few of them himself - in fact, there was a card given out with the beanie that had a pic of Rusty in uniform with his dogs. Looked cool. I wish it wasn't limited to just kids 13 and under. I would have liked one, and not to turn it around and sell it, I would have liked one myself! There was a pretty cool article over on the Arlington Now web site about the beanie promotion at the Ballpark - check it out (thanks Lynn!)

After the game was called, they said that you could exchange each ticket you had for two for the double header tomorrow. Well, Lynn & I walked down to the ticket area, but it was mobbed beyond belief! And out into the rain. We blew that off, we'll go another game. :)

Back to putting my head in the sand. Blech! What exposure on national television. :(

And Jeff Fassero is starting tomorrow and I'll be at the game. I can't hide my head in the sand, I'll have to watch it. :)

A good win, with decent pitching (although not great), and a bunch of offense - lots of home runs, they were all over the place again! - Sorry, an extremely abbreviated commentary from me.

A day game tomorrow - that doesn't fit well with me, we seem to keep losing these.

I just want to cry - what happened in Detroit? I don't like bashing teams, but hey, we were supposed to beat up on Detroit, not lose three out of four to them. Yeesh - I hope it wasn't a matter of overconfidence. I grew up in Philadelphia, the legend of the '64 Phillies comes to mind here.

Didn't get to see it, since I was at work when the game was on, but from the radio guys, it seemed like a really sloppily played game. Juan Gonzalez was particularly ragged on by Nadel/Cotroneo ("What's this rookie league guy doing up here?"). Goody & Rusty did one of those "I got it, I got it, I got it", and then no one got it as it fell between them.

We hit something like four home runs, and still didn't win. Yuck. :(

We ended up 70-93 lifetime in Tiger Stadium, and 5-5 against the Tigers this year. That second one is sad.

Much better - this is what we should be doing to the Tigers. The power stroke was working for us today. Gregg Zaun hit his first "official" home run as a Ranger, too (not counting his "called shot"). Not going to say much about this one, don't have time.

Ugh - This is not happening! This is not happening! (Hiding head in sand)

There really isn't a whole lot to say about this game - and I watched the whole thing. Pitching was the name of the game here. The Rangers got blown away by Brian Moehler. Shut out on only three hits (two of them by Mac, the other by Royce Clayton). We never got anything going ever.

On the flip side, Esteban Loaiza was also pitching well. Had a shut out going into the 7th when he gave up the only run of the game - a solo homer to Gabe Kapler. Other than that, Loaiza pitched well, if not dominating. Ranger pitching gave up 10 hits, and were helped by some nice defense to keep it scoreless as long as it was.

It definitely was a pitcher's duel - and in Tiger stadium, too. That was nice. Kind of like "Hey, we're not coming back here, let's have a really great game". And it was. It stunk that the Rangers lost, but it was a great baseball game. Can't beat that.

John Burkett allowed the first four Blue Jays to reach base, and Danny Kolb was up and warming in the bullpen before there was even an out recorded - I thought Burkett was headed for the quickest exit of the season for him. However, he got it together, and escaped the first inning allowing only one run to score. In fact, that was the only run allowed by him all day. He pitched rather well after the first four batters of the game, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on seven hits. When he was pulled, we were up 3-1, and it took Tim Crabtree all of one pitch to get out of the 7th. A pretty well pitched game by us, although Wetteland allowed another run in the 9th - he's getting the saves, but doesn't seem as dominating as he was the last two years - I wonder if he's still bothered by the injury that slowed him down at the start of this season.

Our offense was in the 4th inning. We had more than that, but all we needed came in the third. Raffy had another RBI, and Todd Zeile had a two run home run. We did get a fourth run on a Royce Clayton RBI single in the 8th, but that was icing - Raffy & Todd gave us all we needed in the third.

Our pitching kept us in the lead (once we got it), and it was a very cool game to watch. I hope to someday go to that hotel in Toronto and watch the Rangers play. :)

Another road sweep for us, and we're 27 games over 500 for the first time in club history (not sure if that includes the Senators or not, but I would think it wouldn't). On to Detroit - would be nice to sweep there, too.

Not available - didn't catch enough of the game. However, I did catch Jeff Fassero's Ranger debut. That's about what I expected - he allowed the Blue Jays to get back into the game at the end and make the score much closer than the game seemed to be going.

Not available - didn't catch the game.

This was better. A rather well pitched game by Loaiza (7innings, 3 earned runs), and against the Yankees. Some nice defense behind him, especially by Mark McLemore, who seemed to be playing the best I can ever remember seeing him play lately.

Rafael Palmeiro got yet another home run - he's about to set offensive records for everything it seems by a Ranger, except probably Juan's RBI record from last year - I don't think Raffy will get to 158 there.

Was nice to see a win, although I would have rather have seen this more than once in the last three games. :( The Yankees don't bother me in principle, but they bother me in the respect that we have that mental block with them still, it seems.

What a disappointment. :( We battled great in this game, overcome some great bullpen pitching by the Yankees to tie it up, and go to extra innings. However, Corey Lee making his major league debut gave up a three run home run in the top of the 11th. That was too bad, he didn't look that bad for a kid making his first appearance under pressure against the Yankees.

We try and salvage the third game, which honestly, was the only game I thought we'd win coming into this anyway.

Oh dear god! That's about all I have to say. Except the Rangers up there should be replaced by "Palmeiro" who had all 3 RBI's.

My wife and I were at this game, and it was a most cool game to attend. First off, it was against the Red Sox, a team my wife and I love to see the Rangers play, because it's usually good baseball. However, the main reason for us going tonight was that we didn't have much else to do, so we decided to come here in the cheap seats. Both of us in the door for a total of $10, plus we both got a giveaway baseball cap. It was such an awesome deal, we couldn't pass it up. I have some pictures of the giveaway hat in the pictures section below, if you want to see it - it's a pretty well put together cap. For some reason, the Fina giveaway hats seem to be "cheaper", but this is a good hat.

About the game... Aaron Sele was great last night. He wasn't overpowering, as he only had a 1-2-3 inning once. However, the hits that the Red Sox got (8 in all) were scattered, and when they did manage to get more than one baserunner at a time, they couldn't do anything with it. There was some nice defense in the field - Royce Clayton and Lee Stevens turned in some awesome plays. We also were helped by two double plays that were well timed.

On the flip side, our hits were scattered all over the place. Up until the end of the game, everyone had just a single hit, except B.B. Gonzalez who had nothing all night. "Mr. August" (Raffy) had yet another home run, and Rusty Greer just barely missed one in one of the most bizarrely hit balls I've seen at the Ballpark. Rusty hit the ball right in the corner of the black "New Dodge" sign in right center field. It went off the top of the wall and came back into the Ballpark. It certainly looked like a homer to me, until I saw the back back in play on the ground. He ended up with a triple, but missed a home run by literally one inch!

It was a great game, a pretty cool night, and my wife and I got in cheap, and came away with a hat. The Texas Rangers swept the Red Sox on this night, and it felt really great. I don't know what else to say, I totally enjoyed this trip. I just wish I didn't have to drive 38 miles to get to the Ballpark (all on Rt. 30). The Yankees are in town next. I don't have a good feeling about this series, but then again, I didn't have a good feeling about the Cleveland series, and we know what happened there. :)

I didn't get to see all of this game, as my wife and I were out to dinner to celebrate my birthday yesterday. Would have gone yesterday, but hey, I was at the Ranger game! :) Anyway, it was a sellout, and it was nice to see the place packed for a change. It was John Wetteland's birthday, and TV coverage showed the bullpen guys giving him a hard time - I wish I was home earlier to see that - it looked funny.

When we got home from dinner in the third inning, Raffy was just coming up and hit his home run to put us up 3-1, which is all we really needed, but we did get some "padding". :) Rusty started off the fifth with a solo home run to left field. In the 7th, we really put it away when Raffy mashed a three run home run to right, giving him two home runs in each of the last two games, and 6 home runs in his last 6 games overall. Just to make sure, Rusty chimed in again with a two run shot in the bottom of the 8th to give us nine runs.

Our pitching seemed pretty decent, if not overpowering. Rick Helling finally got a win , and seemed to be battling all night. He didn't seem dominating at all, but still pitched good. He walked the first batter in the 7th, which brought in Tim Crabtree, who loaded the bases. With no one out and the bases loaded, Venafro came in, and got a sac fly, and then retired the rest allowing Boston only one run.

Overall another good game, and it was nice to see a sellout at the Ballpark - although I'm glad I didn't have to drive away from the park in it, either. :)

The Rangers passed the 2 million mark in attendance on this night, and I was part of it, because I was there. I'm always at a baseball game August 20th, as that's my birthday (this year, my 34th). Since I was about 6 or 7, I'd always go to a game on my birthday. Back then, I was living in Philadelphia, and it was the Phillies at the Vet for me. As a kid, I loved it. I kept this tradition up all these years, I think only missing one or two along the way. Now that I'm married (that happened in 96), these seemed to mean a lot more to me. My wife and I have always loved watching the Rangers play the Red Sox, and it always seems to be good baseball when we play the Bosox. This was no exception.

We got there to a surprisingly cool night at the ballpark (well, relatively cool, it was still 99 degrees when the game started, but it did NOT feel that way. Esteban Loaiza was the starter, and given his performance the last several outings, he seemed to have been the starter we've been looking for him to be ever since we got him for Todd Van Poppel & Warren Morris (the Pirates' starting second baseman all year, and a possible Rookie of the Year player) last July. Esteban looked sharp, and even managed to battle out of a jam, which has always been his undoing in the past (losing his cool when in a jam). He went 6 innings (and 1 batter in the 7th) giving up 5 hits and 3 runs, but he seemed more dominating than that, at least to me he did. Our bullpen was again excellent, allowing nothing in the final 3 innings of the game. Wetteland pitched for the first time in a save situation in some time, and came though. Even if he did back up Durwood Merrill's remark about him being a "heart attack waiting to happen".

Our offense was again mostly powered by Rafael Palmeiro. I think now the question (if there ever really was one) as to which first baseman we should have had from 1994-1998 has been answered. Oh man, are the Orioles kicking themselves for not signing him after last year. This guy is awesome! A few weeks back, I saw him hit a grand slam, and the two run shot tonight gave us two of our four runs. Raffy also supplied one of the others with a single. However, the four runs we had after the third inning was it. Boston's bullpen took over and did a great job shutting us down for longer than we shut them down for.

I always like playing Boston, and this game was no different. I was there, it was a great ballgame, and they won on my birthday. I loved it so much, my wife and I decided to come back on Sunday night. They're giving away some decent looking baseball caps, so I walked down to the ticket office around 8:30 and got a couple of seats up in Section 342 for a total price of $10. Both of us in the door for $10 plus we get two baseball caps? You can still get in the damn door for a decent price. Sure, they've raised the ticket prices three years in a row, but you can still get in and get a bargain if you know how to play the game.

Well, the other shoe had to fall. It seemed that the Rangers spent themselves in the first three games, not even showing up for this one, losing it 8-0. If we had anything at all this night, it was left behind in the rain delay at the start of the game.

Not a whole lot to talk about Ranger wise. Mike Morgan continued to be ineffective for the most part in the second half of the season (damn). Other than that, there isn't anything to talk about here from a Ranger fan perspective, except one nice pickoff by Pudge of Jim Thome at third. Oh yeah, and Danny Kolb looked pretty good in his 5 1/3 innings in relief of Morgan.

Mike Morgan has definitely taken the title of "Most disgusting cap" from John Wetteland - it's no contest.

What a cool game. First off, it was 70 degrees at game time! Why can't we have that in Texas in August? :)

Seriously, John Burkett involved in a 1-1 pitcher's due into the 7th inning? Man, what a game! He seemed to be pitching like he had his entire career to prove out there last night. An extremely well pitched game. John went 8 full innings, giving up a measly 5 hits with one run (RBI by who else - Manny Ramirez?) while striking out eight. Brilliant pitching, reminded me of the game he pitched last September in Anaheim to help us clinch the division. Wetteland came in just to get work, gave up a couple of hits, but no runs in the 9th. If we can get this kind of pitching out of arguably our worst starter, it's a great plus for us.

These three games against Cleveland have certainly erased the ugly from last week's 4 game losing streak. It's really stunned me the way we've come out and opened up the big can of whoop-ass on the Indians. Before these games started, I figured we'd be lucky to leave The Jake with a split. Now, we've won the series, and can go for a sweep tonight, which is something the Rangers haven't done in Cleveland in like forever.

Rafael Palmeiro came through again with a big three run blast to untie the game from 1-1. We had another 5 spot inning last night to put the game away for us. That's 34 runs against the Indians in 3 games. 44 in 4 games if you count the game before this against the White Sox. Where was all this offense when we played the Yanks in October? :)

I won't be writing commentary for this game - I forgot all about my daily update due to a few projects at my real job. I remembered about 10 minutes before the end of the day, so I don't have any time for an update. Suffice it to say.. CRIPES!

38 runs in the last 3 games. 28 of them in two against the Indians - what a pasting!

Oh my! I was watching this game at home, and I thought Rick Helling was pitching well - I thought it was going to be another great Helling game. Helling pitched well the first two innings, but then had a meltdown in the third, allowing five runs. That was a shame, as I really thought he looked sharp in the first couple of innings, even though he allowed a few walks. He bounced back for a good fourth, but was pulled early in the fifth in place of Mike Munoz, who along with Zimmerman & Venafro shut down the Indians after the third.

Now, our offense. :) Jeez! We went up 2-0 (on a Pudge solo home run in the 1st and a gift error by Vizquel), and I thought that was an OK start. We then let them tie the game in the third, and I thought... "OK - these are the Indians, you don't keep them down very much". But then I look up, and we're down 3. I thought we were screwed.

However, in the sixth, Royce Clayton had a solo home run - showing some more power to left field (most of his homers have seen to have been to right). Not long after that in the top of the 7th, unlikely home run hitter Mark McLemore belted a ball over the wall to bring the score to 5-4. My wife, who was watching with me mentioned the "John Blake peck-away theory". :)

Anyways, it got much much better after that. After a Pudge single and Juan single, Lee Stevens belted another single bringing in Pudge to tie the game. A pitching change by Cleveland brought up Rafael Palmeiro who hit the first pinch hit home run for the Rangers all season, a 3 run shot, giving us an 8-5 lead. In the 8th, Lee Stevens again batted in Pudge, giving us a 4 run lead, and then Jon Shave, playing for Luis Alicea (who was already playing for Todd Zeile, who had food poisioning) who had moved to second to replace Mark McLemore (who had moved to right to replace Roberto Kelly who was pinch hit for by Raffy) drove in two runs with a double. Shave doesn't get to play much, it was really nice to see him get into the fray here.

That wasn't all. In the 9th, Tom Goodwin singled, and Pudge hit yet ANOTHER home run, a two run shot. That gave him 2 for the game. We had a total of 5 home runs this game. Two by Pudge, and one each by Raffy, Royce, & Mac. What a game. I didn't expect to do well here, and we blow them out 13-5. I felt bad for Helling, other than the one meltdown inning, we had great pitching tonight. That's 23 runs we scored in the last two games. Let's hope we can keep this up for the next few (at least).

Now this is more like it. Avoiding a record fifth loss in a row, and a sweep to the Chisox (shudder), we broke out and won 10-0.

This game seemed like ours from the start. We scored in every inning except the 5th and 6th. We went up 1-0 in the first inning, and it turns out that's all we needed.

Esteban Loaiza pitched like he's capable of, throwing eight innings, allowing no runs on only 5 hits. He looked good, sharp, and is the kind of pitcher we wanted him to be when he came here last year. I'm really hoping (along with everyone else, I'm sure) he can keep this up, and this is the kind of pitching we get from him. He almost got decapitated in the first inning when Frank Thomas had a screaming liner right as his head. However, Esteban ducked out of the way and caught it - a very impressive play.

Rusty Greer had yet another home run in Chicago - that brings his total there to about a million. :) Pudge had two home runs in this game too, increasing his home run total this year to 26, I believe.

Danny Kolb pitched the 9th, allowing just one hit and preserving the shutout. We looked good yesterday - we needed that going into Cleveland tonight where I'm hoping we can come away with a split. I don't have a particularly good feeling right now.

As bad as losing both games of a double header to go to a 3 game losing streak is, losing a walk-off loss in the bottom of the ninth to go to a four game losing streak was even worse.

My wife and I were out when this game was on (we saw Runaway Bride, a very funny movie), but when I came home, I saw the score, and got disgusted. As I didn't see or hear any of this game, I'm not going to do commentary, but hell. Four in a row? To the Tigers and the White Sox? Yeah, this makes me feel good going into Cleveland on Monday, even if we do win the last game.

Pudge got his 20th steal of the season, giving him a first in all of MLB history - the first catcher to steal 20 bases and hit 20 RBI's in one season. I wonder if he'll get 20 doubles as well. :)

Glynn was activated, and I'm sure he'll be sent back down after this. Probably not seen again in 1999. Especially if we're in a pennant race in late September.

Double ugh. If we looked asleep in the first game, this one was worse. I don't know if it was the actual game itself, or the fact that we lost both ends of a doubleheader to the White Sox, but I was really disgusted with this one. :(

Rusty had another home run in Chicago - his best home run hitting city by far.

Ugh. That's about all I have to say about this game. :)

In all seriousness, we got in a hole early, and couldn't get out. Burkett pitched fair, but their guys pitched a lot better. Considering this was the first game of a doubleheader, I was surprised they used 5 pitchers. Their starter went 5 innings, giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits. The remaining pitchers gave up the same - 1 run on 3 hits (one of which was a Rusty home run).

However, we just never got it going, and we looked asleep.

I was at this game, and it turned out to be not as hot as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, it was hot, but it wasn't that bad - but I was in the shade the whole time. :)

Aaron Sele pitched extremely well throughout 8th innings (actually, 7 innings and a batter). He struck out a career high 13 batters, but unfortunately, the Tigers pitcher(s) pitched better. We only had 5 hits, and one run. Detroit had 8 hits with 3 runs, one of which was a solo home run, but this struck me as a rather well pitched games on both sides.

I did score the game, but I was busy taking pictures again - just in case you didn't think I've taken enough. :)

Not a whole lot to say about this game, except there was some great pitching on both sides - and we never really got going offensively.

Rick Helling threw a 6 hit complete game win. It's nice that Rick finally got some run support. He's been pitching very well in the last two months, but the team just has not been getting it done for him. Or, if they have, it's been after he's left the game, the win usually going to Jeff Zimmerman. :)

This game started off pretty well, and that more or less set the tone for the entire game to follow. Rick Helling struck out the first batter, then walked the next one. After a popout to Pudge, Helling erased his walk by picking off the runner to end the first.

Our side started well, too. Mac tripled to start the game, and scored a couple of batters later when Rusty grounded out, bringing Mac in. Add to that a Raffy solo shot to centerfield, and we were off to a 2-0 lead. We added a few more in the next inning, and that put us ahead for good. We also followed with a home run by Roberto Kelly in the 5th, and we picked up the rest of our runs in the 6th, the highlight was a two run double by Tom Goodwin.

The only two runs Detroit got were both on solo home runs by Juan Encarnacion & Damion Easley. If you remember, Encarnacion also had another homer against Rick Helling on opening day. The first pitch of the season, to be more precise! Helling seemed to get a bit weaker towards the end of teh game, but he pitched wonderfully, a great win for him and the team.

We seemed to dominate this one, but then again, we should dominate teams like the Tigers. I just wish we could perform like this regularly against someone like, oh... the Yankees!

I'm going tomorrow to the game that starts at 6:05. Ugh, 104º - no fun :(

Couple of comments.

• What a turnaround from last night's fiasco
• Goodbye Carlos Delgado!

Pudge Rodriguez continued his hot streak at the plate with a three run home run in the bottom of the second inning, but that was about it for the next ten innings. We didn't mount much of any offense after that until we won the game in the bottom of the 12th on a run scoring single by Royce Clayton, scoring Roberto Kelly.

Esteban Loaiza was himself. Decent stuff, but erratic again. Once you stack all his innings together, he's not pitching all that bad (got a no decision tonight), but he's not a pitcher that fills you with a whole lot of confidence. I wish he'd do better, it certainly looks like he can, but he doesn't seem to be as dominating as he could be.

On the flip side, Brad Ausmus had four hits last night, and had a great offensive game. No home runs, so it wasn't all THAT bad. :)

Juan "B.B." Gonzalez left the game after four innings with a pulled hamstring muscle, and is listed as day to day. All of our regular outfielders this season have gone down with some sort of injury. Now that Roberto Kelly is playing regularly out there, I expect him to get hurt now. The Rangers 99 Outfielders curse.

Oh my god. 19-4. What a complete, utter, and total fiasco. Make it worse, I was there! My wife and I stuck it out, we didn't miss any of this exciting action. :)

Not a whole lot to say about this one, other than we sucked. Roger Delgado continued his assault here with a three run home run in the first inning that put the Jays up for good immediately.

It was the MLB debut of Doug Davis, who gave up 10 runs in 2 1/3 innings giving him an ERA of 38.57! Davis' runs were one run short of the Ranger record for most runs allowed by one pitcher in a game. And of course, Davis was sent back down to AAA after this. That's too bad, I hate to see young kids get lit up like this. We also set a record by allowing 25 hits in a 9 inning game.

About the only Ranger highlights were a Pudge home run, a Raffy home run, and Mike Morgan striking out the side in the 5th. That's about it. A mess all around. :(

This was the first in the last eight series that the Rangers lost the series.

A game of back and forth home runs. I really thought we had this one in hand early, but our pitching faltered and let us down. I was really tired when this game was on, and wasn't totally paying attention. Check out the game resources for this one, as I'm not going to be writing commentary. :)

A totally masterful appearance by Aaron Sele. Complete game shutout, allowing only 6 hits, 10 strikeouts, and no walks. I don't think I've seen him ever pitch as good, and this is the best pitching outing by a Ranger pitcher all year (although the complete game by Mike Morgan in Anaheim not that long ago was really close).

There's not a whole lot else to say about this one. Sele was totally dominating, and Pudge was Pudge again lately, 2-5 with 3 RBI's on a 3 run home run. Mark McLemore almost hit for the cycle getting a double, triple, and a single in his first three at bats. Didn't get a homer though. Still, was an awesome game all around.

I got to see it on TV, and it was wonderful to see Sele pitch this well - hope he can keep it up through October :)

We were almost singlehandedly beat by Carlos Delgado in this game - he had three home runs, only the second time an opponent has ever done that at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Jeff Zimmerman showed that he was a human being, getting his first ever loss, dropping to (oh damn ) 9-1, and his ERA is now a whopping 1.25.

Rick Helling continues to be the hard luck pitcher this season - he's pitched as good as he did last year when he won 20 games, but got another no decision in this one, and his ERA is lower this year than it was last, it's currently at 4.31.

Pudge had some great D again tonight with a pickoff and two caught stealings. He certainly increased his value in my eye as the team MVP. Zim is great, but I think Pudge brings more to the table.

Billy "stupidest beard in the majors" Koch looked good. Threw hard, and did his job. Still, he has the lamest excuse for a beard I've ever seen, though.

Due to my clueless cable company, and Fox Sports Southwest, I didn't get to see the game. I wasn't in the mood to listen to it on the radio, since I was so annoyed about that - I ended up watching "The Fifth Element" on DVD instead.

I did peek in from time to time to get a score update, and from all reports Loaiza was Loaiza. Was inconsistent, but had good stuff. Where have we heard that before? I feel comfortable about our starting pitching. It isn't the greatest in the world, but it seems to be doing a decent enough of a job, especially with our pen doing so great. We're now 23 games over 500, a number I never thought I'd see given my opinion of the state of the pitching at the start of the season.

After seeing the Twins for the last few days, I have to admit, I rather like Jacque Jones - he looks like a great kid, and if I was living in Minnesota, I'd be excited about seeing the team, even if they lose a lot. I like watching teams made up of young kids who try.

I'm really hoping we can keep this up the last two months, and end up with a situation where we don't have to play the Yankees in the first round with the first two games in NY. Off day tomorrow, and then we're back with more against the Toronto Blue Jays, who have made some recent noise in the AL East.

This game got out to a really fast start. We scored four runs in the first inning, then two in the second, and another in the third, putting us up 7-1 right away. It just "felt" like a blowout was on the way. We won, but we didn't get a blowout. Mike Morgan allowed the Twins to creep back into the game.

Our four runs in the first came by us getting a whole slow of singles, after a leadoff error allowed Roberto Kelly to get on. Then Pudge, Rusty, Juan, Raffy, & Todd all singled to give us our runs in the first. Pudge had another great night at the plate, he's just on fire offensively - he's also got a 12 game hitting streak going, too. He was 4 for 5 with a run scored last night - he's batting some atmospheric number (around 750 or something, isn't it?) since the All-Star break.

Actually, we were outhit by the Twins 14-13. Of all these 27 hits, the bulk of them were singles. We had one double (Greer), one triple (Kelly), and one home run (Mateo). The rest were singles. Minnesota had four doubles, the rest were singles.

Mike Morgan got his 12th win of the year, who woulda thunk it? :)

On TV, we got to see the 15,000,000th fan ceremony. They picked someone and said they were the 15 millionth fan to see a game at the Ballpark. They flashed a stat saying in the 21 years the Rangers played in Arlington stadium, they had about 31 million all told, and we've gotten half of that in just under 6 seasons at TBIA. Less, actually, since the first year TBIA was around, the season was cut short (due to the MLB players strike).

Well, I got to see this one (see last night's commentary) because it was on KXTX. :)

Jeff Zimmerman (am I the only one besides Jeff that thinks "The Zimmenator" is a stupid nickname?) tied a 73 year old record for consecutive wins by a reliever to start a career by going to 9-0. Unfortunately, his scoreless streak was broken at 29 2/3 innings. However, the way he's pitching this year, it's hardly noticeable (his ERA is now 0.88 after that run).

However, the story of this game was Pudge. He hit two home runs, driving in 4 of our 5 runs (Raffy had the other) with a solo shot and a three run home run. He also picked off a runner at third - his sixth pure pickoff of the season, the first at third. There's no doubt that Pudge was the star of this game, it was quite cool to watch him play last night. Pudge also now has 20 home runs for three years in a row, tying a record for catchers. If Pudge gets one more steal between now and the end of the season (I think that's a safe bet), he'll be the first catcher in all of MLB history to have 20 steals and 20 home runs in a season. In fact, given there's about 57 games left or something like that, I think there's a good shot of Pudge getting to 30/30 providing he stays healthy.

Speaking of Pudge, I used to like Juan better than Pudge, but lately that opinion has changed a lot given the way Juan's been behaving - I read an article about him verbally abusing Johnny and attacking a water cooler. I also saw the cooler last night (before I read about Juan's battering of it) with the sign "Please don't hit me, I'm a nice cooler". It looked funny on the TV. :)

Burkett pitched OK - he's definitely our fifth starter, but for him, it was a decent outing - I didn't think he pitched bad at all, caught a few bad breaks, and was hit, but not lit up. I hope he can keep it going at least at this level for the rest of the season.

Attendance was pathetic for The Ballpark. Was only 24,720. I know it's Monday, and it's the Twins, but that seems really low for us!

Figures. The game I wanted to go to because of the raising of the Nolan Ryan flag, and the giveaway of a Ryan flag and the one that is one off from my season ticket game is the one they blow out the Royals. :(

To make matters worse, my lame ass cable company has Fox Sports Southwest out of whack again for the second day, forcing me to miss another Rangers game because of their screwed up setup - this is about 6 this season because of this. I didn't get to see the game, but I listened to part of it, and I got disgusted because I couldn't see it that I stopped listening too, and started watching a movie.

I hate my cable company! I live across the street from a TCI building, yet we have some other company - go figure.

Sele turned in his longest outing of the season, going 8 full innings. He gave up 5 runs though, but did go long in the heat, which was nice to see.

I was at this game (was one of my season ticket games), and quite honestly, I wish I didn't have to be. I was so tired from the trip home last night (I never got in until 2AM, and I was supposed to be home around 10PM or so). Tack on the heat, and I wasn't feeling that good during this game, and it had nothing to do with the team. I was feeling queasy, so I left in the top of the 7th inning - I abhor this kind of behaviour, but I will do it for illness. :(

The game itself wasn't a whole lot better. It looked good early, with a 5-0 lead after two innings, but that was about it for us, except for a couple more runs late in the game. We had a pitching meltdown, which is rare for us this season, unlike past seasons. :)

Jonathan Johnson pitched several innings in the middle, and appeared to be a sacrificial lamb. He was lit up pretty well, but he stayed out there for three full innings, when he should have rightfully been pulled very quickly. He was sent right back down after this appearance, I doubt we'll see him again this season before the September callups.

I didn't hear or see anything on this game, because my wife and I were travelling back from Baltimore, and had a horror story travelling (delays in both Baltimore and our layover Chicago). Because of this, I have no commentary of any kind on this game.

This game my wife and I did not go to. The main reason why we didn't was because it was a day game, and quite frankly, this was our one big day to explore the Inner Harbor. Besides, I don't generally like day games in the summer anyway. We had a wonderful time exploring several things in Baltimore - the highlight was definitely the Aquarium there.

We were in the Aquarium when the Ranger game was happening, so we didn't get to see or hear any of it. I did catch some highlights on SportsCenter on ESPN later in the evening. WOW - what a home run by Royce Clayton (423 feet; into the Rangers bullpen in Baltimore). In fact, all three of our runs were solo home runs (Clayton, Pudge, & Kelly). I had a bad feeling about this game going in, as Mike Morgan doesn't seem to pitch well in the heat - and it was hot. Add to that the fact that he still had that bruise from being wailed by a batted ball in his last start, and I wasn't expecting what he gave us (6 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run). Our bullpen gave up donut, and it was a really nice 3-1 win by the Rangers. Would have liked to have seen it, but I had such a wonderful time seeing the sights in Baltimore that day that it really didn't matter.

Our second of two games at Camden Yards. This place is great - my full report on the Orioles' ballpark is coming soon.

Big difference between this game over the last game was that my wife and I were by ourselves this time - no Ranger fans around, so we had to chill out a bit. Was a bit rainy before the game, but our seats were undercover, so that helped, even though it had more or less stopped raining by the time we had walked over to the hotel. There's a shot of what my seats looked like in the pictures below.

We lost this game by the same score that we won by last night. I felt Burkett was left in just a tad bit too long, but he didn't pitch all that bad, either. Cal Ripken missed his 400th home run by about a foot or two - the ball was just foul past the left field foul pole. Damn, I really wanted to see that. :) We did get a couple of Ranger home runs - one by former Oriole Todd Zeile, and another by Ruben Mateo, which was opposite field, not that far away from where I was sitting. That was nice - and the home runs were about the only time my wife and I actively "cheered" the Rangers this game. :)

My wife and I were at this game in Baltimore. We decided to take a vacation together, and we had never seen the Baltimore Inner Harbor, so we decided to plan a trip around when the Rangers were there. I know it's kinda geeky, but hey, it's something cool to do for a Rangers fan. :)

What was cool was that where we were sitting there was at least two other groups of Ranger fans. A family of four from Carrolton, and some people behind us who I think were from The Colony. It was quite cool having around 12 Ranger fans there, and we could shout for the Rangers - that was quite cool. What was not cool was the ballpark. It was friggin hot! I had forgotten what humidity outside the state of Texas was like. Yikes! My wife and I also met the author of a baseball book in one of the resturants before the game started. The book is called "Minor Players, Major Dreams". I've ordered it from Amazon, so I hope to have some commentary up on it before too long.

It was cool that we won the game, but to tell you the truth, I was paying more attention to the Ballpark itself - I tend to do that when I'm in a place I've never been before. I'll have my full report on Baltimore's stadium up shortly.

Well, this game wasn't broadcast anywhere, so it's hard to do commentary on it. :) Nice to see a bunch of home runs, and from the pictures below, it's wild to see the old uniforms again, especially on people that weren't here before when the Rangers wore them last.

And Gregg Zaun pulling a Babe Ruth - that was quite amusing. There's a pretty cute article about this here.

Not available, but we certainly seem to like to let Tampa Bay get back into things late in the game, don't we? :)

I felt awful for Helling, as he was going so well, until the home run to McGriff in the bottom of the 9th.

Not available, but we certainly seem to like to let Tampa Bay get back into things late in the game, don't we? :)

Loaiza looked weak at the start, but got much better after the first two innings.

Not available, but in the first inning that I did listen to on the radio, there was some really nice D all in the first inning:

• Mateo guns out runner going to third
• Pudge throws out an attempted steal
• Pudge throws out runner going to first on dropped third strike

Remember last week when the Rangers lost a game due to the sun in left field? Well, I got a big look first hand at this. I showed up at the ballpark at 4:30 when the gates opened to take some pictures at the ballpark that will show up on this web site shortly. Anyways, I spent a lot of time out in left field on all three levels of the ballpark, and JEEZ! It was friggin sunny as all hell, and I got a bit sunburnt. I can imagine how bad it was for Rusty, you can hardly see anything up high.

I had bought a cheap seat because my real purpose in going was to take pictures. So, I got in for $5, but I managed to get into the 200 level right before the game started, and I ended up sitting in section 225, one section over from Hornman. :) This was their "Christmas in July" game, there were Christmas trees and Christmas music being played before the game. It was pretty cute.

Anyway, the Angels struck fast, with Mo Vaughn rumbling all the way around from first base - in fact, Mo scored the first three runs! We were down 3-0, and with Burkett pitching, I didn't have a good feeling when we went down 3-0. However, we busted out in the bottom of the third for a big six spot, which was highlighted by Rafael Palmeiro's grand slam. This was the second grand slam that I've seen with my own eyes this year (also saw Roberto Kelly's slam awhile back). That put us up 6-3, and in the 4th, we kept the Angels off the board, so I was thinking things were going to go well for Burkett, who didn't pitch all that well, he needed to be rescued three times with inning ending double plays. The Angels crept back getting another run in each the 5th and 6th, bringing them back within one. We then scored two in the bottom of the sixth, which included a solo shot by Zeile. However, in the 7th and 8th, the Angels scored another run in each, bringing them back to within one run again. We picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th, and Zimmerman came in to close the game in the 9th (Wetteland is still having back spasms). In fact, the 9th was the only inning the Angels didn't get a hit (they scored one run in every inning except the 4th and 9th).

We used a lot of pitchers tonight - Burkett went 5.1 and was just "eh". We also used Venafro, Patterson, Munoz, Crabtree, & Jeff Zimmerman. This was a really exciting game for me, both from the grand slam I saw to the general "feel". It was a great game to be at.

We swept the two game series, and Oakland finally lost, so we're up 6 on the A's, 9 on the Mariners, and 12.5 on the Angels, who are down for the count.

Well, the big 6 run third inning is what did it for us last night. We spanked Omar Olivares, who was charged with all 8 earned runs the Rangers got in the second and third innings. 5 singles, a double, and a triple did all the work in the third inning. Was very nice to see.

Again, however, we got our fifth win in a row without a home run. We're scoring without the longball, and I like that, because I hate relying on the home run for runs. The last couple of nights on the TV, John Rhadigan was talking to the fireworks operator, who sits out in center field right under the big red Coca-Cola sign. They said that he's been waiting to shoot off fireworks, but it hasn't happened much - we've had only two home runs since the All-Star game, and they both came in in our lone loss of the second half so far.

Aaron Sele pitched OK - he wasn't dominating at all, but it was enough for the win, his 9th of the season. He did give up two back to back home runs in the 4th, but that was about his worst stretch of pitching. I don't think he's going to get to 19 again, but I think 15 is definitely within reach for him by the end of the year. Munoz, Crabtree, & Zimmerman came on to finish up after Sele went 6. Crabtree gave up a couple of singles, but no runs again by the bullpen. Zim earned his second save, as Wetteland is having some back spasms, and is resting.

This win puts the Angels 11.5 games back of the Rangers in last place in the AL West - if we win tomorrow night too, I have a feeling Anaheim might "give up" on this season. Surprisingly the A's are staying close to us, we're only 5 games up on them, and have been exactly that for a couple of weeks. The A's beat the Mariners last night, dropping Seattle to 9 games out. Did get a peek at Safeco Field on ESPN last night - looks REALLY gorgeous. Damn, we won't get there till next season, and if this rumour about the Rangers going to the NL Central next season I heard two days ago is true, then we won't see Safeco at all, probably!

I'm headed out to the ballpark tomorrow night, but I won't be watching the game much. You'll see what I mean shortly. :)

None available - too busy at work to write anything. I will say this about the game, though... (see graphic)

Where do I start with this one? 17 hits, 14 runs, 5 doubles, two stolen bases, two gift errors, etc... A big offensive display last night. Yeesh! The Giants starter got knocked around, pitching only 1.1 innings, giving up 5 runs and 6 hits.

I scored this game at home last night, and I picked an interesting game to do it to. :) However, after the top of the first, I wasn't so thrilled at our chances. Ryan Glynn (who was recalled to make a start, and probably has made his last start for awhile) started off well, retiring the first two, but then a single and a walk preceded Mr. Bonds, who slapped a ball over the fence for a 3 run home run. What was interesting about the home run is how easily it went over the fence - it hardly looked like he hit the thing. Very deceptive power stroke he has.

Anyway, we answered back with a couple of runs in the bottom of the first, and then after Glynn got the job done in the second, we scored three more runs in the bottom of the second to take the lead - never giving it back. In the third, we almost had three straight doubles in a row (Zeile, Stevens, Mateo), but the Stevens hit was ruled an error, and it probably should have been a hit.

We scored in 6 of the 8 times we came to the plate, the only two we didn't score were the fourth and the seventh. We were due for one of these "explosions". :) In looking at my scorecard, everyone scored at least one run except Raffy (who was also the only person without a hit, going 0-4) and Royce Clayton - although Royce was on base in the bottom of the 8th, and could have scored if we had gotten another hit or two. Ruben Mateo went 4-5 with two RBI's and two runs scored - definitely his best night so far. McLemore also went 3 for 5 with a run scored, and 3 RBI's - I think everyone was expecting him to sink this year and be released, but he's making us rethink our second base plans, I'm sure.

Ryan Glynn didn't walk as many as he has in the past, but did walk 4 in 4.1 innings, which is still too many - his final two batters were walks, and at the time, the Rangers were only up two runs with Jeff Kent & Barry Bonds coming up. My gut feeling says that Glynn has pitched his last start for awhile, Loaiza will probably get moved back to the rotation, and Danny Kolb will get called up for the long relief job.

Loaiza did get his first win of the season and got pegged for 4 runs, which is more than Glynn gave up, actually. However, for some reason, Loaiza seemed better than Glynn did - it's one of those "intangible" things I can't put into words, even when you look at their lines:

TEXAS                        ip       h   r  er  bb  so  hr    era
Glynn                         4 1/3   5   3   3   4   0   1   6.89
Loaiza (W, 1-1)               4 2/3   5   4   4   1   1   0   7.22

Still, a win is a win is a win no matter how you get them, and scoring 14 runs is always nice to see. :)

They say the best way to get going after you have problems is to get right back out there. John Wetteland got another save chance after blowing the last three in a row - this time he pulled it out. The newspaper said that he and Oates had a meeting to discuss what was going on, and for Oates to give him his "vote of confidence". Whatever was said, it seemed to help, as he looked sharper than the last couple of days he was out there.

Mike Morgan pitched well this game, retiring something like 10 or 11 in a row on ground ball outs. He looked good, but once he got near 100 pitches, he seemed to crap out. He gave up 3 runs over 6.1 innings throwing 100 pitches and giving up 7 hits. Fairly decent outing, and the bullpen kept it close, giving up just one more run, which was inherited from Morgan and was an unearned run anyway.

Our five runs were driven in by five different people (Kelly, Greer, Zeile, Zaun, & Clayton). It was nice to see Gregg Zaun in there again - I have to admit, I didn't think he'd be such a big deal at the start of the season, but he's surprised me - I think this just about every time he plays. :)

We could have lost the game, as a controversial call by Mark Johnson. He ruled a Rich Auerlia hit ball a home run, but then Durwood Merrill said it was just a double. Replays showed it bounced off the absolute top of the left field wall just about the "A" in American League, and back into the field. It was the right call, but one more inch, and it would have been a home run, probably costing the Rangers the game.

The last four games on this homestand were decided by two runs or less, with three of them by one run. We're now 17-9 in one run games this season.

The third time was not a charm, as John Wetteland blew another save, giving up two home runs in the ninth inning letting another game get by us. We did take the series against the Diamondbacks 2-1, but we should have swept - it felt that way all day.

We almost pulled it out in the bottom of the 10th, as Matt Mantei came in and had almost the same situation as the other day when we won after Randy Johnson came out of the game. This time, Matei did his job, and shut down the Rangers in the bottom of the 10th, but we did make a threat. John Wetteland gave up the two homers in the top of the 9th to let the game get tied at 6 (after Juan had put us up with a 3 run home run to make it at the time 6-3). The two home runs that Wetteland gave up were his 7th & 8th of the year - he gave up just 6 all of 1998.

Unfortunately, the strange start time of 3PM played a big factor, as Rusty Greer had a ball hit to him, but given the fact he was in blinding sunlight, he couldn't see the ball till it was on the ground, allowing two runs to score. You really can't blame him, I suppose, but the loss was hard to take. This was our first extra inning loss of the season, we're now 4-1 in such games.

John Burkett pitched well again, if not as dominating as a few other recent appearances, but given how horrible he was at the start of the season, this is a big improvement. Mike Munoz is starting to look like one of the best off season pickups we've had in awhile. Unlike Mark Clark who also came in this year - I read something where if he doesn't show improvement soon, he may need "Tommy John" surgery, and could be out all of 2000 in addition to this year!

With Johnny Oates away from the team attending his son's college graduation, we had the second in two straight games in a row with a way cool ending.

I thought we were far enough out in front with the 7 spot we got in the fifth inning, but the Diamondbucks had a 5 spot of their own in the top of the 7th, and they creeped back and tied the game in the ninth when Wetteland gave up a run to blow another save opportunity. We ended up having a rather interesting bottom of the ninth. I'll just copy the text from the game log here:

TEXAS 9TH: Greer singled to right. J Gonzalez singled to center, Greer to second. Dan Plesac relieved Bobby Chouinard. Greer to third, J Gonzalez to second on Stinnett passed ball. R Palmeiro intentionally walked. Zeile walked, Greer scored. (1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors) ARIZONA 8, TEXAS 9.

Walking in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th is about the worst possible way I can think of for a team to lose the game. It wasn't pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but I'll definitely take this win. I'm writing this on Monday the 19th, so I don't remember a whole lot about this game other than the bottom of the ninth finale, which makes two of these in a row. :) I'll take it. This was the fifth time this season the Rangers have won in their final at bat at home this season, Palmeiro walked four times tonight (1 intentionally) - this tied a club record for walks by one player in a game. Aaron Sele retired 10 straight batters to start the game, a record for this season.

Well, there really wasn't much to talk about in this game until the 9th inning. :)

We had some nice D in the field, with Ruben Mateo gunning down Tony Womack at the plate from way out in the outfield, Jon Shave making a great diving stop at first base (not his normal position). However, Pudge had an off night, he had two bad throws including one that sailed into center field. Bill Jones made a comment on TV that we get spoiled seeing Pudge throw, and expect that every one he throws will be perfect. I agree with that, but it still odd to see him throw two bad in the same game.

Rick Helling gave up a run in the first inning, but then didn't allow anything more except a hit in the second, the Diamondbacks went hitless for like 4 or 5 innings or something before Helling gave up a solo shot in the 8th inning. All told, Rick Helling pitched very well, going 8 innings, giving up only two runs on 5 hits. I've been feeling bad for Helling, as he always seems to pitch this way, but he doesn't get the win. I know everyone says "I'ts the pitcher's job to keep the team in the game", and it is, but damn, he has won like one of his last eight starts, while only losing two, I think. He needs more run support.

And speaking of run support, Randy Johnson got some, after the Dbacks have scored nothing in his previous four starts. Coming into this game, I figured we'd be the team that they crushed in support of Randy. Well, they got two in eight innings. Not exactly a "crush", but the way Johnson was pitching, it seemed like it was going to be enough.

Randy left in the 9th inning for their new closer, Matt Matei. He got the first two outs, and it looked like game over. However, Mantei, for being such a highly regarded starter, pitched rather wild after getting two outs, walking the bases full to Greer, Palmeiro, & Stevens. After this, Mark McLemore came up. The count ran to 2-2, and Mark smacked a double up the center that was stopped by the Dbacks' right fielder, but not enough to prevent all three runners from coming around for the win. Man, was this an exciting win in the bottom of the ninth. It was more interesting, since virtually every batter after the first two outs ran the count full. McLemore was 2-2 when he got the hit, so Matei was always "just about there" to getting the job done, but our hitters rode it out, and we won a really thrilling game.

One other thing - 6 of the 7 Ranger hits in this game came with two outs. The one other was Mac's single in the 8th.

Matt Williams of the Dbacks did get his career 1,500th hit in the first inning, which is always nice to see.

I didn't get to see the game yet. As I write this, it's about noon on Wednesday, and I was at a Black Sabbath concert last night. I did tape the game, I'll watch it later tonight and say something tomorrow.

However, I did get to see the thing in the beginning with Ted Williams - that was just so cool. I got to see two of my Phillies heroes from my childhood on the field (I was 15 and living in Philadelphia when the Phils won the series in 1980) - that was great.

More from me later - plus I also intend on getting some screen captures from the game of the Rangers players.

Edit in Dec 2008: As I finally convert the 1999 season to this new site format, I noticed I never wrote about this game, so I'll copy an old wire story up here:

BOSTON (TICKER) -- On a night when baseball honored Ted Williams, Pedro Martinez built his own New England All-Star lore.

Martinez, already an icon in just his second season with the Red Sox, became the first pitcher to open an All-Star Game with four strikeouts and fanned five in two dazzling innings to lead the American League to a 4-1 victory over the National League at Fenway Park.

Martinez earned the win with the help of run-scoring singles in the first by Jim Thome, one of four Cleveland Indians in the starting lineup, and 17-time All-Star Cal Ripken of Baltimore.

"I was really excited," Martinez said. "But it wasn't really for the fan's reaction, it was just to see so many glories of baseball all together at one time."

The third and final All-Star Game at one of baseball's storied stadiums featured pregame ceremonies steeped in tradition. Candidates for baseball's All-Century Team, including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Fenway legend Carl Yastrzemski, were introduced along with the players in tonight's game.

The final tribute was saved for the 80-year-old Williams, an 18-time All-Star and the last player to hit .400, 58 years ago. Williams was taken to the middle of the infield on a golf cart, where both All-Star clubs and members of the All-Century Team converged to greet him amid thunderous applause.

"I can only describe it as great," Williams said. "It didn't surprise me all that much because I know how these fans are here in Boston. They love this game as much as any players and Boston's lucky to have the faithful Red Sox fans."

So enthralled were the past and present players with seeing Williams that an announcement had to be made to get the players back to their dugouts and begin the game, which started 14 minutes later than the scheduled 8:40 p.m. EDT.

With the aid of 15-time All-Star Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres, Williams made a soft toss to honorary AL captain Carlton Fisk, another Boston hero.

That set the stage for Martinez, baseball's winningest pitcher (15) and the first Red Sox to start an All-Star Game since Roger Clemens in 1986. He made the most of his 28 pitches, 19 of which were strikes.

Martinez set down Barry Larkin and one-time teammate Larry Walker before fanning two of baseball's most prolific long-ball hitters, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. All but Walker went down swinging.

"I don't have too much to say, just fastball, changeup and curveball," Martinez said of his encounter with Sosa and McGwire.

"He's right now probably the top pitcher in the game and will be for a while," said Walker, currently with Colorado and a one-time teammate of Martinez in Montreal. "He was dominating with all his pitches and threw them all for strikes."

Matt Williams broke the streak by reaching on an error by second baseman Roberto Alomar as Martinez fell one shy of the record for consecutive strikeouts set by Carl Hubbell in 1934 and matched by Fernando Valenzuela in 1986.

Martinez ended up facing the minimum six batters after Jeff Bagwell struck out and Williams was thrown out attempting to steal. The All-Star record for strikeouts in a game is six by four pitchers, most recently by Ferguson Jenkins in 1967.

Martinez's regular-season dominance carried over to the mid-season classic as he was named Most Valuable Player, the first Red Sox to earn the honor since Clemens in 1986. The only other Red Sox named All-Star MVP was Yastrzemski in 1970.

Martinez became the first pitcher to win a game in his home park since Toronto's Jimmy Key in 1991. He has pitched four scoreless innings in three All-Star appearances.

The loser was starter Curt Schilling of Philadelphia, a one-time Red Sox minor leaguer who allowed a pair of runs in the first.

"I'm happy, but I certainly wish I would have thrown two scoreless innings," Schilling said.

The game featured 13 hits, just six by the winners. The teams combined for 22 strikeouts, breaking the mark of 21 for a nine-inning All-Star Game set in 1984. No player had more than one hit, the first time that has happened since 1988 in Cincinnati.

Kenny Lofton of Cleveland reached on an infield single when Schilling was late covering first on a grounder. Lofton promptly stole second before Boston's Nomar Garciaparra flied out to right field and Ken Griffey Jr. took a called third strike. Manny Ramirez of Cleveland walked and Thome and Ripken followed with consecutive RBI singles.

"It was great. Kenny did his normal thing and got on base, and I got lucky and got a hit," said Thome, who has hitless in his three previous All-Star at-bats.

Martinez was replaced by David Cone of the New York Yankees, who allowed a run in the third on a double by Jeromy Burnitz and a two-out single by Larkin. Cone also allowed the NL to load the bases in the fourth before getting Burnitz on a groundout.

The AL increased its lead to 4-1 with two runs in the fourth off 14-game winner Kent Bottenfield of St. Louis, who opened the inning by walking Thome and hitting Ripken with a pitch. Rafael Palmeiro of Texas singled home a run and Ripken scored after third baseman Williams misplayed a ball hit by Alomar.

Garciaparra, who received a warm ovation before the game, was hitless in two at-bats before being replaced in the fourth by Derek Jeter of the AL East rival Yankees. Garciaparra missed Boston's last nine games due to a groin injury, and the ailment may have prevented him from getting to the single by Larkin in the third.

Sosa and McGwire had their chances to get the NL back in the game in the fifth, but Mike Mussina of Baltimore struck out the sluggers with runners on second and third to end the threat.

A dazzling play by Cleveland shortstop Omar Vizquel saved a run in the seventh. The NL put runners on first and third off Texas rookie Jeff Zimmerman with the help of an error by Boston second baseman Jose Offerman. Vizquel reached a ground ball up the middle by Vladimir Guerrero of Montreal and flipped the ball straight from his glove to Offerman for the final out of the inning.

"I thought it was just an opportunity to shine for my team," Vizquel said. "I didn't have much time to think about it. I just did the best I can."

The NL went down meekly thereafter. Texas closer John Wetteland got the save, ending the game by starting a broken-bat double play by San Francisco's Jeff Kent.

Despite Fenway's cozy dimensions, the game did not feature a home run. Coming closest was Thome, who flied out to the warning track in right field off Jose Lima of Houston in the fifth.

The AL won its third straight All-Star Game, but still trails in the series, 40-29-1.

What's surprising the last several outings by John Burkett is how GOOD he's pitched. I wonder where all this stuff has been hiding the last several years? He's definitely looked to me the best he's ever looked in Texas these last four games he's pitched. He didn't get a win today, but six innings, giving up one run and six hits is pretty good to me. Not godlike, but certainly way better than our pitching has been overall. He would have gone further if we weren't in a National League game, too.

Speaking of that, this was our final game in a National League Park this season - our pitchers were terrible batting this year, after a great year in 97 and an OK year in 98. Mike Morgan had a single yesterday, but that's the lone hit by Ranger pitchers this year - Burkett looked weird up there, even more so than some of the others.

Anyway, this game was a great pitchers duel until the bottom of the 8th when Loaiza & Venafro just blew it, giving up 5 runs in the 8th. San Diego pitcher Matt Clement pitched excellent, going 7 innings, giving up one run and only 3 hits - the other Ranger run was a solo home run by Raffy in the 9th.

Juan Gonzalez wasn't in the game, as he and his wife were at the hospital as their youngest daughter had an asthma attack in the morning, and had to be rushed there. During the radio post game show, they said that the group were still at the hospital, and tests were still going on. As I write this at 1:20AM on Monday morning, I still had not heard anything new here.

We end the "half" in first place, with a five game lead over Oakland, a six game lead over Seattle, and a 6.5 game lead over Anaheim. We should have been around 8 on the second place team, but I'll take the lead - this is the largest lead we've had at an All-Star Break ever. Speaking of that, Manny Ramirez ended up with 96 (or 98, I'm not sure right now) RBI's going into the break, a couple short of Juan last year. However, Juan had a really slow second half last year, and my gut feeling says that Manny won't this year - I think he might take a stab at Hack Wilson, and he'll probably get the MVP.

Hey, I like Manny Ramirez - I'm 33, and in all my years of going to baseball games, he's the only person I've ever caught a foul ball from (May of 98 at the Ballpark). OK, it's a geeky reason to like someone, but what the hell, it's my reason. :)

Hopefully when the second half starts, we can put some distance between us and the rest of the division - our focus needs to be on the best record we can get, because if things end up the way they are now, we're playing the Yankees again in the first round of the playoffs - UGH!!!

The Good: Todd Zeile extended his hitting streak. We had three Ranger home runs.

The Bad: Mike Morgan seems more like what his record indicates he would be pitching like, not like the guy we saw in Anaheim the other week.

The Ugly: Two errors in the 9th inning leading to a total defensive meltdown, costing us the game.

Oh my, what an ugly way to lose a game. Not only did we commit one error (Rusty's bobble of a ball he tried to basket catch), but the one by Wetteland to finish the game was obscene. Actually, he probably should have been charged with TWO errors, as on the play before it he failed to cover his part of the infield - Wetteland seemed asleep on defense, big time.

Scarborough Green made it into this game - he drew a walk. I tend to root for the guys who hardly ever get to play, I seemed to have picked this up from my wife Lynn who feels this way about all kinds of sports players. I'm wondering how much longer he stays around, especially if we make some sort of move before the end of the month.

The ending of this game really spoiled what was an otherwise good game. Mike Morgan looked sloppy again, and we ended up taking the lead on three home runs hit by our guys today, including a real dinger of a shot by Ruben Mateo (440 feet or so). Todd Zeile set a career high hitting streak for himself with 17, and I was feeling good going into the bottom of the ninth, especially after a baserunning blunder by the Padres left us with two outs and the lead. Then Wetteland has his meltdown.

It's too bad, as I can't think of anything else about this game except this.

Aaron Sele looked really good, like he had some of his best stuff going tonight. He was great through the first six innings, but seemed to crap out come the seventh - he had something like 115 pitches, if I'm not mistaken. He gave up two innings, before handing the ball over to Venafro, who ended the seventh inning. Jeff Zimmerman came in and got another scoreless inning - lowering his ERA from 0.89 to 0.88. It's about at the point where it's not going anywhere else. :) John Wetteland would have come in for the ninth, but we scored a couple of more runs in the top of the 9th, putting a save out of reach, so Tim Crabtree came in for the ninth, and did really well. Again, our bullpen led the way - giving up nothing.

Our offence got started early with a solo home run by Pudge in the first inning. We also had home runs from two others, a solo shot by Ruben Mateo, just back from the DL, and a two run shot by Royce Clayton (whose mother was shown in the stands cheering for him after the hr). Overall, it seemed like a very nice game - good pitching (2 runs on 9 hits), great offense (3 HR, 7 runs on 8 hits), and some awesome defense.

Twice Aaron Sele got out of bases loaded, once in a most cool factor. Bases were loaded with no one out, and Sele got a really big strikeout. Then he got Jackson to hit a ball back to him, and Sele converted a really cool pitcher to catcher to first double play ending the inning.

Todd Zeile did not play, he was "excused" from the game, as he had a personal matter to attend to at home (as his family is in Los Angeles).

Couple of interesting things about the game.. It seemed that every time Juan came up, he was booed (not terribly loudly, but you could hear it on TV), and when Pudge came into the dugout one time, there were two girls within earshot of a microphone screaming "Pudge, we came all the way from Texas, will you sign my ball? We love youuuuuuuuu!" Cute. :)

Tomorrow we're on national Fox TV coverage - let's see how bad they dump on Juan for his All-Star game stance.

Rick Helling doesn't look like the pitcher he was last year. He's had only one win in his last 8 starts. However, he does seem to be suffering from a lack of run support this year. Many a time, he's pitched really well, only to be taken out late with a 2-1 deficit, or something like that. It's too bad. Still, he is pitching well overall, but his record doesn't show it, and his ERA was killed by his first couple of starts of the season.

However, our bullpen continues it's masterpieces. Wetteland got his 26th save, and Zimmerman got his eighth win - At this rate, we have a chance of a bullpen pitcher having our most wins. I wonder what the record for any team for bullpen wins by one pitcher in a season is? Wetteland made it interesting in the 9th by allowing the bases to get loaded, but we ended up winning by 3.

I didn't get to catch all of the game, as it was on during the day at work, and I sometimes can't pay attention at work like I can at home. Still, it was a win, and we'll always take that.

Nice day for the team - we have four All-Stars this year (Pudge, Raffy, Wetteland, & Zimmerman). We would have had five, for an all time Ranger record if Juan hadn't decided to sulk.

The new Ranger killer, Ben Grieve hit another home run against us - this was his first one at home in about a year!

This was just like the July 4th game. We were totally shut down by the opposing pitcher (this time it's Jimmy Haynes). Although he didn't pitch all 9 innings, he pitched really well, and got some nice support from the bullpen to shut down the Rangers, with a total of four hits over the nine innings. Again, we had a bit of a threat in the 9th, but nothing happened.

Ryan Glynn killed himself with a million walks, two of which came around for runs. Juan Gonzalez made an awesome defensive play in the game throwing out a runner trying to score at the plate on a rocket of a throw from the bullpen on the right hand side - there was no doubt, either, he was out by a mile. This double play saved Glynn's butt when he had walked the bases loaded. This might be Glynn's last appearance, my gut says he'll be going back to AAA after the All-Star game.

Jimmy Haynes of Oakland really looked great - it's tough to do anything against a pitcher that pitches this well against you. Mike Munoz pitched a few really good innings, I thought again last night that he was an excellent pickup in the past off-season. Loaiza made another short appearance in relief - he did his job, but he doesn't seem to be hanging around long enough at one time to know how well he really looks.

Todd Zeile did extend his hitting streak to 15 - Pudge has the current season record of 20.

Another one of these late games - the Rangers have to get to a different division, I hate all these games that start after 9PM!

Tony Phillips of the A's got his career 2,000th hit tonight - a single. That was a nice moment.

Esteban Loaiza came off the DL, sending Danny Kolb back to AAA. I was surprised, I didn't think Loaiza was coming back till after the All Star Game. He only pitched the final out, but I was surprised to see him here.

I don't remember a whole lot about this game, as again I was busy doing some other things. I'm not liking all these losses inside the division. This was our chance to distance us from the rest of the division, and we didn't do it. :(

I was at the Ballpark for this game - and quite frankly, the best thing was the fireworks show. The Rangers were dead all night. Mike Morgan gave up four runs in the first, mostly on a three run home run to Edgar Martinez, and that's all that was needed.

The Rangers had six hits, scattered over 9 innings, and didn't have any kind of offense until two outs in the ninth, when we had loaded the bases (of which one was a walk, and one was a hbp), but John Halama was just too much - he had his first ever shutout, and he pitched a complete game. Todd Zeile did extend his hitting streak to 12.

Again, a really great fireworks show out at the Ballpark - I've seen all three this year so far, and probably will go to the one towards the end of the season.

I don't remember a whole lot about this game, but I was fairly tired during this game, both because I was sleepy, and because I was otherwise occupied - I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to this game.

I fell asleep before the game was over - the last thing I remember about it, the score was 9-5, which was in the top of the 6th inning.

Looking at the results, a few nice things were Zeile extended his hitting streak to the 12, Danny Kolb pitching 2 2/3 innings, giving up one hit and one run, and another home run by Mark McLemore.

This was a pretty good game, actually. The score shows a close game, and it really was a flip-flop type of game. We had the lead, then they tied it, took the lead, and we tied it right back up. We took the lead, and they tied it in the 9th, but we ended up winning it in the bottom of the ninth - Rusty Greer, of course. :)

Luis Alicea had an interesting night - he was called out on strikes twice - it really looked like they should have been balls. After the second one, Alicea started to argue, but was tossed immediately, since he had griped before. When that happened Johnny Oates came out to defend Luis, and ended up getting into quite an argument himself. He did something that really reminded me of former Ranger manager Billy Martin - he kicked dirt on the umpire and got tossed, which I thought was cool. Oates accidentally kicked the umpire, too - which I thought was really bad. A few days later (I'm writing this on the 7th), I found out that nothing will happen because of this, apparently Oates and the ump are friends or something.

Todd Zeile extended his hitting streak to 11 games, and he hasn't struck out more than once in around 75 at bats or so - nice control at the plate. Also pitching was Jordan Zimmerman, the brother of the Rangers' Jeff. There was a nice piece in the newspaper about the Zimmerman brothers' father who was at the game. It's a great story, and I hope Jeff turns out to be more than just a flash. He's got a great story.

Blowout! Oh my. There's just too many things to talk about, I'll probably forget a few.

When I saw the pitching lineup for this game, I expected it to be a high scoring game. I figured that Glynn would give up a few, and Ken Hill would probably get knocked around, as he's not that good this year (has he ever been since we traded him to Anaheim?). However, I didn't figure that it would end up quite like this! Of course, all 18 didn't come from Hill, it was spread out all over the place - we didn't score in just two of the 9 innings. It didn't seem to matter whom the Angels sent out there to pitch, we banged 'em around really good last night.

We continued our recent dominance of the Angels in Anaheim, by taking the last 6 games there (going to last September), outscoring them a total of 57-8 in those six games. This series that just ended was 32-5, with 4 of the 5 coming in last night's game alone! What's more interesting is that even scoring 18 runs, we also left twelve guys on base - it could have been a whole lot worse - It's just too bad we can't do this against the Yankees, dammit!

Todd Zeile & Raffy each went four for four with four RBI's. With 20 hits and 18 runs, you'd think we had some longball. We didn't, there was only one home run, and it was a solo shot from a very non home run hitting Mark McLemore. It's nice, as Mark was hitting the ball well this entire series, but didn't get a whole lot to show for it. Mark could have had about 13 hits in 3 games, the way he was hitting the ball, it seemed.

Ryan Glynn wasn't as stellar as Burkett & Morgan were the last two nights, but he pitched fairly well, working out of a jam with the bases loaded in the second or third, not allowing the Angels any runs, which was good. He did give up two runs in the 6th, which was when he was pulled. Mike Venafro gave up the other two (with Patterson & Kolb pitching an inning each, not giving up anything). Our pitching was fairly decent - it wasn't as stellar as the last two nights, but you can't have that every time. One interesting note - Glynn's last two outings have resulted in the Rangers giving him run support of 14 & 18. :)

Bad news, as Pudge jammed his knee going into first base, and had to be helped off the field. As I write this on 2:45PM Thursday afternoon, there's still no word as to his condition - I really hope it's not a big break, as the AL All-Star teams are about to be announced, and I want his streak of appearances to continue.

Let's see how we do against Seattle over the July 4th weekend. The Rangers have Thursday off, so if the A's beat the Mariners, that means we'll go into the weekend series with a 6 game lead on Seattle, a 7 game lead on Oakland, and a 9.5 game lead on Anaheim. I really would LOVE it if we could get to 10 games over the second place team by the All-Star break, but that probably won't happen. I'll be happy if we can maintain this lead we have now. :)

I thought Mike Morgan pitched the best game by a Ranger last night, but oh my! John Burkett - where'd he go? This guy pitching isn't John Burkett! This was a spectacular followup to the game in Arlington a few days back against Anaheim. That night, Burkett obviously pitched the best he had all season, and I genuinely felt bad for him when it started to rain, and they were pulling the tarp on the field - Burkett still stood there. It's really cool that he followed that up with an even better performance this time out. He went 7 innings, giving up no runs and only one hit. Everything seemed to be working - which was great. We could use this kind of Burkett, not the one who was shagged out at the beginning of the season. Still, I'd be surprised if the Rangers pick up his option for next year after this year - it might be on to the Pro Bowlers Tour for Burkett after this. Still, it's great to see him coming around, it can't do anything but help the team.

The bullpen tonight (Zim, Wetteland) pitched two no hit/run innings to close out the one hit shutout.

Our offense seemed slow to come - we scored in just the fourth inning (two small ball runs), and then in the 8th, Juan Gonzalez hit a three run home run to seal the game. Juan's in the middle of one of his hot streaks - I hope if it keeps going, the all star break doesn't screw it up, as he probably won't go there.

Speaking of that, Juan is starting to sound a bit like a prima donna to me. I know he says "for the team", but the two comments about "no HR derby" and "I won't play unless voted in" are a tad to the prima-donnaish side of things, which the Rangers have always seemed able to stay away from.

One other interesting thing, Mike Morgan was shown on TV being very animated in the dugout after last nights' game - it was pretty cool to see. :)

I felt so bad for Mike Morgan. One pitch away from a complete game shutout. He was totally masterful all through the game. It was the bottom of the ninth, two out, and two strikes. He made his one mistake of the entire night. Todd Greene screwed it up, and hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth. However, Mike did get the complete game win. It was the first such beast by any Ranger pitcher this year. It was only the second complete game by a Ranger pitcher all year (the other was an 8 inning pitched complete game loss by Rick Helling). It was Mike's first complete game in a couple of years, and if he had gotten the shutout, it would have been his first CG shutout in 6 years. Still, he was absolutely dominating, getting his ninth win of the season. This guy has turned out to be the steal of the offseason. Can't believe he's been cast aside by so many teams. I know his run support is part of it, but still, the fact that we have a 39 year old starting pitcher that is with his 11th team, and has 9 wins is still impressive to me.

I was out getting a haircut, and missed the top of the first inning, so when I got in the car to drive home, it was already 2-0. I had missed Juan's home run, and the announcement that Dick Bosman broke his hip. Now forgive me, but what exactly is Dick Bosman doing roller blading? That seems like an activity that is far too young for him. I know George Bush was skydiving for his 75th anniversary, but it just strikes me that rollerblading is not the best thing for Dick to be doing. They said during the game that he's going to be out "indefinitely", and that Larry Hardy has taken over as the pitching coach, with Butch Wynegar being called up from AAA to serve as bullpen coach.

Our offense teed off on Chuck Finley, whom we always seem to do good against. We had three home runs again (Juan, Raffy, Royce), accounting for 6 of the 9 runs. We were up quickly, which probably is what gave Mike Morgan what he needed to pitch the way he did. I really want to sweep these guys, as we had such a problem gaining a lot of ground in Seattle, we'll need all three to pick up some room. I'd love to have at least a 6 game lead over second place, and a 10 game lead over last place by the time the All-Star break comes around.

The final game at the Kingdome, and we lost. Damn. On Friday, it was the home run show by the Rangers. On Saturday, it was the walk show by the Rangers. Today it was the Ken Griffey show. He powered the offense, robbed us of a three run home run (off Juan's bat), and generally showed why he's regarded as the best centerfielder in the game today. He was quite cool to watch.

It was an interesting game, as three people got ejected - two Rangers (Royce Clayton & Johnny Oates), and one Mariner (Edgar Martinez). Royce was arguing a call, and got tossed, and when Johnny came out to defend Royce, he got tossed, too. Baseball is one of those weird sports where when you're at home, and your manager is arguing, the crowd cheers even more when your own guy gets thrown out. You'd think the fans would boo, but they cheer. :)

We lost, and I was annoyed by that, but it seemed like a great game to watch. It's a pity it was on Fox Sports Southwest, as they have no concept of post game show. I wish this was on Channel 39, as we would have gotten to see some of the post game stuff, which I really wanted to see.

I hope Tom Hicks moves the Rangers to his own station for all 162 games, and does good pre-and post game shows. It's obvious Fox Sports Southwest doesn't know how to do that. :(

Tom Goodwin was back off the disabled list, pushing Scarborough Green back down to AAA. Ruben Mateo is still on the DL, and is supposed to go straight to AAA when he's off the list. Today's DMN reports that Eric Gunderson's rehab assignment outing didn't go all that well.

I didn't get to see or hear the bulk of this game, because I was out of touch virtually all day working on my car, and didn't have access to a radio.

However, in looking at the box scores, it appears that walks killed us. Damn.

Well, I can only think of two words to describe tonight's game - BOMBS AWAY!!

It's Monday afternoon, and it's now 3 days since this game, and my memory is not what it was over the weekend. However, if I'm not mistaken, all but 2 or 3 of our runs came from runs driven in by a home run. It was very much an offensive type of night.

After last night's fiasco, I was glad to come home, and not have to worry about getting to the game. :)

Anyway, about the game. When I heard Burkett was starting this game, I figured it'd be a slugfest. Burkett has been really ineffective as a starter this season (he's done fairly decent in the pen), and I figured this would be no different. Wow - he was such a surprise, pitching 6 totally solid innings. He looked like the Burkett of old, when we first signed him a few years ago. If he pitched like this all the time, we wouldn't need to be trading for a pitcher next month. In fact, I felt really bad for Burkett, as he was out there at the start of the 7th, and there was a rain delay after he had worked an 0-2 count to the first batter. When the rain came, the Rangers were running off the field, and the tarp guys were already at work. Burkett was still standing there, like he didn't want to stop. I genuinely felt bad for the guy, I wanted him to keep going. Still, it was an awesome performance for a guy who quite possibly could be pitching in his final season.

Our offense got going early, scoring all five of our runs in the first two innings. Surprisingly, the A pitcher stayed in there after that, and settled down. After the second, we really didn't get much else going offensively, which always worries me. We could have had more, though as Ben Grieve made a catch right against the left field wall, which appeared to have deflected off the wall first before he caught it when viewed on TV replay. Raffy was all the way to third, and was an easy double play. We should have had a few more there, but we got away with the same play in Boston last week when Ruben Mateo did more or less the same exact thing.

Our relief pitching continued it's dominance, and I have to say that with the one exception of the home run ball Burkett gave up in the 6th, our pitching was masterful. I wish we had this kind of stuff every time out from Burkett, we'd be in much better shape than we already are in.

On to the Kingdome to shut that stupid thing down!

Oh man, what an annoying win. For me personally. Let me tell you why...

Well, around 4PM, I had my tickets handed to me. These were luxury box tickets - it turns out they were in the lower level box behind home plate, a little up the third base line. We were still behind the screen that hangs behind home plate - that should give you an idea of where these seats are. Well, when I found out that I was in a luxury box, I first thought, digital camera! This box belonged to the firm that our company's lawyer works at. Great stuff - they were kind enough to invite my wife and I to a game back in April in the seats they have right over the dugout, too.

So, I went home, got dressed for the game, picked up my wife, and ran back to the office to pick up a co-worker who was riding with us. Also going were others from work in a seperate SUV. Since I live in Garland, my regular route to the ballpark is to pick up Rt. 30 in Garland, and just ride it out to Arlington and the Ballpark. We're driving along, and hit downtown Dallas, and get through the mixmaster. We pass that, and come out to go by Reunion Arena, and we hit traffic - looks like an accident. So, we're creeping along, and by this point, we're right at the point where Rt 35 splits off, and Rt 30 splits off to the left, and continues out to Grand Prairie & Arlington. Well, traffic is stopped, and my car decides that it wants to stop, too! It stalls, and doesn't want to start. By this time, it's about 6:10. I get on the cel phone that my wife happened to have, and called AAA for a rescue, after I pushed the car to the side of the highway. I also then called the other car on their cel phone (hey, this is the computer game industry I'm in, we all have cel phones), and told them of my predicament. They show up about 10 minutes later, and they picked up my wife and our friend, and they carried on to the Ballpark. I stayed behind with the car and waited for AAA. It took about another 40 minutes or so for him to show up. It was 95 degrees out, and I'm on cement, in the sun. Er, it was not cool - let's just say that. The AAA guy shows up about 7:20 or so, and we get rolling right around 7:30. I finally got back home with my dead car right around 8:00PM.

Now, the game is about 25 minutes old, and I've totally missed the Stanley Cup presentation that I wanted to see. Not to mention the fact I'm missing out on the luxury box, which is a once in a lifetime thing. Not to mention I really missed my wife. I wanted her to see the Cup, I didn't want her to stay with me, I figured we both didn't have to suffer, so I alone waited for the car. It's 8PM, and I picked up the wife's car, and drove it out to the Ballpark and met up with the guys already there. Now, one thing about my wife's car - it has no working air conditioner, so we try to use that only when we have to. And boy, it was still hot out, although two open windows kept it somewhat cool. I finally made it out to the Ballpark, and the game was still in the middle of the 3rd inning. That surprised me, because when I took off from home, it was still the top of the second. It's about 36 miles from my house to the Ballpark (I'm not sure of the exact mileage). So, I was moving. :) When I got there, parking was already free, so I got to park for free, but unfortunately, I had to park in the middle of where the old ballpark was. If you know the layout of the area, it's a LONG walk to the ballpark from there. I had to walk past the convention center, past the mini kids ballpark, up home plate, and into the park. When I got out of my car, the A's had just made a pitching change with one out in the bottom of the third. By the time I got to the ballpark itself from my parking spot, the fourth inning was starting. The final nail in this story's coffin was this.. I entered in the home plate section. I looked at my ticket, and it said "Dizzy Dean Box - Lower 15B". So, I figured that meant the box was near section 15. So, I walk down towards third base where section 15 is, and go up to the luxury box level. The ticket person there said I need to walk back towards home plate. So, as if I wasn't hot enough from all that had happened to me with the car, the walk, the drive(s), I had to walk back to home plate, and I could have taken a friggin elevator! Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

However, I finally get there, and I was so overheated, it took me till the bottom of the fifth before I could really start to enjoy myself. But oh man, were these seats sweet. This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and I'm glad I got to be in the box, even missing the first three innings. If you ever get the chance to use one of these, go! It was beautiful. I had taken a digital camera, that I gave to my friend Kevin who was in the car with me to take to the Ballpark. When I got there, I took pictures (Kevin took some when I wasn't there). If you want to see the pictures taken at this game, you can do so here.

What was weird about the game in a luxury box is that you don't pay a whole lot of attention to the game itself. I'm sure if you're up here a lot, you do, but when you're in a luxury box with a catered meal, you don't spend a lot of time paying attention to the game at hand. Sure, I watched, and I saw some scoring and good plays, but my focus was on the box itself. It had a private bathroom, sink, counter space, lounge chairs inside, in addition to the 10 actual seats outside in the ballpark area. They also had two seats from Arlington stadium autographed by Nolan Ryan inside the box. That was a nice touch. There were several photos, including a nice one of Arlington Stadium, as well as some of Nolan Ryan. Top notch stuff, and if anyone's lucky enough to be able to be in one of these reuglarly, I have to salute you - these are the way to go.

The game itself was kind of interesting. From what I listened on the radio to, Mike Morgan was a bit wild early, giving up three runs in the first two innings, including 41 pitches in the second inning. However, he got it together after that, giving up nothing from innings 3-7. He was then replaced in relief by Mike Munoz & Tim Crabtree for an inning - Munoz gave up a weird run. Wetteland came in for the ninth, and things looked bad - he gave up another home run (to Ben Grieve), and the score was 7-6. He did hold on for the win, breaking a season high four game losing streak. This game to me was more about my car troubles and the box than the game itself, so I'm not going to write any more - these things were about all that I remember from the game anyway. :)

However, Ben "bed bouncer" Grieve had his second two home run game of his career. Guess where the other one was? That's right - at the Ballpark in Arlington last year. We should have this boy here, as he kills us. Of course, we'd be so innudated with remarks about Tom Grieve too, it'd get sickening, I'm sure.

Oh man, what an annoying loss.

Aaron Sele seemed to be rolling along, although he came out after the fifth inning. Our rookie phenom pitchers kept the middle up, not giving any runs, or much of anything in the 6th through the 8th. We were up 3-2 going into the ninth.

Unfortunately, John Wetteland had a meltdown in the top of the 9th, and gave up three runs. Now, that alone would have been bad enough on this loss. However, in the bottom of the ninth, two big things consipired against what was an apparent comeback for (at least) the tie. Tony Phillips, who had just been put into center field (he was playing second all the other 8 innings) made probably the catch of the season. Text doesn't describe how awesome this catch was. That robbed Juan Gonzalez of an easy double, with two RBI's to tie up the game. What made it worse was that Rusty Greer was called out for a major brainfart - he passed Pudge on the basepaths, which is a huge no-no. Actually, that was the second thing like that - Rafael Palmiero got caught in a rundown at third, and was thrown out - basically throwing away a run there. :(

Oh man. Not only did we give it up in the 9th, but we screwed ourselves in the bottom of the ninth. Did't like this at all - but tomorrow night's trip to the luxury boxes would have made up for it. Or so I thought - wait till you read tomorrow's commentary by me!

Crap. First losing road trip of the year. I don't have time to write anything, as I've been obscenely busy at work today.

No commentary - I was having lunch at a great Tex Mex place in Houston (two blocks down the street from NASA) when this game was on. :)

I was driving from Dallas to Houston when this game was on, and didn't get to hear all of it, as I eventually drove out of range of KRLD.

I did get to hear Mark Clark give up another home run (a bit of a broken record with him, I think) and Todd Zeile hit a home run, but that was about it. No commentary from me, as I hardly heard any of the game.

I didn't see much of this game, as my wife and went out and did some shopping before we headed out on our trip to Houston this weekend to see the Astros in Houston. I saw the first three innings, and when I left, it was 1-0 Red Sox.

When I came home, it was a much nicer game. Looking at the box score, we had some great pitching again - I'm surprised they didn't give Wetteland a shot at another save, but I guess he needed a break in these situations.

Didn't get to see much, but it's nice to win 3 in a row again. I hope we can pull out at least 3 of 4 in Boston. Not going to update again until Monday afternoon, so I won't have commentary for the next two days when I do get back to updating, as I'll be out of touch and won't be able to see any of the games.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

I didn't think we had it in us to pull off the split. This game felt really good. Got a long ball, had small ball, had some nice defense, we did just about everything last night. Hell, we pulled off the first triple play in 22 years (only the second in Ranger history).

Roger Clemens was masterful early. He struck out ten in the first four innings, including everyone in the first two innings. However, we ended up getting to him (and the Yankees) in the latter part of the game.

I was flipping back and forth between this game and the Stars game, so I didn't see everything, but I did see the triple play. What was funny was that the guy who hit into it (Chili Davis) also hit into a double play later. :)

I've been impressed with Gregg Zaun the last few days. He's not the greatest catcher around, but he certainly did his part when called upon. I was very disappointed when Bill Haselman signed somewhere else after last year, but I have to say... Gregg Zaun has grown on me.

"It was a team effort" is so cliched, but here it meant something. This game was won by the team, not by any one player. This was spectacular baseball, the kind of stuff a hardcore baseball fan lives for.

We survived Yankee Stadium, breaking our 7 game losing streak there with a split. Now it's on to Beantown for four more - I like playing Boston, we always seem to get good baseball playing them.

Oh my - we had some pitching! If I didn't watch the game on TV, I would have thought it was a misprint!!

Rick Helling was totally masterful, going 7 innings, giving up no runs on just three hits. This is what we needed - let's just hope it continues over past today. I didn't feel like writing the last two nights, as what can you say? The Yankees beat us almost all the time in Yankee stadium. What was there to write about?

We won last night, which was really great. Our pitching was totally masterful, and is the kind of thing we'd need if we're going to advance in the playoffs. Speaking of pitching, this morning's (Thursday's) Dallas Morning News seemed to imply that we might be going after Darren Oliver again in July. Ugh. While he's pitching OK, he's not totally what we need.

Honestly, there isn't much to talk about with this game. Lee Stevens belted a two run home run, but other than that, we didn't do much until Ruben Mateo batted in a run late. We ourselves only had 5 hits for the game, and if it wasn't for the Stevens blast, this game would have been a complete and total pitcher's duel (more than it already was).

Was really nice to see the Rangers pick up the win.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

None - don't feel like talking about the Yankee curse. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Oh oh.

The Rangers' slump reached 4 games after the Yankees held the Rangers to just 4 hits. The Rangers lost 6-2.

Ryan Glynn, not to be confused with Nolan Ryan, hasn't had a good outing yet. Glynn who been more like John Glenn - of the astronoimal ERA's.

I think it's time to try someone else on the mound in his stead. (Is Esteban Loaiza ready yet? Would Loaiza do any worse?).

The offense has gone on pre-summer vacation. And it doesn't get any easier. There are 2 more games left with the "Rangers can't beat you but everyone else can" Yankees and then 4 more with the Red Sox.

To top it off, Johnny Oates went nuts in the clubhouse after the game, erupting during a team meeting, ended by him throwing a baseball at a locker in disgust over his team's recent play - especially against the Yankees. The previous time Oates held a closed door team meeting, the team responded positively.

Do they have enough pitching to respond positively again?

None - don't feel like talking about the Yankee curse. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

None available.

There wasn't really a whole lot to this game. Mike Morgan, outside of the second inning pitched very well, and the two Ranger relivers that followed (Venafro/Crabtree) each pitched one scoreless inning. Mike Morgan made one big mistake in the second, a three run home run to Kurt Abbott. Other than that, he was great. In fact, the Rockies went down 1-2-3 in every inning from the fourth to the ninth with only two hits in that mix. The three run home run did it.

The Rangers weren't a whole lot better, except we didn't go down 1-2-3 as many times. The Rockies did it in 7 of the 9 innings, we did it in only 3. Our lone scoring was the two solo home runs by Juan Gonzalez & Rafael Palmeiro in the 4th. We had a few chances (1st and 3rd with 2 outs in the first, 1st and 3rd with 1 out in the 9th), but we didn't mount any real offense.

In fact, the offense for both sides was rather scattered, as there were a total of 15 hits for both teams, and 14 of them were by different players (only Echevarria for Colorado had two). We had our chances, and we didn't come through. Oh well.

On to a hellacious 8 game stretch with four games in New York, and four in Boston. Ugh. Hope we come out of that still in first, and still in decent shape.

Ruben Mateo went 0-4 with a walk - he has one hit in his first two games, a home run. Mateo did try and make a good catch during the game, but missed it - he looked good, and he did change his uniform number from 38 to 21 - no reason given on TV that I heard for the switch.

Commentary by Jim Weeks:

Mike Morgan had his most effective outing of the year, but one bad pitch was belted for a 3 run homer and the Rangers lost.

This is one game the Rangers should have won. They had numerous opportunities to win the game, including in the 9th inning, but it wasn't to be.

Ruben Mateo, sporting Ruben Sierra (and Roberto Clemente's) #21, made a bad judgement play in center, diving for a ball he should have played differently. Although he walked in the game, he did strike out twice.

Juan Gonzalez drove in his 1,000th career run with a solo homer.

My wife and I were out for the evening seeing a movie (Austin Powers II), so we didn't hear/see much of the game at all. We did hear part of a pre-game interview with Jeff Zimmerman where he talked a bit about his brother with the Mariners, and what it's been like being part of the bullpen this year. Zim did say one thing that I totally agreed with him on. He does not like the nickname "The Zimmenator" that the TV guys have given him.

When the movie was over, and we got in the car, I turned on the radio, and started listening. The score was I believe 8-4 at the time, and while we were driving, I heard Mateo's name. At that point, I hadn't found out about the roster move - the short time we listened to the pre-game in the car, they didn't mention it. Mateo hit his first dinger of his career (didn't see it, only in replays), and he almost hit two, but seemed to have a good game for his first. There was a miscommunication late in the game with Juan on a fly ball that they almost appaered to run into each other over. Still, good first outing.

So, they had put Goodwin on the DL, and brought up Ruben Mateo. If you read my commentary from yesterday, this is what I didn't want to have happen, as I figured it would piss off Simms & Kelly (there was an article in today's Dallas Morning News about that same issue). Anyway, now that he's here, I would like him to stay, but I have a feeling that we'll be losing either Simms or Kelly in the process. That's a shame, we have done good with these guys, but if we could only keep one, I'd rather keep Kelly.

Oh well. Aaron Sele seemed to be pitching well, but caught a really bad break in the bottom of the 4th, and the Rockies scored four runs because of it. :( Not the greatest outing for him, but not the worst - our bullpen picked up the slack pretty good.

I'd write more, but I only saw the last two innings on TV, and listened to one on the radio - by this point, all the big stuff had happened already. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

Royce Clayton doesn't hit many home runs, but when he does, he does it off someone good. Last night it was Darryl Kile giving up a homer to Royce in the 6th, tying the game; Royce's second of the year. His other home run was last week in Arizona off Randy Johnson. Royce is playing and hitting better lately, but I get the feeling he's still not all there.

All three Ranger runs were courtesy of the longball. The other one was Rafael Palmeiro in the bottom of the eighth inning, with a two run blast to win the game. He's definitely Mr. Clutch this season, that's for sure.

In a disturbing trend in the last month, Rick Helling pitched excellent, but didn't get any runs, and was removed, and the bullpen swiped his run for him (again Zimmerman, who is now 7-0 in relief). It's great that he's pitching well, but our offense needs to wake up a bit earlier during Helling's games. Helling is lowering his ERA, he's down to 4.5. That's still not that great, but considering how much up in the stratosphere it was after April, it's great to see it somewhere near reality.

In the game, Tom Goodwin injured himself running from first to third, and had to come out of the game. It looked fairly bad when he was being helped off the field, and Roberto Kelly came in for him. With Mike Simms ready to come off the DL, I wonder what will happen. The Rangers said that Ruben Mateo will be in Arlington today, so that brings up an interesting scenario. If Goodwin goes on the DL, do they give the job to Kelly and activate Simms for backup? Do they call up Mateo, give him the job, leave Kelly as the backup (possibly pissing him off in the last year of his contract with us), and leave Simms on the DL (probably pissing him off, too)? Do we bring up Mateo, give the job to Kelly, and have Mateo as a backup? Do we activate Simms, give Kelly the job, with Simms as backup, and leave Mateo in AAA? It's an intersting scenario. As I write this (1:45PM on Saturday the 12th), the decision still hasn't been made (or I can't find it on the net). I'm really curious to see what happens here.

Personally, I'd like to give it to Kelly and activate Simms, leaving Mateo in AAA. That is if the injury to Goodwin requires a trip to the DL, and it isn't too long term. If it *IS* a long term thing, bring up Mateo give him the job, keep Kelly as a backup, and still activate Simms, and send one of the bullpen guys down to AAA. I think we're out of options on Simms, and we have to expose him to the wire. I don't really want to lose him.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Rafael Palmeiro's 2 run homer in the 8th inning led the Rangers to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Rockies Friday.

Palmeiro just keeps coming through with the big hit - he has 4 of the last 5 game-winning RBI's for the Rangers - all of them late in the ball game.

Jeff Zimmerman, now an amazing 7-0 with an ERA of 1.13 and John Wetteland shut down the Rockies in the last 2 innings.

These two have been outstanding as now the Rangers' bullpen is 15-1 with 31 saves.

Rick Helling pitched well for 7 innings but Texas had a hard time scoring off of Darryl Kile.

Kile might wind up in a Rangers' uniform before the trade deadline. This is a pitcher the Rangers wanted a couple of years ago but he chose Rockies' money instead. The Rockies would want a couple of Minor League pitchers for him and probably Cesar King as well.

Tom Goodwin injured his hip during the game running the bases. There's no word yet as I write this how serious an injury it is but this may well open the door for Ruben Mateo, by far the highest rated offensive prospect in baseball, who's having a monster year at AAA.

Not available.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

I didn't get to see but about half the game Wednesday. I saw enough though - as Mark Clark was shelled and the Rangers lost for only the 3rd time in 15 games.

The Rangers played some good defense in the early innings, but Tod Zeile (again) let a ball go right through him and then there was no way for the Rangers to come back after being down 6-0. Zeile was not charged with an error (that may change because it was obviously an error, according to the radio guys), Zeile is going to wind up killing this team defensively and I really expect him to be dealt - or benched - in favor of someone else down the stretch.

The good news is that the Rangers finished the road trip at 3-3 against pitchers they never have seen or rarely see.

Friday, they open up a short three game homerstand against the Rockies, then back into troubled waters against the Yankees (4 games) and Boston (4 games) on the road, before almost a three-week stretch against AL West opponents.

Let's see, lots of strange stuff in this game.. 13 innings, a balk, a streaker in the field, Juan Gonzalez ejected for arguing balls and strikers, a Ranger reliever being tied for the team lead in wins with 6, a Wetteland blown save, and 6 different players batting in the 7 runs we scored (Raffy was the only person with two).

Quite a bizarre game. Took four and a half hours, and we finally pulled it out. I thought we were dead in the bottom of the ninth, but we got away with a double play that, to my eyes on TV, lookd like something we shouldn't have gotten. There was a strike-em-out throw-em-out double play, but it appeared the Royce Clayton pushed the Dodger runner off second and then tagged him out. We got the call, which is good, because right after that, John Wetteland gave up a solo home run to tie the game. Call hadn't gotten our way, we would have lost there (there's a picture of this below in the photos section). A couple other interesting things was that Goodwin had three stolen bases, Mike Munoz got his first save as a Ranger, and the Rangers left fourteen men on base!

Mike Morgan came off the disabled list (pushing Kolb back to AAA), and pitched well in the first two innings, throwing a total of 18 pitches for the two innings. Total of 8 for for first four outs of the game. However, that was about it. He didn't survive the fourth. For a change, our relief pitching wasn't godlike. Was enough to keep us in the game, though, and was by all accounts still good.

A thought occurred to me last night, if Morgan is still with us next year, it's entirely possible that he will be a teammate that wasn't born yet when Morgan made his first major league appearance in 1978. This morning, I looked through the Media Guide, and saw that this isn't true, but it's fairly close. Unless some really young kid comes up next year, the most realistic to Morgan would be Ruben Mateo, who was born on Feb 10, 1978 (Morgan's first appearance was June 11, 1978). Ruben Mateo was only 1 day short of four months old when Mike Morgan first appeared. Yikes!

There's also Cesar King, who was born on Feb 28, 1978, but I doubt he'll get to the majors with Texas, he's too good to be a backup. Carlos Pena is actually younger (May 17, 1978), but I doubt he'll be up next year, and I don't see Morgan being with us beyond 2000 (if he even gets there).

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

I had trouble getting the KRLD version of the game on RealAudio last night so I spent most of the game listening to the Dodgers' XTRA team of Vince Skully and Ross Porter. It was actually quite nice as both announcers - especially Skully - had nice things to say about all the Rangers. Skully is as good as it gets behind the mike and his knowledge of the game is nothing short of astounding.

It was the same story as has been the last few days for Texas. Rafael Palmeiro was once again the hero as he drove in a run with two outs in the 13th inning to give Texas a win.

On the pitching side - and it sounds like a broken record - Jeff Zimmerman pitched 2 scoreless innings to pick up his 6th win with no losses. John Wetteland however blew a save (just his second blown save of the year) in the 9th when light-hitter EY (Eric Young) hit a solo homer.

I would be amiss if I didn't mention the extremely valuable pitching effort of Danny Patterson, who provided 3+ innings of scoreless relief after starter Mike Morgan faltered in the middle innings.

Patterson, who most think will be sent down when Mike Simms is ready, may have changed a few minds with his last two efforts, both being long, effective outings.

The TV guys gave Raffy player of the game, and while he did do a lot, I felt Todd Zeile deserved it. If it wasn't for Todd, we wouldn't have gotten rolling, and he too was 3 for 4. Don't get me wrong, I like Raffy, but I just felt for Todd Zeile last night.

Again, we got really great pitching. 7.0 (plus a batter or two in the 8th) out of Aaron Sele. Jeff Zimmerman wasn't his most crisp (he allowed an inherited run to score), but he still pitched really well, and I thought Wetteland look like he was throwing lightning bolts out there.

This was very much a picher's duel until the 8th inning, and even then it was still well pitched. These are great baseball games, I just wish they didn't start at friggin 9:15PM.

I'm hoping that when the player's agreement is up for renewal after the 2000 season (I know 2001 is an option year, but it still has to be agreed upon), they make some sort of realignment, and get the Rangers out of this double time zone mess they're in. I also want to see different Interleague teams, specifically NL East. Yeah, yeah, I know, people want to see the Astros, but I'd rather see the Phillies, the Expos (Vladimir Guerrero), and the Braves down here.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Aaron Sele and Raffy Palmeiro powered the Rangers over the LA Dodger$, 3-2, Monday.

Sele, who probably pitched his best game since the second game of the season, had the Dodgers way off-stride.

Meanwhile, Palmeiro, who was only supposed to be available for pinch-hitting duties on this Interleague road trip, has started the last 3 games - and by his bat alone, has lead the way to two victories.

Palmeiro, having a career year, is on his way to putting up numbers no Ranger player ever has, even surpassing Juan Gonzalez's fine seasons.

Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland (both putting up fairy-tale like numbers) shut the door in the 8th and 9th innings, respectively, to nail down a fine victory.

I've had a pretty long and tiring day at work Monday - I don't feel like writing commentary for this game.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

I didn't get to see a whole lot of this one, I was out for the evening with my wife. Came home, and when I started paying attention to game was after Raffy had already hit his grand slam. Bombs away for Raffy! A Grand slam and a two run homer. Boy, will that help my fantasy teams. :)

This game was more typical a Ranger win than the last few wins have been. This was a "slug 'em into submission" type of game. Ryan Glynn had a way too high pitch count again, but still didn't pitch that bad, and Raffy played the field for the first time this year. He still looked rusty out there, but wasn't all that bad, considering it was his first time there all year.

Wetteland also got his ML leading 19th save.

Commentary from Jim Meeks:

Not available.

What can we really say about this one? Two streaks came to an end, our 9 game winning streak, and Pudge's 20 game hitting streak. Both because of the same thing. Randy Johnson.

Boy, did the Big Unit look on top of his game. It was scary how good he lookd early. He was throwing a perfect game into the fifth, when he walked a batter. Juan Gonzalez broke up the no hitter next inning with a sharply hit ball (that was the first well hit ball of the whole night, actually) past the second baseman for a single. The only real offense we had was a home run by Royce Clayton (into the swimming pool in right) scoring Roberto Kelly who was on second after a single and a Johnson wild pitch, and a Juan Gonzalez solo homer off of a reliever in the 9th. That was it.

Mark Clark gave up four home runs for a total of 8 runs in the first couple of innings. John Burkett may have found his niche now in long relief. Since going there, he looks good. He pitches 3, 4 innings, and then starts to break down. This might be a good spot for him. I know everyone wants to crucify him, but I think he doesn't look all that bad in the pen.

Danny Kolb made his major league debut (wearing #52), and seemed really nervous. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on a walk, a bobble by Zeile, and a single. That loaded the bases, and then there was an infield grounder to score a run, and then he reloaded the bases with a walk. That was about it for Kolb. Kolb sounds like a good kid from Jamey Newburg's reports, I'm sure he'll do better before - this seemed like stage fright.

Johnny Oates threw an all righty lineup against him, made for some strange positionings. Jon Shave played first, and Mark McLemore played Left field, with Roberto Kelly in center. Tom Goodwin did come in as a pinch hitter for John Burkett, but hardly a lefty all night. No Raffy, No Rusty, and no Lee Stevens. Was an interesting lineup for sure (see the game log below for the full starting lineups).

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

I didn't get a chance to listen to the entire game as I was busy with work issues. It was a nice win, and started out like the last two, with nothing getting going until the fifth inning. Gregg Zaun played with poison oak, and was ordered not to shake hands with anyone. :)

Gregg did come through with a nice game. What I heard sounded really good. Unfortunately, as I'm in the middle of work, I won't be able to say much.

We swept three straight series (DRays/Twins/Royals). That's 9 in a row. That's the record for any team all year so far, it's now second longest in the Rangers history (record is 14 in 1991). We're on a roll. Tim Crabree lost his consecutive appeareances with no runs scored, as he gave up two. He's still pitching damn well this year. We did use the big bang theory to win this game, with a 6 spot in the 5th inning.

Next up is the Big Unit on Friday in Arizona. We've shown we can hit him in the past, let's see what happens now.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Bases on balls will kill you. It's an old story and man, is it ever true.

Kevin Appier, long the nemesis of the Rangers, knew it was true - and learned again the painful reality of four balls to a batter.

The Rangers, a virtual punchless team offensively until an opponent makes a mistake these days, were able to pounce on Appier's 3 bases on balls on Wednesday, in a 6 run, 5th inning.

Until the walks, Appier had shut down the Rangers and held a 1-0 lead. But as of late - and the Rangers ride a nine game win streak - the Rangers have capitalized on every mistake made by the opposition. In the Devil Rays, The Twins and the Royals, they have found a mountain of miscues to catapult them to victory.

Two nights in a row during this streak, it was the wild pitch they used.

Another time, it was an error.

Many of the games were decided by a terrible bullpen blowing a starter's lead in the late innings.

And Wednesday, it was the base on balls.

The Rangers set the highest current winning streak in the majors, and have the best team winning streak since 1991. The Diamondbuck$ lost yesterday, so that leavs the Rangers alone with an 8 game winning streak.

The Royals starting pitching shut us down again for the second night in a row, and the Royals pulled their starting pitcher after six innings, which I thought was weird, since we were being shut down again. The replacement picked up where the starter (Witasick) left off. However, in the eighth, the wheels came off. Matt Whitesant walked a batter, and then proceeded to hit two batters (althouh the call on Shave didn't look like a hit batter to me). Then Mark McLemore, who is having a kick ass season, came through with the game winning hit, a double into center, scoring two runs and giving us the win. Rusty Greer singled again after Mac had moved to second, scoring Mac. A great night for Mac - that's for sure.

A great night for our pitching again. Rick Helling gave up only one run, and got another no decision, but he is pitching really awesome lately. He's gone into the 7th inning or later in his last four starts. Unfortunately, we're not getting the job done with the bats for him. Case in point - Jeff Zimmerman has as many wins in relief as Rick Helling does as a starter (Rick's 5-5, Jeff's 5-0). Wetteland was a god in the 9th. Only a couple pitches and perfect relief from him (and Zim, too). Wetteland got his major league leading 17th save of the season, too.

Pudge also extended his hitting streak to 20 games, setting a personal record and setting the AL season record. The NL is around 30, I think - some guy from the Diamondbuck$.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Feasting on never-beens and pretenders like the Devil Rays, Twins and Royals, the Texas Rangers have now won 8 straight games.

The Rangers' bullpen has been the key. They've won each of the past four games. The relievers have allowed one run in 25.2 innings, an 0.35 ERA during the streak. That's nothing short of incredible.

Tuesday's bullpen combo of Superman Jeff Zimmerman (the league leader in ERA, if he were eligible) and John Wetteland (the league leader in saves) stopped whatever thoughts the Royals had of adding any insurance to what was a slim 1-0 lead.

Let's compare the Rangers' pen to that of the Royals. KC relievers lead all of baseball with 11 blown saves in 19 opportunities (58% blown). The Ranger relievers have won their past 11 decisions and are 13-1 with four blown saves in 21 chances.

Tuesday evening, Rick Helling pitched his best game so far. The Rangers' offense, which has been sputtering as of late - until they HAVE to score, let Helling down. In 7 innings, they couldn't score. Helling allowed just 3 hits and 1 run.

Yes, the Rangers' win came gift-wrapped again (gee, how many games in a row now has that happened?) by a lousy bullpen giving away a lead.

Yet a win is a win.

Oh man, what a game! What's really interesting (about the game) is that there wasn't much to talk about until the 8th inning. Before that, Ryan Glynn was a bit wild, walking five batters in the first three innings (actually, that's all he walked), with two of those coming across for runs. Take away those walks, and Glynn pitched a decent ballgame. He went six innings (one batter into the 7th), and allowed 6 hits, and three runs - the third coming on a solo home run in the 6th off former Ranger Chad Kreuter. On the flip side, Royal pitcher Jeff Suppan was masterful, allowing only two hits through 7 and 2/3 innings. Unfortunately, the third and final hit he gave up was costly (to him), as it was a smash from Goodwin that hit him in the shin, forcing him to leave. I felt bad for the kid, as he pitched a spectacular game, and it was a shame he had to leave like that. He was relieved for the rest of that inning by Matt Whisenant, who kept it a shutout. One of the two hits was a double by Pudge which extended his hitting streak to 19 games - tying his career high.

And then the ninth... The Royals brought in their closer Jeff Montgomery, and I figured that was it. A three hit shutout. If you're gonna get shutout, it might as well be one of these types, where you're totally shut down. Well, it started off that way when Gonzo struck out, and then Raffy walked. He was forced out at second when Pudge grounded out, but he himself was safe at first - there almost was a double play to end it. Todd Zeile singled, and then Lee Stevens came up. I had just said to my wife, "A home run here would be really nice to tie the game". Well, we got one. A line home run that bounced off the wall in front of the Ranger bullpen and into the pen. Man, did that place go friggin nuts! Due to where I was sitting (more on that in a minute), I couldn't see the scoreboard or anything, but I could see virtually everywhere in the ballpark at once. It was rockful! What a rush!

Tim Crabtree, who continues to be one of our best pitchers this year pitched 1 1/3 innings of perfect ball in relief including the 10th. In the bottom of the tenth, Tom Goodwin got onbase with an infield single. I saw #24 standing at first, and I figured that was it. A decent hit, and he'd just fly around the bases. Mac sacrifiiced him to second with just one out, and it was looking even better. Rusty Greer was walked intentionally (I figured to force a double play), and then Juan came up and smacked a single to short left field. With Goodwin's speed, it was more than enough to score from second, and we won the game quite dramatically. It was great - the game was dead even down to two outs in the bottom of the ninth - and it all came alive there. The only thing better is to win the game with two outs, a 3-2 count, and someone hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th to win. *THAT* is the most exciting way to win a ballgame in the 9th. However, this was DAMN close. This was two games in a row I went to (I was also at Sunday's game), and two games in a row were dramatically won by one run. Totally exciting baseball.

This was one of the cooler games I've ever been to. My wife were at the game yesterday, and we didn't have anything planned for Memorial Day, so we said why not grab tickets for Monday's game? There's a few places in the stadium that I'd never sat in, and so we decided to try somewhere else. I intentionally went for what's called "the worst seat in the house", which was Section 345 (see seating chart). These tickets are $5 for an adult, and you know what? They're not all that bad. Now, I'd be lying if I said they were was a good as the seats I had a few weeks back in section 32 on April 11th, or even my regular season tickets in Section 39, but for the bad rap these seats got, they weren't so bad. I actually had the first row in this section, the last two seats to the right. I was sitting in Sec 345, Row 1, Seat 9, which is the last seat in the first row of this section. My wife felt weird sitting there, and I kept feeling like I was going to drop everything off the ledge, so we moved up two rows (hell, there's very few seats actually used up here), and we felt much more comfortable. The foul pole is right in front of you, but it doesn't actually block any of the bases, and you can see through it, so it's not that bad. You can't see the Jumbotron, but you can see all the other scoreboards. The big one out in center field is viewable from these seats (but I suspect if you went up too many rows, you wouldn't be able to see it), as is the out of town scoreboard, and all the small scoreboards around the park. This may sound stupid, but I've been to many games here, and whenever I sit in a new section, I love looking around checking out all the other vantage points these new seats offer, and seeing what new things I can see. We even got beer, peanut, & Lemon Chill vendors up here, which surprised me. When we walked in to our seats, we looked off the ledge that overhangs the small triangle section in left field. It's quite a ways down from there. What's funny is if you walk up to the last row in Section 345, you're actually higher than the walkway and the Jumbotron. I took a picture pointing straight down from there, it's quite a view - so long as you don't get Vertigo from these things. :) I took a few pictures from this section, but I used a conventional camera, so I won't have those online for a few days, as I get them developed.

There were also a few cool pre-game things. The first I figured would happen as it was Memorial Day. They honored two gentelmen who had served in the Korean War and were given the congressional medal of honor by President Eisenhower. There were also some folks representing each branch of the military on the field for the national anthem, and there was a 21 gun salute after a moment of silence for the holiday's real purpose. That's the first time in awhile I teared up at the national anthem. The pregame ceremony was quite moving. There also was a fairly cool parachute thing which I didn't know was going to happen. There something like 4-6 parachuters that jumped into the stadium. I hadn't seen that live since I was a kid - it was quite cool. I grew up in Philadelphia, and the Phillies used to have something similar they called "Kiteman", and they'd also have a parachuter drop the first pitch into the park from above the stadium. This whole thing was quite moving and brought me many memories of my childhood.

All that, plus a totally great baseball game, and the usual awesome Rangers fireworks show afterwards.. One thing that was really cool about the fireworks show.. In the 20 minutes or so after the game before the fireworks, my wife and I spotted a few players on the field with their kids in front of the dugout. Lee Stevens and Tim Crabtree were out there with their children, and there were a bunch of other kids as well as some wives we could see too. From where we were sitting, we couldn't see in the dugout to see if any Ranger players were there or not, but it was quite nice to see the baseball players out there with their kids sitting on the ground watching the fireworks. Tim Crabtree looked really cute with his infant daughter between his legs playing pattycake. Quite cool.

It was an awesome night, and both my wife and I got in the door for $10. If you count the $8 it cost for parking (grumble, grumble), how can you beat a night like this for $18? I've been to many many baseball games, and this one ranked up there as one of my all time favourites, and I was sitting in the cheap seats. I loved it. I know these commentaries of mine don't get read all that often, but if you're a real fan of the game, and ever just want to go to a game, these $5 aren't all that bad. It's a great value, and I saw many families with small kids up here.

Go Rangers!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

I was at this game, and driving out to the ballpark, I feared rain again. The weather was bad in the 40 minute drive I have to the ballpark, and it spitted rain a few times on the way out. Fortunately, as my wife and I pulled up to the park, everything cleared up. It was a nice blue sky with great puffy clouds. A bright afternoon - and oh man, did we get a great game.

A few commentaries ago, I said I wasn't all that thrilled with Mark Clark pitching, as he has been a great disappointment so far this year. However, today, he pitched his masterpiece of the year so far. He went seven innings, allowing four hits, and only two runs. It was by far the best game he's pitched as a Ranger, and he seems to finally be headed in the right direction. Zim came in and pitched a perfect eighth inning, and Wetteland came in and secured the save, even if he made it a bit interesting by allowing runners to get to first and third. :) Of the six hits the Ranger pitching allowed, two were by Wetteland in the 9th - this was by far our best pitched game that I can recall.

We were shut down on offense too - the Twin rookie pitcher was matching Mark Clark all along the way. That kid lookd really good - in fact, I didn't think our offense looked alive at all until Tom Kelly started playing bullpen musical chairs. And even then it wasn't that great - we pulled out a 3-2 win, which seemed like it should have been swapped with the Dallas Stars' score - the Stars were playing cross town, and lost 7-5, in what seemed like a baseball score.

Our current injury situation seems weird. Rusty Greer was still out of the starting lineup, but did make an appearance in the eigth as a pinch runner for Raffy - he eventually scored. Royce Clayton was still out, and probably won't be back until the Arizona series on Friday. Mike Morgan was also down for the count, but on the radio pre-game show, Johnny Oates said that he probably could pitch out of the bullpen in an emergency.

This win gives us two consecutive sweeps in a row for a season high six game winning streak. THat's also tied for the current high winning streak in the majors (with the Diamondbucks, who also have 6 in a row). Furthermore, this gives us a record of 29-20 for the season, also a season high 9 games over .500. An interesting note, this gives us virtually the same record as the New York Yankees, who are 29-19. :)

I'm hoping things are back to speed come Friday when we don't have the DH to rely upon - Raffy probably will be relegated to pinch hitter status only. Also, Mike Simms is about ready to come off the DL, which poses a roster problem - who to move to AAA to make room for Simms?

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

Only our second extra inning game so far this season started and ended very wildly. :)

At the start, we found out we had some injury problems. Rusty Greer apparently hurt his shoulder in the slide into second last night, and was out for today (not expected to be serious). Projected starter Mike Morgan had to go to the hospital with swelling in his right shin - so John Burkett made an emergency start. Finally, Royce Clayton was out due to the stumble he took over first base in the fifth - he's expected to be out for several days.

So, a very different lineup took the field for the Rangers, and had a very interesting game. John Burkett pitched four decent innings, but fell apart in the fifth. He was relived by Mike Venafro who pitched three scoreless innings, followed by Mike Munoz, Tim Crabtree, & John Wetteland, who all pitched scoreless relief. Was another really great night for the bullpen. John Wetteland was brought in to pitch the 10th, and got the win, as he was the pitcher of record when the Rangers won the game in the bottom of the 10th.

Pudge has an 18 game hitting streak going now - he'll probably get a day off tomorrow, as it's a day game after an extra inning night game. This wasn't a very big offensive game, and it's nice to see us win games without having to clobber people to death. Todd Zeile did have a home run in the second with no one on, but that was the only longball of the night.

The game ended in the bottom of the tenth when Pudge doubled to start the inning. After that Mike Trombley threw a wild pitch, and Pudge went to third. At this point I figured that was more than enough, as all we needed was a fly ball. I was not expecting the next pitch, which was another wild pitch allowing Pudge to score. Was quite a bizarre win - but a win is a win - I'll take it!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

We started this game with a 5 run first inning (similar to the game against the Yankees with Roger Clemens). It was enough to hold on for the win - we didn't need any more, but we did get one more later on in the game in the 7th inning.

Aaron Sele pitched well, but spectacurly. He lasted into the 7th inning, giving up four runs. Was OK, but he is improving - it seems that our entire staff is coming around. Which is nice. With the kids coming up doing a great job, it's nice to see our established pitching getting it together. I'd love to put some distance between us and the rest of the division as we approach the 50th game of the season.

Kinda tired - not going to write much about this one. :)

After never having accomplished the feat in the first 26 years of the team's existance, the Rangers pulled it off for the third time in less than a year, having done the back-to-back-to-back home run thing. :) This time it was Juan, Raffy, & Pudge. Only earlier in the week, it was three other guys, one of which being Pudge, and last year when it was done for the first time, Pudge was also involved (with Juan & Will Clark).

We started this game with a 5 run first inning (similar to the game against the Yankees with Roger Clemens). It was enough to hold on for the win - we didn't need any more, but we did get one more later on in the game in the 7th inning.

Aaron Sele pitched well, but spectacurly. He lasted into the 7th inning, giving up four runs. Was OK, but he is improving - it seems that our entire staff is coming around. Which is nice. With the kids coming up doing a great job, it's nice to see our established pitching getting it together. I'd love to put some distance between us and the rest of the division as we approach the 50th game of the season.

Kinda tired - not going to write much about this one. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

We got a sweep of the Devil Rays last night with an 8-6 win. Helling was pitching pretty decent until he gave up a 2 run home run late, and then was pulled. He still got the win, but didn't seem totally dominating. Still, a win's a win.

I'm not going to write about last night's game, as I'm pretty brain dead from only getting a few hours sleep last night. I will say that it's not good to see a pitcher go down like Tony Saunders did last night. That was just horrible. I was listening on the radio when it happened, but I got to see it on Sportscenter later on ESPN. Man, that looks like about the worst thing that can happen to a pitcher. His arm just snaps while pitching. I can't imagine anything hurting more on the field - even getting hit on the head with a batted ball.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

We got a very good pitching outing from three rookies - Glynn (starter), Venafro, & Zimmerman. Today's DMN said that the game was the first that Johnny Oates had managed that had three rookie pitchers in it. Not sure about the history of the club, but it was impressive to see. Was much better than last year's rookie pitching experiments of Todd Van Poppel & Matt Perisho. Speaking of pitchers, the cameramen and Bill Jones pointed out that Roger Pavlik was in the stands - he was sitting in the first row behind the bullpen chatting with the Ranger pitchers. I wonder if he's going to attempt a comeback next spring training?

Still, I thought Ryan Glynn pitched well, but probably started to show nerves towards the end of his outing. He went 4.1 innings, not enough for the win, but certainly good enough to keep his slot in the rotation. Mike Venafro came in and pitched really well for his first major league win (3.2 innings), and then Jeff Zimmerman came in for the ninth. Zim initially looked shaky, but ended up getting a shutout inning (that will help my fantasy team ).

Royce Clayton probably had his best offensive night of the season, getting three hits in 3 AB, scoring a run, and getting an RBI. Nice night for him - this is why we signed him for four years. :) On the flip side, Raffy went 0 for 3, lowering his average to .385 (from .392). Mark McLemore was back after coming out last night. That's good to see. I'm really pulling for Mac to have a stellar year - I'd like him to stay around (provided he can play).

No home runs though, which is the first game in like 10 or 12 games or something like that where we didn't have any home runs at all. I was kind of hoping we'd get 10 runs, as that would have been three games in a row where we were involved in a 10+ run game.

Was a really nice night for the rookies - I hope these guys are not flashes, and they stick. We need the help;.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available. I haven't heard from Jim in a few days. Jim, if you see this, drop me a line - you OK?

In starting to write the commentary for this game, it occured to me just how many games we've had this season that have had at least ten runs by one side or the other. Looking back at 1999 so far, we've had 14 games that have had ten runs by one side or the other, and this is only game 44. That's 32% of the games played. That's a lot of runs. A breakdown:

April: We won two, and lost four
May: We won four and lost four

That makes us 6-8 in runs where one side scores 10 or more runs. That's not all that good. With the Rangers offense, we should be expected to do that, but this stat can be translated down to one thing. Our pitching stinks (overall).

However, last night, that wasn't true. We got the first really good outing from Mark Clark all season. He went 6.1 innings, throwing 125 pitches (I think that's what the TV guys said), giving up 8 hits, and 3 earned runs. Not the most dominating performance, but for Clark, and for our staff, it was a great outing. Mike Munoz & Tim Crabtree, who have both been pitching extremely well of late finished up the game, giving up just one hit for no runs between the two of them. Our bullpen is doing great (hell, even Burkett pitched well (for him) out of the pen the other night).

Our hitting was in a groove, too. Juan Gonzalez had a great game, hitting two home runs, for a total of 5 RBI's for the night (2 run HR & 3 run HR). Pudge also had a home run in the ninth inning, which extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Mark McLemore continues his hot hitting streak of 99, going 3 for 4. I don't know where he's been hiding all of this, but I like it! All the Ranger starters had at least one hit, except Clayton.

There were also some injuries last night. I didn't see the first one, because I was watching the series finale of "Mad About You" with my wife, but apparently Mark McLemore left the game in the sixth with a tight left hamstring. I hope that's not a real problem, as this is the second time in a week he left the game early with a hamstring tightness problem. Also, on Juan Gonzalez's second home run, Quinton McCracken got really hurt. He went to jump to try and catch the ball, but his jump was mistimed. He hit the wall hard on the way up, not at the peak of the jump like it's normally done. He hit his shoulder hard, and came straight down crumpled, and his knee appeared to hit very hard on the warning track. He didn't get up at all, and after awhile he was stetchered off the field.

No matter what the player, no matter how much I dislike them professionally, I hate to see this happen to anyone. Don't get me wrong - I like McCracken, but I just hate to see anyone injured like this at all. Looks like he's going on the DL because of this. I know you'll never see this, but Quinten - this Rangers fan hopes you get well soon!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

This is the last of the Sunday night ESPN games this season for the Rangers. Our last Sunday appearance was our worst. However, I won't have to listen to the uneducated oafes in the ESPN booth misprounounce the Ranger players' names anymore. My god - can they get ANYTHING right? Cripes. The one thing I like about ESPN's coverage is that they always show some really nice shots of the surrounding city the game is being played in - at least before the sun goes down anyway.

On to the game.. Oh man, I was lucky I had something else to do - I was sorting through some baseball cards, and was only peripherally paying attention to the game. The way the score was after the first, you would have thought John Burkett was starting. In fact, Burkett came in after .2 of the first inning, and pitched for six innings, not giving up a whole hell of a lot (by his own standards), and actually pitched the best game of the season for him.

One silly thing - before Morgan left the game, he did manage to get himself in the record books as the first pitcher to hit the same guy twice in one inning. We now have the highest starting rotation ERA thanks to last night - it's over seven!! We did have a few late inning solo home runs (Mac, Juan, Raffy), but that was really it for us.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Not available.

I was out and about doing some shopping and visiting baseball card shops (I just started collecting cards again this year for the first time in about 20 years). I didn't hear very much of the game at all, but I did manage to hear the top of the ninth while sitting in the parking lot in front of the Barnes & Noble in Dallas at the Northpark mall.

Was very cool to hear the call on the home run by Gonzalez. Was nice to see them pull out a late inning win - they hardly ever do that. Zimmerman didn't pitch will, but shit.. It was his first bad outing. Perhaps the Ranger starting pitching disease is spreading. Hope not.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

I only got to hear the 8th and 9th innings of today's game (on RealAudio) as I had just gotten off work at that time.

What I heard was the Rangers pulling out a victory when trailing after 8 innings for only the 2nd time in 20 tries.

Juan Gonzalez belted a 3-run shot in the 9th inning to put the Rangers up for good.

Jeff Zimmerman had a rare, poor outing.

A pitchers duel! This game rocked! I loved it, even though we lost. Helling made only one bad pitch all night, and it burned him. A 3 run home run to CJ in the late innings. However, Helling was masterful otherwise. Our normally huge offense didn't cover the mistake, but we were up against another pitcher (Sidney Ponson) that really shut us down too, we were lucky to get the two we got.

Helling pitched the first complete game by a Ranger all season - unfortunately it was a complete game loss. :( There really isn't a whole lot to say about this game other than Raffy remained red hot. Pitching was the story here, and there was little offense to speak of.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Great pitching will win most ballgames. Saturday, there was an exception to the rule.

Rick Helling pitched a complete game, seven-hitter. 99 times out of 100, Helling is going to win those type games. Friday is was one-uppped by O's pitcher Sidney Ponson, who threw a complete game, six-hitter.

It was hard for either team to generate any offense. Raffy Palmeiro, perhaps the hottest hitter in baseball right now, homered against his former mates and for a while, the Rangers led 1-0.

Then Charles Johnson, who is red-hot himself as of late, blasted a 3-run homer off of Helling in the 7th inning. That was the ballgame.

This was the first game in the Major Leagues this year, where both pitchers pitched a complete game.

I had forgotten this game was on at work, and I turned it on right before the back-to-back-to-back home runs. Unfortunately, that's about all I got to hear, as I was fairly busy with work. But I did get to hear that! :)

Our first day game win of the year.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

In what was most assuredly the most exciting Rangers' game of the year to date, the Rangers took turns bombing ex-mate Bobby Witt and beat the Rays 7-6.

The Rangers belted 4 homers off Witt, including 3 in a row in the 5th inning, by Pudge, Palmeiro and Zeile. This ties a record the club set last year against the White Sox. It also tied a team record for most HR in an inning.

So while the offense clicked, Mark Clark again was - by normal standards - ineffective - but to Rangers' standards, effective enough.

The key to the game however goes to the superb pitching of one Jeff Zimmerman, easily the Most Valuable Player so far this year for the Rangers - and perhaps the MVP so far in the league. He's done nothing but record outs - important outs. Wednesday, his 2.1 innings began when Venafro allowed the tying run (6-6 at that point in the 6th) to score on an infield single/bad throw. Zimmerman came in, struck out Canseco and then proceeded to attack the Rays like an overgrown field in July - he simply mowed them down.

The Rangers hang on ever so tightly to first place as Oakland remains a heartbeat away.

Well, I was at this game, and I didn't feel like anything really bad was happening. We went down 2-0 in the first inning, but other than a Canseco home run (like anyone could stop that right now), I didn't feel like Morgan pitched bad at all.

We just couldn't score. We left something like 14 runners on base all told, and it was really obvious at the game we weren't connecting. Your offense can't win every game, but you should get the runs when you get the chance. We didn't last night. However, the double play killed us last night - we hit into five of them. Pudge hit into two himself! Ugh.

On another note, Zimmerman continues to impress. Last night, when he struck out Canseco in the ninth, I haven't seen such a reaction. Not only to the strikeout, but Canseco took a really huge swing and missed for the first strike - he almost fell over. Man, did that get an ovation at the park!

Found out after the game that Burkett had been sent to the bullpen, and Mr. Cinderella story, Ryan Glynn had been given his spot in the rotation and will start next Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

Also, Mark McLemore left the game after the fourth with a sore knee. I really hope that's not the same problem that's plagued him the last few years. He's had a kickass season, and I don't want to see it ruined. I was starting to have hope that Mac might turn it around and get resigned - I like him.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Starting pitching has been the Rangers #1 enemy this year. They may have found out their #2 enemy in the game last night.

The Rangers grounded into a team-high 5 twin-killings Tuesday, including the ultimate deadly one in the bottom of the ninth, as the Rangers lost their third game in a row, 5-4 against the now-you-better-take-them-seriously Devil Rays.

Even though the Rangers had 14 hits and 4 bases on balls, they plated just 4 players. Texas leads the majors in grounding into double plays and last night was the first game of the year where you can point directly at the GIDP for this one.

Raffy Palmeiro went 4-5 with all 4 RBI and is now hitting .370. Rusty Greer had a hit and walked 3 times, driving up his OBA.

Mike Morgan, who pitched better than the numbers might indicate, was the games' losing pitcher.

Ugh. After the second inning, I started watching the Stars game as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins game. I'm going tonight to game two - they had better not have a fiasco like this three nights in a row.

I feel bad for Burkett. I like him. I always have. It appears that unless lightning strikes, he's done after this year.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Let's cut to the meat of the matter. This game can easily be summed up by this part of the boxscore:

Pitcher        ip h r  er bb so hr era(game) era(year) 
Burkett (L,0-3) 4 8 12 12 5  2  3  27.00     13.24 

John Burkett set a new Ranger record for most earned runs in a game, erasing Bobby Witt's previous record of 11.

Rusty Greer popped a 2-run homer in the first and that's about all Texas could muster. Rusty now has 36 RBI's and he might be having his best season ever.

Found out at the start of the game that Esteban Loaiza was put on the 15 day DL, with no expected return date, as he had his hand smashed in a car door by his wife, and showed up at the ballpark at noon with his hand in some sort of cast or bandage. That was the first the Rangers found out about it, and had to make a quick roster move, sending Loaiza to the DL, and calling up Ryan Glynn. About the game itself...

Oh man, how do you talk about this one? It was a disaster from the getgo. It's a game where we gave up four home runs to Albert Belle & Charles Johnson, Aaron Sele pitched 99 pitches in 2.2 innings, jacked the team ERA back up pretty bad again... Jim's remarks below blamed Loaiza for not reporting his accident. Today's DMN has a quote from Johnny saying that he doesn't blame Loaiza directly, not reporting this kind of thing is rampant in the majors, he said about 90% of players don't report this kind of thing. This was our chance to sweep the Orioles for the first time in a four game series since our first year as the Rangers in July of 1972. It didn't happen, obviously.

Good stuff:

• Kelly Dransfeldt hit his first major league home run today. It was a real corker, too. Way out into left field. Felt good for him. TV coverage showed the ushers escorting the person who caught the ball out, presumably to swap it for some presents.
• Ryan Glynn, making his first major league apparance today struck out Cal Ripken for his first out. Presumably they took that ball out of the game, too.
• Jon Shave doubled in a run in the bottom of the eighth.
• Tom Goodwin tripled in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Dransfeldt.

I suppose the interesting thing was the apperance of Ryan Glynn in the ninth inning. At the start of the game, he wasn't even in the state of Texas. Monday Morning's Dallas Morning news had a great article on how Glynn got the call, and made it to the game in time to pitch in the ninth. Some might question the call to get him in now, but in a game like this, it wouldn't HURT to put the kid out there, even if he got knocked around (which he did a little).

Games like this suck, but hell, at least the 16 runs were all at once. Whether the Orioles scored 6 or 16, it was enough to beat us, although it won't help our ERA. Not that it much matters, I think assuming we win, it'll still be with a stratospheric ERA anyway. Too bad, I had hopes for our pitching coming into this season.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers' hopeful sweep of the Orioles was swept away rather omniously Sunday afternoon. The Orioles pounded out 24 hits (yes, 24) in a 16-5 bombing of the Rangers.

You could place the blame of this loss on several players but let's start with Aaron Sele.

Sele was woeful; in 2.2 innings he threw 99 pitches - or more than 12 pitches for each out he recorded. And that was the good news. The bad news is he gave up 11 hits, 4 bases on balls and 9 earned runs.

Sele was the Rangers' best starting pitcher in April.

You could also put part of the blame on Esteban Loaiza - who didn't even get into the game. Loaiza broke his hand after the game Saturday evening in a freak accident. However, he failed to inform anyone of the incident until a couple hours before game time. Therefore, the Rangers were without a long reliever until the 8th inning when Ryan Glynn (AAA) made it to the ballpark. Oates probably would have pulled Sele in the the 1st inning instead of in the 3rd.

Not that it would have made much a difference.

Offensively, the Rangers had 11 hits, including a 3-run 2nd inning, but did little else and certainly they didn't have enough to beat the O's on Sunday.

The Oakland A's are just a 1/2 a game behind the Rangers. If Oakland can pick up another starting pitcher, the Rangers are in trouble.

I was kind of not really paying attention to this one. Earlier in the day, I had attended my first baseball card convention in about 20 years, and I had purchased several things (including three complete sets of cards), so I had a ton of new toys to play with. Boy, did I ever feel like I was 12 again playing with baseball cards while baseball was on!

Anyway, the story of this game was Rick Helling. After the first three starts of the season for Rick, he appears to have bounced back to 1998's form. Which is good, as the Rangers need this. BADLY!! He went a full eight innings, and Oates said after the game that he would have let Rick go 9, but this was uncharted territory for any Ranger pitcher this year, and that if he had done this before during this season, he would have let Rick go for a complete game. Rick looked really good out there, not completely dominating, but still very good.

Actually, it looked like a pitcher's duel was brewing, as we didn't do much off of Orioles started Juan Guzman, either. However, he had to leave the game after the fourth inning and shortly after that, the current Ranger offense (aka Rafael Palmiero) took over. He cracked a three run home run into Home Run porch for the game-winning hit. We then picked up four more in the seventh to end the day's scoring.

Crabby came in for the ninth and pitched a scoreless inning in something odd this season for the Rangers - a really well pitched game!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

No commentary for Saturday's game. I hurt my back and had to go to bed early, I didn't hear any of the game. Sorry.

I'm not writing commentary about this game - I didn't get to see/hear very much of it. However, it was a nail biter, and I don't have very many fingernails left to bite! :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers managed to hang on for a win Friday night.

John Wetteland, who has been ineffective, despite his saves, gave up 2 runs in the 9th but the Orioles just couldn't squeeze out another run and Texas won 7-6.

I'm getting sick of this pitching staff. Mark Clark pitched Friday and again, he was ineffective. 4 earned runs in 6+ innings? Get out of town.

The Rangers need to find some starting pitching. Offense cannot carry you but perhaps half the time.

Last night it was the middle of the order carrying the Rangers. Rusty Greer, who suddenly has a home run stroke, Pudge (hitting cleanup) and Raffy Palmeiro each has 2 RBI each (with Greer and Pudge hitting back-to-back homers in the 5th).

You have got to love this offense but you have also got to hate this pitching staff.

Bombs away! That's what Eric Nadel said in the post game wrap up when starting to describe the bottom of the fourth inning at the Ballpark, and I was there - it certainly felt that way! In short - a Grand Slam, a 3 run homer, and a solo shot in the same inning - MAN!

After the first three and a half innings, I thought it was going to be one of those good close games, as both pitchers seemed decent, but not totally unhittable. And then we got to the bottom of the 8th inning. Oh man.. The second 8 spot in two consective games, and the second game in a row with a grand slam (that's a record). Here's a snip from the game log. That about tells it all..

R Palmeiro singled to right. Zeile singled to left, R Palmeiro to second. L Stevens safe at first on 2nd baseman Deshields' fielding error, R Palmeiro to third, Zeile to second. R Kelly homered to right center, R Palmeiro, Zeile and L Stevens scored. Dransfeldt grounded out to third. T Goodwin walked. Mclemore singled to center, T Goodwin to second. Greer homered to right, T Goodwin and Mclemore scored. Doug Linton relieved Scott Kamieniecki. I Rodriguez lined out to right. R Palmeiro homered to right. Zeile lined out to shortstop. (8 Runs, 6 Hits, 1 Error) BALTIMORE 1, TEXAS 9.

Three home runs in the same inning. What an inning. We left this inning 9-1. It felt good. It's funny, because walking into the park for the game I told my wife that the Rangers were due to really beat up on someone - thinking the '99 Orioles were the perfect team to do that to. OK, it's the top of the fifth, and we give up a run. No biggie, we're still up 9-2. However, it started to fall apart, and it felt like the way out in front loss to the Yankees a few weeks back again. We gave up a fivespot in the top of sixth, and we were only up two runs again. It really felt like "bleeding" sitting there watching that.

Anyways, in the bottom of the 6th, we pulled ahead again, back to 12-7, and then ripped it open again in the bottom of the 8th with another three for a final tally of 15-7. The Rangers bats were more than alive! Kelly's salami was the first one I'd seen live in quite some time, and the first for my wife. It was quite cool seeing the big wide eyed look on her when it was gone. The inning was awesome, and the fans around us were into it, too. The last couple of games I went to there were quite a lot of opposing fans out in Section 39. No biggie, I don't mind that unless they're really obnoxious, but it was cool to have more Ranger fans there for this really great win!

Other than the sixth inning, I thought the Rangers pitching did rather well. Take away the fivespot, and we only gave up two runs the whole game, both on solo shots. Venafro, Zimmerman, & Munoz combined for 4 innings of shutout ball - Zimmerman's two innings were perfect! Methinks this kind will be here next year if this holds up.

Commentary by Jim Weeks:

The Rangers have reminded themselves of something they had forgotten. if they can't out-pitch an opponent, they can sure out hit them.

The offense, which has set or tied some kind of club record in 3 of the last 4 games, was at it again Thursday as they spanked the Orioles 15-7.

Roberto Kelly, filling in for an injured Juan Gonzalez, hit a grand slam in an 8-run uprising in the 4th inning. The 4th inning outburst was the club's second 8 run inning in a span of 5 innings (going back to Tuesday).

Kelly's slam marked the first time the Rangers had ever hit a salami in back-to-back contests. Sunday, they tied a club record with 8 doubles.

Mike Morgan was terrible. Short and simple. The starters have been pretty bad for a while now, they certainly aren't out-pitching anyone.

The team has found one new wrinkle that has been missing - they can outscore anyone if they click on all cylinders. And lately they are clicking.

Last night was one of those "peace with the world" nights. My wife was out getting her hair cut, so I was home alone with the TV and a Rangers game. :) I printed out one of my scorecards, sat in the recliner with some dinner, a glass of wine, and watched the Rangers game. Out loud to no one, I exclaimed "Life is good". And not because my wife wasn't there - she loves the game a lot herself (although she's not as fanatical as I am). :)

Anyway, what can I say about this game? We got shut down by Jamie Navarro, which was a shocker. He pitched damn well, and we didn't get anything going really until the ninth, but it was too late.

I didn't think we played all that bad, but we couldn't get anything going against Navarro. Not a whole lot else to say about this one.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Face it, the Rangers' play this year has been inconsistent and sloppy. Manager Johnny Oates held a team meeting before Tuesday's game. No one - outside of the team - actually knows exactly what he said, but he probably said something like, "Just win, baby, please".

The team must have listened but it took 9 innings before the message hit them.

The Rangers trailed 5-3 from the bottom of the 4th until the top of the 9th. Then they erupted for an 8 run, rain plagued (yawn) inning, as they washed out the Sox.

Whatever Oates told his team seems to have worked, except on Esteban Loaiza, thrown into a spot start because of Aaron Sele's flu bug. Loaiza pitched like he was the one with the flu, giving up 5 earned runs in 5 innings and 9 hits.

The bullpen, a disaster most every night that Jeff Zimmerman isn't pitching, held the Sox to Loaiza's 5 runs. Zimmerman (the game's winning pitcher, now 2-0) pitched another 2 marvelous, perfect innings.

Oates only uses Zimmerman when the Rangers have a chance to win, have you noticed? I haven't bothered to look, but I am almost 100% sure the Rangers have not lost any games that Zimmerman has pitched in. His ERA can only be seen with a microscope as it sits at 0.55. Let that sink in real slow...0.55.

At any rate, using the impetus and confidence of Zimmerman's superb outing, the Rangers came from behind after the 7th inning for the first time all year, which is quite remarkable in itself, considering we are about 1/6th through the season. The 9th inning was a constant array of swinging bats and pounding pitches for the Red Shoes, crossing 8 runners over the Comiskey plate. Rusty Greer had the big hit, smashing his 6th career grand slam - and the second slam for the Rangers this year.

Greer now hitting .299 and is on pace to drive in 136 runs, ala Juan Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, who also homered, left the game early with a strained hamstring and is day-to-day.

The Rangers offense was at it's best Tuesday. And Tuesday's game was the most exciting game I have had heard (no TV where I live) in quite some time. Oates should conduct more team meetings, don't you think?

Last night was one of those "peace with the world" nights. My wife was out getting her hair cut, so I was home alone with the TV and a Rangers game. :) I printed out one of my scorecards, sat in the recliner with some dinner, a glass of wine, and watched the Rangers game. Out loud to no one, I exclaimed "Life is good". And not because my wife wasn't there - she loves the game a lot herself (although she's not as fanatical as I am). :)

Anyway, what can I say about this game? We got shut down by Jamie Navarro, which was a shocker. He pitched damn well, and we didn't get anything going really until the ninth, but it was too late.

I didn't think we played all that bad, but we couldn't get anything going against Navarro. Not a whole lot else to say about this one.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The new and improved White Sox have a new and improved pitcher - Jaime Navarro.

He beat the Rangers Monday evening throwing from different angles and changing speeds, all very effectively. The potent Rangers' offense was off-balance the entire time. That's the key to quieting the Rangers.

The surprising boost John Burkett gave the Rangers Sunday was wiped out Monday by the uneven pitching of Rick Helling. Helling gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. He had pitched well (on par with 1998 anyway) in his last 4 starts prior to Monday, but Mr. Hyde showed up on the mound in Chicago.

Every hitter in the ChiSox lineup had a hit off Rangers' pitching. Even the bullpen was bad (of course, Jeff Zimmerman aka SUPERMAN didn't pitch).

Some odd notes for you: Pudge Rodriguez stole his 8th base. Tom Goodwin stole 2 more as well. The Rangers lead the AL in steals. Hard to fathom on a team with 6 players on pace to drive in 99 or more runs.

First off, I want to come out and rag on ESPN's announcers. Can't these guys pronounce anything right? They really have trouble with the names on the Rangers team. It's not GOHN-zalez, DAMMIT! Also, can you guys stop ragging on one specific fact? They do this for every team, but it really bugged me when they were picking on Rusty Greer late in the game. These guys have to be some of the lamest announcers I've ever seen. I didn't think of it at the time, but I should have muted the TV, and put on KRLD.

Offense - Offense - Offense! The Rangers whacked out 20 hits, but all of them singles and doubles. No triples, and no home runs. These 20 hits got us 11 runs, but it should have been at least 15 or more - we left the bases loaded twice! Both times the bases were loaded with no one out, and we didn't get anything! If we had a single in each of those, it would have been 15 runs easy. Still, we got 11 with 20 hits, and that's nothing to sneeze about. Rusty Greer was the only Ranger without a hit. Lee Stevens had four hits, and

Danny Patterson got the win, but I don't feel he deserved it. He gave up the three run homer that tied the game at 5-5 (even though the two baserunners belonged to Venafro). The linescore says that Patterson got credited with both the win and a blown save, although I find it odd that a blown save can be awarded to a pitcher that was out of the game in the seventh. Burkett went two batters into the fifth, and I didn't think he pitched all that bad. He allowed one earned run in four innings. He dropped his ERA a couple of points, but when it's up in the stratosphere like it was... :)

A nice game to watch, although it could have been better. We leave Toronto winning 2 of 3. On to Chicago, who has been surprisingly good so far this season - the AL's lowest ERA.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Red Shoes had on their hitting shoes Sunday.

The Rangers tied a club record with 8 doubles in a game, including 2 each by Juan Gonzalez, Pudge Rodriguez and Lee Stevens. They also banged out 20 hits, the most this year.

The #'s 4-8 hitters each had at least 3 hits each, with Stevens having 4. Every hitter had at least one hit except Rusty Greer, who went 0-5. Oddly enough the Rangers had no homers in the 11-6 win.

John Burkett, who has pitched rather poorly all year and fresh off being destroyed in the Minor Leagues in a rehab stint, pitched rather effectively, but only went 4 innings.

The Rangers won back-to-back games for the first time since the four game sweep against Minnesota two weeks ago.

Almost a carbon copy of last night's game start. Mark McLemore got a single to left on the first pitch of the game, and then after Roberto Kelly got out, Rusty Greer came up and slapped a 2 run Home run to left field. Again, the first two runs of the game were long ball related. Unfortunately, David Wells then copied Pat Hengten from yesterday and didn't allow much of anything for a few innings after that. We then got to David Wells later on when he thought he had an inning ending strikeout of Rusty Greer (see photo below), but he ended up getting on, and we got a run out of the inning. Wells didn't quite seem himself after that.

My favourite pitcher of the season so far started this one - Old Man Morgan. I heard the Ranger announcers call him that, and it turns out that his "official" nickname is "The Mo Man", but to be honest, I like Old Man Morgan better. He pitched pretty damn well, and came out of the game after the first batter of the seventh, and gave the ball to Jeff Zimmerman. Zim pitched really damn well again, and if this guy continues to pitch like this all season and into the next, I see him becoming our closer if they don't resign Wetteland after the 2000 season.

Overall, it was a very good game that we won by one run. Roberto Kelly made some nice defensive catches in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the save for Wetteland. Great game, glad we won one of these - I'm getting tired of saying we lost these close games. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Rusty Greer's 3 RBI, including a first inning 2-run homer led Texas to victory over the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday.

Greer hit his homer off lefty David Wells. It was Greer's 2nd homer.

Mike Morgan started the game and was more than adequate. Staked to the 2-0 led he couldn't hold it and trailed for most of the game 3-2. Texas, hitless since the first inning, erupted in the 5th inning, Greer again, getting a key 2-out hit. The Rangers scored again in the 7th.

Relievers Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland nailed down the victory. Zimmerman pitched the 7th and 8th and Wetteland the final inning for another save.

At the start of the season, I remembered thinking that Mark Clark would be really good for us, and win over 15 games or something like that. He may yet still do that, but I start to wonder when he's gonna turn it around. It's sad, but I think we'd be better off with Bobby Witt (3-0, 4.11, 35 IP), Darren Oliver (2-1, 2.72, 39.2 IP), & Julio Santana (1-3, 9.00, 26 IP) based on what they've done this year so far! Well, maybe not Santana, but he's still better than some of what we have (Burkett - 0-2, 12.00, 9 IP & Clark 2-3, 7.85, 36.2 IP).

Six Ranger pitchers, and not a whole lot good out of any of 'em tonight. That's really all I have to say about the pitching in tonight's game.

This game's offense started rather interestingly. I was running an errand after work, and heard the first inning or two on my car radio. Wow! What a start. Two home runs to start the game by two guys who hardly ever hit any home runs - the HR by Goody was only his tenth career home run! However, after that Rusty Greer had a single, and Pat Hentgen shut down the Rangers for a good number of innings. The Rangers next broke through when Juan hit a solo home run in the sixth. Matter of fact, *ALL* of the Rangers runs in this game were due to the longball, as Juan hit a 3 run HR his next time up, which means he personally was responsible for 4 of the 6 runs the Rangers got, and all 6 were long ball RBI's - a very American League way of doing things. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers lost 9-6 to Toronto Friday.

The game began with Tom Goodwin and Mark McLemore doing something they never have done and will probably never do again; they homered back-to-back. Two batters 2-0 Rangers.

Mark Clark, who has been almost as bad as John Burkett, continued to struggle and surrendered 4 runs in the bottom of the first after Goodwin and McLemore staked him to a magical 2-0 lead. Old nemesis Carlos Delgado hit a 2-run blast for the Jays in helping destroy the Ranger lead.

It got worse. The Jays scored 5 runs off Clark in less than 4 innings. He walked 4 hitters, gave up 7 hits and even uncorked a wild pitch. For each out he recorded in the game, he gave up a baserunner. Simply put, he stunk.

Juan Gonzalez hit a couple more home runs, giving him 7. His 4 RBIs give hime 27, which puts him 2nd in the American League. The reigning AL MVP has been red hot the last two weeks.

There is good news. Anaheim, Seattle and Oakland all lost and none of these teams has any shown any consistancy this year.

Boy, does Fenway Park really play a part in the games played there. The stadium itself really changes the impact on the game played. There was a ball that would have been a home run in any other park except this one, a few doubles (possibly home runs) that were just singles here. Forced plays at second... Yeesh!

I always like playing the Red Sox, because the games themselves always seem to be good games. And this was. It was a good game that the Rangers came out on the short end of. And I'm getting tired of saying that. I want to win these things, not lose them.

I thought Sele was pitching well, but again the wheels fell apart in the middle innings. We just can't seem to get by the middle innings. I only watched this game in pieces as I was flipping between the game and the regular NBC Thursday night TV stuff. :)

I also wanted to say that I agree with Jim below about Mark McLemore.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers just can't seem to win back-to-back games anymore.

Since the Rangers swept the Twins (that last game of that series being April 25th), the Rangers have swapped wins and losses and are 4-5.

After winning Wednesday, Thursday became no exception to the recent win-loss rule. Aaron Sele pitched like it was May instead of April. He wasn't terrible, but he wasn't effective either. He gave up 3 runs in 5.1 innings against his old mates - and it could have been much worse. He allowed 12 base runners during that span - not including a couple of base runners who reached on Ranger errors.

Offensively, the Rangers didn't do a whole lot. After I touted Gonzalez yesterday, he woefully struck out 3 times Thursday. The Rangers managed 10 hits and even a small rally in the 9th inning, but they just couldn't get the job done and lost 3-2.

Something should be said about the play of Mark McLemore. Although he made an error Thursday, he has played pretty well in the field and has been decent with the bat. McLemore was a guy I thought would retire after last season yet he keeps surprising me with his health and talent.

Really busy day at work, didn't get to this until 4:30PM. Was nice to get a big win, but again we bunched up in the first inning. Couple of homers over the green monster. Juan's looked like it was going out of the ballpark completely! I thought Stevens played well at first base again.

Rick Helling pitched well, as did our relievers, although Venafro gave up his "out streak". Nice to get a win.

Commentary from Jim Meeks:

Fenway Park is historically a favorite place for the Rangers to play. Wednesday, the Rangers began a road trip in Boston and seemed to enjoy themselves.

Although the team had some bad news before the ball game concerning Royce Clayton's shoulder, the Rangers exploded for 5 runs in the first inning off Boston starter Pat Rapp. Pudge Rodriguez capped off the inning with a 3-run homer, his 5th of the year.

Rick Helling cruised, for once. In his 6.1 innings, he allowed no homers, the first time all year he's accomplished that feat. The bullpen combo of Mike Venafro and Jeff Zimmerman held down the Sox to preserve an 8 to 3 win.

Juan Gonzalez homered for the 5th time Wednesday, in perhaps his favorite park to hit in. Expect a big series from him.

Very sloppy game, and our offense did the "get it all at once" theory which seems to be the norm so far this year. However, when the "all at once" is only 4, and you give up double digits, you can see what happened.

We committed four errors, and this was generally a rather bad played game overall. The Rangers historically always seem to be a rather bad team on a day game after a night game. Don't know how much else to talk about this. To quote one of Jim's earlier commentaries.. "Ugly, ugly, ugly!". I had a more interesting time seeing "The Matrix" yesterday than I did listening to this game!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers played sloppily Monday in all stages and lost to the Cleveland Indians 10-4.

Kenny Lofton was the big stars for the Indians, gathering 4 hits and 4 RBI, including a homer.

The Rangers had only 6 hits, none for extra bases. Rafael Palmeiro had 2 of the hits, raising his average to .329. Lee Stevens bounced into 2 double plays, effectively stymying whatever chance the Rangers had. At one point in the 3rd inning, the Rangers rallied from a 4-0 deficit to tie the game, but that was all the runs they would get.

The Red Shoes also committed 4 errors, leading to 2 unearned runs.

Starter Mike Morgan was unusually bad, perhaps bothered with the flu or perhaps he just a bad outing. His 5 runs in 3 innings was by far his worst outing of the year, raising his ERA to 4.05.

Well, I was over some friends' house for dinner last night, so I didn't get to see or hear much of any of this game. However, he did have a cable modem, and I got to see score updates from time to time. Naturally, since I wasn't there, they started doing good again. Saw that Raffy got his 2,000th career hit, which was cool.

Mark Clark went into the 8th inning tonight - virtually uncharted territory for a Rangers pitcher this year. His ERA is still way up in the stratosphere - upper 7's. Not good.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Pitcher Mark Clark, taking a rotation turn on 3 days' rest for the first time this season, won the ballgame Sunday, with help from Tom Goodwin, Juan Gonzalez and Raffy Palmeiro.

Clark once again laboured through the middle innings but hung on until the 8th inning. The Rangers' bullpen - which has been near-flawless since Jeff Zimmerman has arrived - once again stopped the opponents.

Clark was not spectacular - only adequate. But adequacy will win you 15 games as a starter for the Rangers, who have an offense capable of burying any opponent (except the Yankees).

Goodwin had a rare good game, getting two hits, stealing a base and being a general nuisciance for the Indians. He refused to comment to reporters after the game, which makes you wonder what bird got into his craw?

Gonzalez ripped another homer and drove in another couple of runs. He's on a binge right now, so the opponents better not throw him strikes. Gonzo now has 20 RBI's and is on a pace to drive in 154 runs. Just a week ago - we all wondered aloud as to what destination Gonzalez' bat had vacationed to.

Palmeiro had 3 hits including his 2000th Major League hit. He also drove in 2 runs.

The Rangers played solid defense behind Clark, who threw 11 ground ball outs.

Well, I was at this game, and I'm starting to think I'm not a good luck charm for the Rangers. They lost again. :(

In the beginning, it looked like Sele was going to dazzle - the first inning was great! We then went one pitch into the second, and there was a rain delay. My season ticket seats are just one row behind where the rain comes when it rains - it's quite cool, we've never had to move from here because of rain. Twice last season (July 4 and the one playoff game) we had to sit through 3 and a half hour rain delays, so this 20 minute one was something to scoff at. :) Anyway, first pitch back was a home run - cripes! Still, I thought Sele pitched fairly well, but the box score doesn't reflect that.

Doc Gooden pitched really great - figures. Coming in he had a 0-0 9.00ERA record, and wasn't pitching well this season. Naturally, he picks a night I'm there to step it up.

Ranger bats were virtually silent the whole night - only coming alive in the 8th inning, but a bit too late. Raffy hit a two run home run that was really sweet, as did Todd Zeile to lead off the 9th, but that was it. Pudge almost had a home run earlier in the game, but it went just foul of the right field foul pole. :(

One nice thing - Kelly Dransfeldt played really well. It was his first major league game, going 2-4 and playing well in the infield. The first Indian batter hit a hot smash right at him, and when the play was over he was shown smiling on the jumbotron. Kelly also got a single on his first ever major league at bat, and I saw the ball being taken out of play, which was nice. Kelly was here because Clayton got put on the 15 day DL.

I'm getting tired of saying we lost when I go to a game. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

None this game.

I'm getting ready to go out to tonight's Ranger game, so I don't have much time to write, but I do have a few memories from watching the game last night.

Home Run Derby! Cripes - for the second time this season against Helling, and I don't know how many times, AND the second time in two nights, the leadoff guy for the other team had a home run. Juan had two, including one towering drive that looked from the camera angle that it was going out of the ballpark (of course, that wasn't going to really happen). Juan hit his other into the Indians bullpen, which is where Lee Stevens hit one, too. The fourth was Rusty Greer who had his first of the season. The Indians also had four, including two by Roberto Alomar (the others by Lofton & Sexon).

Our pitching was a mixed bag. Helling was just "OK", and Zimmerman continued to sparkle. Man, does this kid look good. However, we're not seeing all that many of the other right handers now, so I start to wonder about burnout. Wetteland got another save, and is tied for the AL lead.

Royce Clayton had to come out of the game - he was scheduled for an MRI this morning (don't know what happened), and the Dallas Morning News this morning said that he's probably going on the DL. They also said that the Rangers don't trust Shave to play the position for extended periods (we're 1-3 with him starting SS this year), and were talking about making a roster move to bring up someone else. Hmm.. Could have used Bournigal. :)

The Indians have such an impressive team, they seem to match up against us very well. If I wasn't a Ranger fan, I'd probably be a fan of this team - they have a lot going for them.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers used 4 home runs - including a multi-homer game by Juan Gonzalez - and fantastic relief pitching to defeat the Cleveland Indians Friday.

Gonzalez, who prior to Friday had just one round-tripper, drove in 3 runs. Rusty Greer hit his first homer and Lee Stevens hit his 8th. The Rangers banged out 13 hits.

Rick Helling again pitched poorly. For the fourth time this month against Rangers' pitching - the lead-off hitter hit a home run. This is the second time it's happened to Helling. He was behind in the count on just about every hitter as he labored through this game, throwing an incredible 119 pitches in just over 5 innings of work. He gave up 4 homers, the 5th time this year he's given more than one homer in a start.

Jeff Zimmerman continues to be the Most Valuable Player of this team. Coming out of the bullpen in the 6th inning, he stopped the Indians cold, allowing just one hit in his 2.2 innings of work and lowering his already microscopic ERA to 0.55. There are no words that can be used to describe just how well Zimmerman has pitched this year.

John Wetteland allowed 2 baserunners in the 9th but preserved the victory for Helling, who surely did not deserve the win.

Well, we went back to our usual result againt the Yankees - A loss. We lost two out of three in this series with the Yankees (making us 1 for 5 so far this season against the World Champs). However, I liked the way we played. We didn't just roll over and die, although you'd think we did with the season series results. The Yankees are the yardstick. We still don't measure up against them, and that's still because of our pitching. These guys can pitch circles around everyone, but it was nice to see us not just wilt. Of coure the Tigers spanked the Yanks a week ago, what's that say about them? :)

I had that same kind of bad omen I got on opening day. My wife and I are big fans of the NBC Thursday night TV lineup, so we watched mostly that while flipping to the Ranger game during commercials. Oh man, an inside the park Home Run by Mr. Twinkie, Chuck Knoblauch. Ugh.. Well, we stayed with them for awhile, and then when I got done watching Frasier, I flipped back, and it was 5-0. I thought we were done for, but we did manage to hold them to no more runs after they got to 5. We did battle back, but it wasn't enough against Yankee pitching.

Old Man Morgan (I don't like the nickname "The Mo Man" - sounds dippy) pitched well, but some defensive blunders gave him the loss. He only got charged with one earned run, the rest were unearned. The inside the parker was a blunder by Tom Goodwin, and Todd Zeile made a bad throw that Stevens couldn't dig out which led to a few Yankee runs. Mike ended up leaving the game after being hit on the shin by a batted ball. He looked OK, but Johnny took him out anyway. Given the score, I think it was more to get him out before more damage was done. I wasn't watching the game completely, but from what I saw, he didn't seem like he was pitching that bad - just caught a few bad breaks. Mike Venafro looked good from what I saw in the line score (only saw him pitch to two batters) and from what Jim said below. I like sidearm pitchers, they just seem "cooler" to me. :)

I agree with Jim below, it's a game we should have won, but didn't. Still, I liked that we didn't look like total crap against the Yankees. On another note, I wish Don Zimmer well, this is the last time the Rangers should see him, and he seems like a nice guy from what I can tell. I know you'll never see this Zim, but one Ranger fan wishes you well!

As a side note, after ER last night, my wife and I watched Field of Dreams. It's a spectacular movie if you've never seen it. A bit on the weird side for me, but still very well done. That and Bull Durham. :) Also, what was with the AL West yesterday? 22 runs by the Mariners? 17 by the Angels? Cripes!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Two Rangers defensive blunders cost them a ball game Thursday night.

The game's first batter, second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, hit a liner to center fielder Tom Goodwin, who dove, missed the ball and let it skip by him all the way to the wall. Knoblauch scored on what should have been a single and a three base error but the official scorer deemed a home run.

A bad throw by third baseman Todd Zeile couldn't be handled by first baseman Lee Stevens in the third inning and the Yankees scored 4 unearned runs in the inning. The Yankees only scored 5 runs total and all 5 should have been unearned.

This marks the first game the Rangers have lost this year due to lousy defense. The Rangers have actually played above-average defensively all year.

Mike Morgan didn't pitch badly but was charged with the loss.

Mike Venafro pitched 4 perfect innings in relief and probably earned himself a permanent stay with the big club. He's pitched extremely well since his call-up. Danny Patterson is likely the odd man out when John Burkett returns.

Rafael Palmeiro stroked a 2-run homer in the 8th, but it was too little and too late.

This was a game they could've and should've won. Let's hope the Rangers don't lose the division by one game.

A win against the Yankees! That's always a good way to end a game. I didn't get to see it unfortunately. Fox Sports Southwest in my area screwed up again. The game was nationally televised on ESPN, and that was blacked out, and FSS was supposed to be showing it. Well, the showed the damn Astros game again. Methinks it's time to write to someone about it. :( I was flipping back and forth between the radio and television, as my wife and I were watching a movie, as well as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

About the Rangers game.. :) We did it primarily with the big inning again. Those are always fun to see, but I prefer a more even win. A win is a win, but for me they seem better when you don't get all your runs at once. The Yankees started it off again with a home run (we seem to give up a lot of them to these guys), but Todd Zeile evened it up again with a solo home run. Jorge Posada put the Yanks up again with another home run in the 5th, and then we got a couple right back with a Lee Stevens double and a sac fly by Goodwin. Lee Stevens continues to look really good, which might make things difficult for Johnny Oates when Raffy is ready for the field again.

We got into the 7th, and when the Yankees are leading after 6, they're virtually unbeatable. Then we had another 5 run explosion. It was capped off (IMHO) by Juan Gonzalez' two run single with the bases loaded - finally delivering in the clutch (they had walked Greer to get to Juan). Zeile (who I really really like this year) then doubled and scored two more. All this put the Rangers ahead for good.

Munoz pitched very well, earning a win (Clark continues to be somewhat unreliable to ineffective, which doesn't seem like the promise when he came here), and John Wetteland got right back on the horse after last night. He did give up a solo home run to Tino Martinez, but that was about it, earning his MLB leading 7th save.

All in all a good win, but I would have preferred the win be more even, not with a 5 run inning again.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

It wasn't pretty, but the Rangers hocus-pocused their way to victory Wednesday over the Yankees.

Coming from behind, the Rangers made the most of their hits in the later innings - especially key were hits from Lee Stevens (who continues to hit left handed pitching well) and Juan Gonzalez, who's power is MIA but still has 16 RBI (about half of what league leader Manny Ramirez has) and is on pace to drive in over 120 for the year.

The Rangers - like the Yankees yesterday - clawed their way out of a hole. The 7th inning was pivotal as they leveled what is usually the Yankees dead-pan bullpen. They battered lefty Mike Stanton, then took on Jeff Nelson. When the inning was over, they had plated 5 runners on 5 hits.

The rubber game of the series is Thursday..

In the middle of the first inning, I was thinking - Where was this in October? Then at the end of the game, I was thinking Nevermind, had the same result as October.

I went to this game last night, and one the way to the game I mentioned to my wife that I was expecting a loss, but I thought it'd be a good game. I got both. The Rangers lost, but damn, this was a great game, if you're a fan of baseball. It had a bit of evertyhing. Big bang inning, several comebacks, a couple of long balls, some small ball, it was a great damn game. The place was packed - an attendance of 42,600. I've been to larger crowds, but never for a weekday night game. Those usually are in the low 30's. This was also Tuesday night which meant Tom Thumb half price ticket night, and I'm sure the Yankee fans were in attendance. It really seemed like there were a lot more Yankee fans out last night than there were at the playoff game last October (which I also went to - and sat through the whole 3.5 hr rain delay all the way to the end of the game).

Now, as a Ranger fan, this game both sucked and was great. Boy did Roger Clemens get booed when they announced his name in the lineup, and when he took the field. What was interesting is that the Yankee fans were also cheering him, of course. Was an interesting reaction, but the boos were bigger. The Rangers jumped all over the Rocket in the first inning. We batted around, scored 5 runs, and generally made Clemens seem like oh, I don't know Bobby Witt did last year. :) Clemens settled down in the second inning, but that was it for him. He came out after the second, which seemed like a surprise at the park - later on I found out it was a hamstring thing. He was replaced by Hidecki Irabu, who dominated the Rangers. Several of his innings were 1-2-3. In fact, the only thing we managed to break through against him with was a wild pitch that we scored on. That's it. :( The rest of the Yankee pitchers also closed us down, so the Rangers got a big first inning, one small gift, but it wasn't enough.

Ranger pitching was fair. I thought Aaron Sele was crusining along well, until the 5th when Sele gave up a couple. Still, he didn't look that bad, and then in the 6th, it fell apart. Jeff Zimmerman came in (to a big ovation from the crowd), and one run scored on him but that was charged to Sele. But he gave up his own first run, a solo shot to Paul O'Neill. Still, I thought Zimmerman pitched pretty great. Wetteland came in and blew his first save opportunity - he looked really weak from the first pitch. Never got it going, and gave up two runs.

Overall, even though we lost, I can say that I enjoyed the game. The Yankee fans were rather well behaved as Yankee fans go. This is now my fifth game at the Ballpark this season, and they added something new since the last game I attended. The large scoreboard over the left field wall, which used to show the current player's batting average now shows the pitcher's pitch count - total as well as balls/strikes. It's a great help for people who score at the park. The info that used to be here has been displaced to the large Coke scoreboard out in center field. This pitch count scoreboard is in addition to the new scoreboard they added at the start of this season that shows ball speed and type. These things are a great addition for scorers, and if anyone at the Rangers reads this (yeah, right) and has something to do with these changes - way to go! I like them!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

No wonder Roger Clemens chose the Yankees in the off-season over the Rangers.

Clemens was battered in the first inning Tuesday, pulled his hamstring and left the game after just two innings, trailing 5-0 to the Rangers.

As I listened to the game, I had this odd feeling - even as the Rangers were up 5-0, that they would somehow manage to lose the game. My feelings didn't lie.

The Almighty Yankees pecked their way back into the game. Aaron Sele, held the 5-run cushion for 5.1 innings and Jeff Zimmerman pitched 2.2 and only surrendered a solo homer. By the time the 9th inning came around it was 6-5.

The surest thing the Rangers have is John Wetteland. And as any manager would have done, Manager Johnny Oates sent the dominating right hander to the mound to nail down the victory for Sele in the 9th - and finally put Clemens' 18 game win streak - and the Yankees - to rest.

It wasn't to be. Wetteland's ex-mates scored twice in the frame.

He began the inning ominously with a walk. Two batters and 2 singles later, the game was tied 6 to 6. Two batters later, the Yankees went ahead, 7-6.

The Rangers went quietly in the bottom of the ninth and the Yankees gleefully recorded yet another victory over the Rangers - who just can't seem to beat the Yankees.

As I put this page together on Monday morning, I've had only 5 hours sleep in the last two days - my recall of the game is next to nothing. We'll have to rely on Jim's commentary today. :)

I can say this. The Rangers pitching (in particular Danny Patterson) let the Twins get much closer than they should have been in the 9th inning. This was a very well pitched game until the 9th.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers coasted Sunday and swept the Minnesota Twins 9-5, behind the pitching of Rick Helling and from solid support from the bottom of the batting order.

Helling, who gave up just 2 earned runs in 7 innings, was very sharp again and looks to be back to form, after his terrible start of the season.

Helling found all the help he needed from the six, seven and eight batters in the lineup. Todd Zeile, Lee Stevens and Gregg Zahn - who was filling in so that Ivan Rodriguez could get a needed two-day rest, combined to go 6-14, with a double, 3 homers and 7 runs batted in. Zeile had a homer in the second to give Helling a lead he would never relinquish, while Stevens added 2 solo shots, the first being a tremendous blow.

The Rangers have now finished their longest road trip in team history in terms of mileage and I'm sure they'll be smiling on their way back to the Metroplex. The team sandwiched two lousy series with two series sweeps; sweeping the Mariners at the Kingdome and now the Twinkies at the Baggiedome.

As I put this page together on Monday morning, I've had only 5 hours sleep in the last two days - my recall of the game is next to nothing. We'll have to rely on Jim's commentary today. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Is it possible the Rangers' pitching staff has turned it around?

Since last Sunday (April 18th), the Rangers ERA sits at a very lovely 3.00. The addition of Mike Venafro and the subtraction of John Burkett to the staff should only make things better.

In his last outing, Joe coined Mike Morgan, "the steal of the off-season". I don't think it could be put any more eloquently. Morgan pitched 7 innings on Saturday and held the Twins to 2 earned runs. Venafro and - here's that name again - Jeff Zimmerman - each pitched a scoreless inning and the Rangers won 7-2.

Morgan, along with Aaron Sele and Zimmerman, have been the saviors of the Rangers. If not for them, this team likely would be in the cellar, Remember how poorly Rick Helling, Mark Clark and John Burkett pitched their first 2 outings and 3 outings, respectively? As ineffective as they were, Morgan has been supreme.

Saturday, Morgan got help from Juan Gonzalez, who collected 3 more RBI's and 3 hits. The Rangers scored 7 runs on 10 hits, making the most of each hit. Raffy Palmeiro belted a homer (his 4th) and drove in 2.

It is interesting to note that for the second time in a span of 4 days, Tom Goodwin stole a run in the first inning. Against Roger Clemens on Wednesday, he walked, stole two bases and came home on a catcher's error and Saturday the exact same thing happened. If Goodwin could only get on base more, he would be such an intimidating factor...

Even though the Rangers lost both games in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, they finished the week at 4 wins and 2 losses. This long road trip began April 13th and the Rangers are 7-4 so far on the road, which is nothing short of outstanding.

Great pitched game from every Ranger involved, especially starter Mark Clark.. John Wetteland got his MLB leading 6th save.. Juan Gonzalez finally got his first home run - a three run blast, and Pudge didn't seem to be bothered by the collision last night, also popping a home run. Also, if you were watching the Rangers on TV, the home run by Juan was one of those ones that you knew was a monster blast the second it hit the bat - it was really awesome!

A great game for the Rangers! Surprisingly the Twins are playing really good baseball these last two games. I expected to come in here and crush them, and they're sticking up for themselves, which is nice to see.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers road Mark Clark's first good outing and a Juan Gonzalez 3-run homer Friday to beat Minnesota 4-2.

Clark, who has horribly in every start prior to Fridays', pitched pretty well Friday. Despite giving up 3 doubles the first 5 innings, he held the Twins scoreless. This was by far his best outing and it's at least a sign of hope.

Call me a dreamer but I say Clark winds up with at least 15 victories this year.

It was nice to see Gonzalez homer for the first time this year. His home runs come in bunches usually, so the rest of this weekend might be fun. Ivan Rodriguez, who was at first diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday after a collision at the plate - then upgraded to a bone bruise to his cheek, was back in the lineup on Friday and drove himself in with an insurance run as he homered in the 9th inning.

Flawless John Wetteland, who was somewhat of a question mark coming into the season because of his ankle, picked up his 6th save already and is on a record pace for saves.

Let's see. The pitching. Well, I thought Aaron Sele was pitching great. Only gave up a couple of hits through the first few, one run. Seemed to be crusing along, and then Johnny Oates took him out. I didn't catch the pitch count, but I'm hoping that's the reason, as he didn't seem to be in really huge trouble when he came out. Still, he got the win, which was nice. Would have been nice to see him get into the 7th, though. Zimmerman, while not as sharp as he usually was came in and got the job done.

The game was actually a tight game up until the top of the 8th - some good baseball, as the Rangers were up only 2-1, on two solo Home runs by Lee Stevens & Todd Zeile, who both seem to be having nice Aprils. We busted it open to 6-1 on a bloop double to right field by Roberto Kelly scoring two, and then another double by Rusty Greer scoring two more. Given the way we were pitching, I thought it was an easy cruise, especially going into the bottom of the 9th still up 6-1. We then had appearances by Munoz (who was OK and appeared in the 8th), and Crabtree (who wasn't). Both Munoz & Crabtree pitched only 2/3 of an inning, giving up runs (1 for Munoz, 2 for Crabby). Crabtree was rather ineffective, allowing the Twins to get back in the game at 6-4. Wetteland, who wasn't expected to show because of the score came in and got a save. I liked that we won, but I didn't like the fall-apart in the bottom of the ninth.

However, the biggest story was Pudge getting wailed upon in the first inning. At the end of the inning, Mark McLemore threw home as Matt Lawton was attempting to score. As Matt hit the plate, he elbowed Pudge in the head trying to score. Pudge managed to hold on to the ball, and the inning was over, but after getting hit by Lawton, he also crashed into the home plate umpire, and then was laying flat on his back on the ground for a good couple of minutes. He eventually got up, and sat in the dugout for a minute or two before heading to the trainer's room. He looked really dazed there. Later on we found out that he was hit in the same cheekbone that was fractured in 1993 - although Xrays didn't show anything broken. Pudge reported feeling dizzy, and he's listed as day to day. That's good.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Aaron Sele bounced back from a poor start last time out and the Rangers held off a 9th inning comeback bid by the Twins and beat them 6-4 Thursday.

Sele pitched almost 6 innings and gave up just 1 run in his stint. Historically, April is his favorite month to pitch and it's showed this April as well.

The Rangers got homers from Rafael Palmeiro (his third) and Lee Stevens (his fifth). The Rangers however, managed only 6 hits and can now be officially labeled "in a hitting slump as a team". The Yankees shut down Texas earlier this week.

This is going to sound like a broken record, but rookie Jeff Zimmerman continues to impress. Really good relief pitchers are extremely hard to find. His value to this team is phenomenal and should not be misused nor under appreciated.

It should also be noted that Rusty Greer and Roberto Kelly (who continues to play *well*) each drove in a couple of runs for the Red Shoe.

The Angels lost and Seattle was postponed on Thursday. The Angels, while playing just about each loss close the past week, are struggling offensively, even though Mo Vaughn is playing again. The Rangers remain in first place.

I thought we made out better than the game looked. I also thought Helling was pulled too quickly.

I'm really tired today - I don't feel up to writing commentary.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

It's the same song, the second verse. The Rangers just cannot beat the New York Yankees. They lost 4-2.

Wednesday, the Rangers and Rick Helling squared off against baseball's premier pitcher, Roger Clemens.

Clemens was wild in the first inning. He uncharacteristically walked three hitters. Goodwin, who led off the game with a walk, stole second and third and came home on an error by catcher Joe Girardi. No hits, one run after one-half inning. The Rangers, however, couldn't muster anything after this, except for a 4th inning solo homer by Todd Zeile (his 4th).

The Yankees really didn't do much either, but they did hit 2 homers off of Helling. Helling has now given up a homer in each start this year - and two in each start but one.

Clemens settled down and wound up giving the Rangers just one earned run in 7+ innings.

One lone bright spot remains the pitching of Jeff Zimmerman, who threw zeroes for 2 innings. He's been nothing short of remarkable.

The Rangers have lost 4 of their last 5 ball games, yet remain the leader in the A.L. West because the other teams are playing poorly also.

Once again, David Cone killed the Rangers. In the last two outings against the Rangers (the other being Game 3 of the playoffs last year), we were shut the hell down by him - totally. I have to say that when I saw Cone's name as the pitcher here, I groaned, because he's still a very underrated pitcher - I wouldn't mind having him our our staff, that's for sure.

Quite the opposite was John Burkett. I knew we were in trouble when the first pitch of the game hit Chuck Knoblauch. Was a definite eye-roller. And then Paul O'Neill gave the Yankees all they needed with the first of two home runs for him in the first inning. Burkett has had a major slide in quality this season. He hasn't been a dominating pitcher since he was with the Giants severeal years ago, but at worst, he was just "OK". This year, IMHO, he's gone backwards into bad. That's a shame, because I really like the guy. Today's DMN is reporting that there might be a problem with Burkett physically, and he could have to go on the DL because of it. If that's true, it might explain his problems - but if he does go on the DL, we don't have a whole lot of options. I thought last night that Simms coming back might bump Burkett from the roster, as Loaiza is pitching decent, but if Burkett goes on the DL, I think that Loaiza would go back to the rotation. However, I agree with what Jim says below about Loaiza and the pen - I'd really hate to see Burkett go on the DL, but he's not doing us all that good where he is. The bizarre thing is that I look at the scores here, and 4-0 isn't all that bad, really. It's just that Burkett got helped out by a double play in the first, and some good fielding. He seemed to struggle from the getgo. One bright spot was Esteban Loaiza. He seemed to pitch really good today, and I hope to god he can hold that up, as I want him to succeed, because if he doesn't, it means we gave up Warren Morris for nothing. :)

We had a couple of threats going late, but they didn't amount to anything. Our offense was non existant (only 4 hits total). Not much else to say about this game, other than we got shut down big time by David Cone.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

As Yankee great Yogi Berra once said, "It's deja vu all over again".

Tuesday's game brought back painful memories of the 1998 American League Playoffs to Rangers' fans as the Yankees, behind a masterful David Cone, defeated the Rangers 4 to 0.

The Rangers managed just 4 hits the entire ball game - all singles. Cone came at the Rangers from every angle known to man and had them off balance the entire night.

Paul O'Neill did most of the damage for the Yanks, as he drove 2 John Burkett pitches out of the ballpark in less than 3 innings. Burkett actually did well to only give up 3 runs in his 2.0 innings as he was in trouble his entire short stay.

Esteban Loaiza may have found his niche for the Rangers. He pitched middle relief again and gave up just one earned run in 3.2 innings pitched. As much as we all seem to dislike Loaiza, he has saved the bullpen from a tough road of misery, eating up innings since Opening Day.

The Rangers try to rebound Wednesday behind Rick Helling, who pitched very well his last time out.

A much better game than the first two in the series - this looked like the Seattle series. There wasn't a whole lot wrong with this game that I could tell other than Eric Gunderson, who looks like he probably pitched himself down to AAA when Mike Simms is ready to come back.

Mike Morgan is looking again like he's going to be the steal of the offseason. Through 5 innings, Mike had pitched only 65 pitches with two hits (although one of them was a solo HR), and 85 pitches through 6 innings. There were a couple of 1-2-3 innings, and he looked pretty dominating. The seventh seems to be his limit so far this season - a double and then Ben Grieve singled in a run, so he got taken out before a whole lot of damage could be done. Was a great outing still, only giving up two runs on 4 hits. Jeff Zimmerman came in and pitched and retired just about everyone he faced, giving up only one hit over two innings, and 2 strikeouts. Once the hitters figure him out, he won't be as dominating, but it's still nice to have an arm like this. I'd be shocked if he was sent back down when Simms comes up.

The Rangers bats were a bit more awake than in the first two games of this series. Point in case.. The Rangers had nine hits through the first out in the fourth inning, which was more than they had in the first two games against the A's combined! The fourth was a power inning for us. Todd Zeile had a big solo home run to left (there was a funny visual on TV of the ball bouncing down a flight of stairs), and then two pitches later, Lee Stevens hit what Bill Jones called a "titanic blast" to right field - the first back to back home runs by the Rangers for the year. Raffy also had a spectacular day; he was 4 for 4 with two RBI's and a run scored - looked good. Probably would have had a double if he could run as fast as he normally does. Todd Zeile also had a great day on the field, making a couple of really great plays - lookd like the veteran third baseman we dealt for last year. :)

Silly play in the third - Goodwin was going to steal second, and the A's shortstop (I think it was the shortstop) stood on the base waiting for the ball to come in, and the base itself came out of the ground and up in the air. Goodwin was called out (see photos below), but I have to wonder if the play would have gone the Rangers way if the base had stayed in the ground. Speaking of stolen bases, Lee Stevens had one, and it was his 5th in his career, and his first since 1997.

There was one really funny thing they did on the TV - they put Tom Grieve up on screen, and had a graphic that said ".000 batting average this season". Thought that was rather funny. :) A great game - but our weak ass pitching is headed to Yankee Stadium next - I don't feel very confident there at all. Can we have Sele & Morgan pitch there? :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers' salvaged what was almost a Lost Weekend by defeating the Oakland Athletics Sunday.

Paced by a great (for Texas pitching) outing by Mike Morgan, terrific defense from Todd Zeile and shutout relief from Jeff Zimmerman and John Wetteland, the Rangers held the A's to 7 hits.

The Rangers' banged out 15 hits, including 4 for Rafael Palmeiro, who finally saw his batting average eclipse .300 (he's now hitting .333). Palmeiro also added a couple of RBI's.

Texas hit back-to-back homers in the 4th when Zeile and Lee Stevens connected. That's the first time this year they've done that.

With the pitching the Rangers got Sunday from Morgan, they could have beaten anyone. Here's hoping it continues, as the Rangers travel to Yankee Stadium Tuesday to play the hated Yankees.

I was out during most of this game - didn't see enough to make any commentary on it. Except this - man, Jason Giambi is killing us!

Commentary by Jim Weeks:

Jim was sick this weekend, and didn't write any commentary for this game.

I was kinda tired when this game was on, and wasn't really paying attention - I think I fell asleep twice watching it. Not to mention the fact it was a crap game - I don't really feel like writing commentary about this game 3 days later. Now if we had WON by the score of 8-2, I might have felt like writing about it. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

I can't write a whole lot today. Then again, there's not a lot to say about this game.

Aaron Sele, the most reliable Rangers' starter so far this year, was rocked by the A's Friday to pick up his first loss of the year.

The Rangers' offense was missing as well - and final score: A's 8, Rangers 2, was really more lopsided that it looks.

The Rangers managed only 3 hits (including a solo homer by Lee Stevens) while the A's banged out 17, a season high for them.

Eric Gunderson would be in danger of losing his job if the Rangers had a reliable left-hander at AAA to replace him. Gunderson saw his ERA climb to over 11.00. The only alternatives are Mike Venafro, Rich Robertson and Matt Perisho; Perisho being the best of the lot. Still, a call-up seems unlikely.

A short commentary today, as I'm kinda busy today at work again. I will say this. Wow - where was this pitching hiding? After the score got tied 3-3, the Rangers retired everyone - 20 in a row! Crabtree looked awesome, as did the other guys, but Crabby got Jay Buhner to strike out swinging on all three pitches, and Wetteland was awesome too! Now, if Helling can keep this up, his ERA might come down out of the stratosphere some more. It was a real shame he didn't get the win - he really deserved it!

Also, Alicea & Kelly looked awesome again. These guys both signed two year contracts before the 98 season - both of their contracts are up after this season. I really hope we can sign both of them again - I like both these guys!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Put away the hound dogs, cancel the call to the FBI and dim the scanning search lights; Rick Helling has been found and he's alive and well in Seattle, Washington.

Rick Helling went 8 very strong innings Thursday, in what was by far his best outing of the year. He gave up just 3 runs on 5 hits and no walks, although one of the hits was a home run.

Exactly how good was Rick Helling? Well, for starters, his ERA dropped almost 5 full runs. His curveball, which has seemed to be missing longer than Jimmy Hoffa, was very visable Thursday afternoon in Seattle. He threw nine groundballs and had 4 strikeouts and you can't even compare those numbers to his first 2 starts, when everything he threw seemed to be belted deep in the air by the opposition.

The Rangers' bullpen combo of Tim Crabtree and John Wetteland - both throwing in the mid 90's, simply came in and shut the door on the beleaguered Mariners in the 9th and 10th innings. Seattle has no bullpen at all and I'm beginning to wonder if Lou Piniella will last another 25 games as manager there.

The Rangers won the game in in the 10th inning, 4-3. The star offensively was their diminuative 2nd baseman Luis Alicea, subbing for the weak-knees of Mark McLemore. Alicea went 3 for 5 with 2 ribbies, including the go-ahead RBI in the 10th.

I really like seeing both Alicea and Roberto Kelly in the lineup together. Kelly has hit so well this year that he saw his batting average drop almost .100 points even though he went 2 for 5.

Juan Gonzalez continues to leave runners in scoring position with less than 2 outs. As Joe pointed out yesterday, he just isn't doing the job offensively at the moment.

The Rangers got some very good news out of Florida, as Mike Simms began his Minor League rehab, going 2-2 with 2 walks for Charlotte of the Florida State League. The Rangers expect Simms back with the ballclub as early as the next homestand.

The best news of the evening though came from that old, familiar face, "Bulldog" Helling...who's certain demise has been greatly exaggerated.

I'm kinda busy today, so I'm not going to be able to write much. A few points I noticed..

• Juan continues to not come through in big RBI situations. He's getting RBI's, but he again didn't get much of anything with a bases loaded situation.
• Burkett was great the first time through the lineup, but after that, no so much so. That's too bad, I thought he looked great the first three innings.
• Jeff Zimmerman - where's this guy been? I still maintain it's only two MLB appearances, but damn - he looks spectacular so far!
• This is the second time in two straight nights the word "fuck" got out over the air on TV.
• Ken Griffey Jr. - Oh man, what a catch - looked awesome! Thought Juan was going to get a couple RBI's there, but he did one of those back to the plate catches.
• Lynn (my wife) commented that it seemed like the Kingdome looks dirty - like they don't care about "cleaning it up" this season.
• Rusty Greer continues to have a great run at the Kingdome!
• I really hope the Rangers can do some sort of realignment move so all of our division people aren't on the West coast anymore. 1AM finishes bite. I suppose it would be worse if I lived back home in Philly, though. :)
• Bases loaded is becoming an Achillies Heel for us - we don't seem to want to do anything with them loaded. :(

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Living here on the East Coast and being a morning person smile.gif (93 bytes), I didn't get a chance to see or hear Wednesday's game, so I'll use this opportunity to reveal some things to you that you may have missed, by reviewing the boxscore and a few other notes:

Every 12.3 pitches John Burkett threw on Wednesday became a Mariners' double...As badly as Burkett pitched Wednesday, his ERA actually lowered quite a bit...Every hitter in the Rangers' lineup had at least one hit...Rusty Greer was on base 5 times for the second straight night, as he had a single, a double and 3 walks...Roberto Kelly hasn't had the opportunity to play much this year, but perhaps he should play more often. He is hitting .615...the Rangers had 3 stolen bases, 2 by Goodwin and 1 by Clayton. Clayton should steal 20-25 bases...Juan Gonzalez left nine runners on base, although he was simply robbed by Ken Griffey on a line shot to the deepest part of the field (I did see that on ESPN's Sportscenter)...Gonzalez has yet to homer this year, his longest drought ever, starting a season...As a team, the Rangers left 13 men on base, which is hard to fathom, considering they scored 9 runs on 17 hits...Seattle did give up 8 free passes on bases on balls...The Rangers are now hitting .322 as a team, with a whopping on-base percentage of .391...Anaheim lost again to the A's, meaning the Rangers are back in first place all alone. The Rangers are the only team in the AL West with a winning record, not bad for a team that has horrible starting pitching...The Rangers have already won this series from Seattle. This is the second consecutive series the Rangers have beaten the Mariners in the Kingdome, something I don't think they have accomplished since the early 1980's...No midweek blues for the Red Shoes: Texas has played 2 games on Tuesday and 2 on Wednesday and have won all 4.

Lastly and without commentary, let's have a look at Burkett's two starts this season:

   DATE   ip  h  r er bb so hr 
April  9  2.2 7  5 5  0  2  2 
April 14  4.1 8  4 4  1  6  0
---------------------------------------
totals    7.0 15 9 9  1  8  2  ERA-11.57

Pudge Rodriguez beat the Seattle Mariners 9-6 last night (OK, the real score was 15-6, but 9 of the 15 were Pudge's). He whacked a third deck home run in the first inning, scoring three runs. That was only the 21st person to hit a ball up there in the history of the Kingdome. He then went on to hit a two run single in the second, which possibly could have been more than just a single if Jay Buhner didn't make a really awesome sliding stop of the ball headed to the wall. That put Pudge's RBI total at 5 for the first two innings. Then comes the third. With the bases loaded, Pudge fouls off a really good pitch for him to hit - if you were watching this on TV, they showed a closeup of Pudge after he fouled off the ball, and he knew it. Then a couple of pitches later came what Bill Jones described as "The ultimate hanging curve ball" that Pudge almost put into the third deck again in left field.

It was Pudge's first ever grand slam, and boy did he know it. When the ball went, he started running down the first base line, and most of that time was spent looking in the dugout smiling. As he was going around the bases, he was bursting with smiles. It's funny, as my wife Lynn had just commented not 2 minutes before that you hardly ever see Pudge smile at all during the game. That gave Pudge 9 RBI's. He had a chance the next at bat to tie the AL record at 11, but he popped out. He was then taken out for Zaun in a complete rout. What a night for Pudge! Check out the pics below for some of the smiling. :)

As great as this was, it wasn't all that happened tonight that was good. Mike Morgan was really good through the first 6 innings he pitched. The first three innings were perfect - as was the fifth inning. He had only allowed three hits through the end of the sixth inning - although two of them were solo home runs. He was also really economical with his pitching - he had only thrown 24 pitches through the first 3 innings, and a total of 48 through the first 5. Not sure what his final pitch count was, though. He did seem to run out of gas in the 7th, allowing two doubles, and then a home run to bring the run count to 5. Still - it was the best starting pitching performance this season outside of Aaron Sele (who wears glasses - I didn't know that. Sele was shown in the dugout wearing glasses). One other thing about Morgan. Grieve said this was the first time that Mike Morgan had beaten the Mariners since 1979(!). They also joked that if Mike Morgan is still pitching next season, he'll be the first pitcher ever to pitch in four decades, and 2 centuries. :) When you look at him, he doesn't seem like he's been around quite that long.

After Morgan, we brought in Jeff Zimmerman, who made his major league pitching debut and pitched for 1 2/3 innings, striking out 4 batters of the 6 he faced (one of which was former Ranger Domingo Cedeno & Edgar Martinez). Zimmerman looked VERY impressive. After Zimmerman, Danny Patterson came in for the ninth, and allowed one run (total of 6). Patterson seemed just "OK". He wasn't bad, but wasn't great, either.

One bad thing, though - Raffy came out in the first inning after an RBI single to right with a slightly pulled hamstring. He's listed as day to day, but it doesn't have anything to do with the knee surgery - but anytime you hear the word "hamstring", you worry.

In unbaseball remarks, there were two VERY funny Ranger commercials on TV last night. The first was one about Nolan Ryan and the Hall of Fame, and the other was one of the regular Ranger commercials with John Wetteland. I'm going to try and get them on tape in the next few days - when I do, I'll have 'em here as downloads. One final thing. The final batter for the Mariners popped up, and when he did, you could quite clearly hear someone screaming "FUCK". Not sure who it was for sure, but after the out, Danny Patterson was quite clearly shown going "SHIT" & "FUCK" (if you could read lips, that is). :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

It looks like Rodriguez is back in Seattle. Future Hall of Famer Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, that is.

Pudge set a new Texas Rangers' individual record by bustin' out the whoopin' stick and driving in nine runs as the Rangers proved they weren't the only team with pitching problems - as they destroyed the Mariners, 15 to 6. The 9 RBI's break a record set by Jose Canseco which was later tied by Juan Gonzalez at 8.

Pudge went nuts in this game, hitting a three-run homer, a grand slam and he hit a couple of singles. The Rangers' offense thrived off Seattle starter Ken Cloude, who was making his 1999 debut. After this outing, his ERA sits at 37.80. If he could give up a few more earned runs, maybe Doug Melvin will try and make a trade for him...tongue firmly implanted in cheek.

The Rangers literally hate playing in Seattle. In the mid-1990's, Rangers' radio announcer Eric Nadel appropriately nicknamed the dome the "House of Horrors" and for good reason - they rarely win there. But they had no problems Tuesday. Just about every Ranger went goo-goo with the bat, (Rusty Greer had 4 hits and a walk, for example). The score was 13-0 before 3 innings were up. End of ball game, time for bed...yawn.

We've bitched and moaned the first week of the season about the Rangers' pitching, but look at Seattle's pitching, which is touted to be much better than the Rangers' staff.

Going into the game, the Rangers weren't even close to being the worst pitching team in the American League. Now just try and imagine two worse pitching teams. Along with the Detroit Tigers, the Seattle Mariners reside statistically. The Mariners now have a team ERA of 7.38. That's 1/100ths of a run lower than the Tigers.

Ranger Mike Morgan became the first pitcher other than Aaron Sele to even pitch long enough to qualify for a win. Morgan wasn't perfect, but pitching in the Mariners' Pinball Arena, at least he survived, despite giving up 3 home runs in 6.1 innings.

Jeff Zimmerman, just called up to provide relief in the bullpen, pitched superbly. He struck out 4 in 1.1 scoreless innings. He's a welcome addition to this staff.

I may still complain about bad pitching in future columns, but I have come to realize that the grass is not always greener on the other side, folks. Especially, in this case, when the grass is artificial.

Another stinker. We really need to get it together with our pitching. It's digusting that after Game 7 of the season, our bullpen has more innings pitched than the starters. Only Aaron Sele is anywhere near effective, and if he wasn't, our only win would have been from a bullpen pitcher. Ugh! We gave up 20 hits again. Not counting last night's game, we gave up fifty-one hits to the Angels in three games (13, 19, & 20). Johnny Oates must have a locker full of Pepto Bismol now. The game took 3 hours and 28 minutes, probably bolstered by the fact that the total number of pitches thrown by both teams was 368 - 195 by the Rangers and 173 by the Angels. We also gave up 10 doubles in the game to the Angels. Don't really feel like talking about bad pitching anymore - look below at the numbers. Except this. Anyone notice that last year's castoffs are pitching decent (Bobby Witt, Julio Santana) - hell, even Darren Oliver is pitching better than we are! :)

I thought we had a shot in the beginning when Juan Gonzalez was up with the bases loaded against a really ineffective Ken Hill. He popped out to first, ending the inning. That seemed like the omen to me. Juan is impotent against Hill, now going 0-8 (or is it 0-9) in his career against him. In the sixth, we almost had two home runs as Rusty Greer really rode one, but Orlando Palmiero hauled it in, and Tim Salmon robbed Juan Gonzalez on an opposite field shot that should have gone, but Salmon pulled it in.

The one bright spot here was Todd Zeile, who continues to be on fire so far. He went two for four with a home run and two RBI's, and scoring two runs. His average now is .440 - Makes me wish I had kept him in my fantasy league. :)

As bad as all of this looks, it's still only the first week (give or take a day) of the season, and standing this early in the season don't mean a whole lot. We're off to the West Coast for a bit, so I'm hoping that the change in scenery does something good. However, it's bad when you need to go on the road for a "change of scenery boost".

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Finally, they are gone. Monday, the Angels left town, but not before collecting 20 hits, 10 of them doubles. It's safe to say the Angels had more doubles than an alcoholic on payday.

This was another ugly, smelly, - insert your own sarcastic adjective that ends in ly - pitched game. Mark Clark pitched like banjo player Roy Clark. Eric Gunderson, the sacrificial lamb to finish the game, was even worse. Only Esteban Loaiza pitched with any kind of command at all, and even he wasn't pretty.

Everything the Angels hit was hit with authority. This wasn't a 'dumb luck' game where the opposition hits bloops and Texas Leaguers, this was a team possessed with winning the ball game and destroying the memories of last September.

Even though Angels' starter Ken Hill pitched really badly, the Angels' bullpen bailed him out, surrendering no runs in the last five innings. The Rangers were actually ahead 3 to 1 at one point, but that seems like years ago (the contest lasted 3 hours and 28 minutes but seemed more like 6 hours and 59 minutes).

This is getting to be old hat. With the Rangers departing on a long road trip to Washington to face the Mariners, it seems very likely that a personnel move or moves will be made. Firstly, it's very probable that Scarborough Green will be sent down to the minors and Jeff Zimmerman, impressive in spring training and impressive in two appearances for the Oklahoma RedHawks this year, will be called up to give an extra arm to the bullpen. After all, there's no need for a pinch-runner when the score is 13 to 5, is there?

As far as other possible moves, there is no telling what Doug Melvin has going. Rest assured however, he's be on the phone with several other general managers looking for help.

With the way the Rangers' have been pitching, perhaps he simply dialed 9-1-1.

Great game. Great seats. Oh my god, did I have great seats. I was offered two seats that belonged to the law firm that represents my company. If you're familiar with the Ballpark seating chart at all, these were Section 32, Row 5, Seats 5-6. One thing to note - there are no rows 1-3 in Section 32. :) This unbelievable view afforded me the opportunity to take some really awesome shots of the game and the ballpark.

Anyway, about the game.. Sele pitched better than anyone else on our staff (except maybe for Morgan out of the pen) again last night. He wasn't as impressive as the first time, but he still pitched a really great game, and finally left due to fatigue (he had pitched 125 pitches when he was pulled). He looked good from where I was sitting, even striking out the side once. The curve was awesome again - I hope he can keep this up for more than just April. :)

Our offense woke up early this time, scoring three times in the first inning. Goodwin led off with a triple to right center, losing his shoe as he ran around the bases (see below for a shot of that). Then Mac had another triple (could have been an error, too, but it was called a triple). We also had two doubles in the inning, and a sac fly by Rusty, scoring a total of three in the first inning. Looked great! We scored a couple more in the 5th on a few singles and an infield fielder's choice play. We didn't have any home runs (although Disney had one), but the offense looked in the groove. I wonder where the hell they were last night.

I spent a lot of time just admiring the ballpark tonight, as I don't ever get to sit in these kinds of seats. Even the ticket itself looks better than the regular tickets (see the scan of my ticket stub). On the flip side, Al Levine came in for the Angels for Belcher (man, what a silly name), and he pitched awesome. I really wish we didn't have to let him go - I loved him last year, and was disappointed that he had to go. I hope he does well for them, just not when he pitches against us. :)

It was a great game, but I don't feel overly wordy about it. The seats I were in just overshadowed the game. It was great that we won, and it was a great game, but man, when you get to sit where I sat last night, that tends to be the thing you remember the most. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers won 6-3 Sunday night against the Angels, behind an explosive offense and a valiant Aaron Sele.

The Rangers needed at least 5 innings out of Sele because the bullpen has been overworked of late. No Rangers' starter had lasted 5 innings except for Sele in his start last Tuesday.

Sele lasted 5.2 innings. His curve ball was as wicked as I have ever seen it. He fooled the Angels into striking out 10 times. He gave up 3 runs but only 1 was unearned. Jon Shave, filling in for the injured Royce Clayton, made two errors that led to those two runs.

Sele would have lasted longer, but on a humid evening such as it was, the Angels had some long innings (again, thanks to Shave's errors). The top of the third inning in particular lasted forever, yet the Angels only scored one run, as Sele threw about 35 pitches.

The Rangers' offense, shut out on Saturday, were open for business Sunday. All 12 of their hits came before the 6th inning. Although there were no home runs, they did smoke the ball for a total of 4 extra base hits.

Every Ranger hitter in the lineup, with the exception of Lee Stevens, got at least a hit.

It was Sele and his 125 pitches though that was the story of this ball game. Mike Munoz, an effective Tim Crabtree and good ole' John Wetteland (who got his second save) shut down the Angels completely the last 3.1 innings of the game.

Sele has come through twice. Let's hope Mark Clark can come through once on Monday afternoon.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention two last things; first of all Al Levine threw 4 innings of work for the Angels and he looked fantastic. It's a shame we don't have him in our bullpen any longer. Secondly, Jon Shave not only committed two costly errors Sunday, (his second and third errors of the series) but he struck out early in the game on a pitch that I swear was ear level. Shave has no business being in the big leagues playing this way. Either Rafael Bournigal or Scott Sheldon at AAA could do a better job.

This game was so disgusting, I don't want to even talk about it. Worse than opening day - which I thought sucked for the most part.

Commentary from Jim Meeks:

Ugly.

If I had to write this column in one word, that's the word I'd use.

10 to zip. Ten to nada. Ugly.

Rick Helling, who won 20 games last year, is pitching like he may lose 20 games this year.

Let's compare his two 1999 outings:

                   ip  h  r  er bb so hr era
Monday April 5th   3   7  7  5  2  0  2 15.00
Saturday Aprl 10th 3.2 9  6  6  3  2  0 14.73
------------------------------------------------------------------
totals             6.2 16 13 11 5  2  2 14.85

Ugly.

Each inning he pitched, Helling was in more jams than grandma's butter knife. He didn't seem to think he was so bad, however. After the game, he was quoted as saying, "A lot of hits were ground balls. A few were up there but that wasn't my problem tonight. Not to say that they were weak hits but they were just doing it single, after single, after single. The ball kept finding the holes."

Yeah Rick. There's a word for that: ugly.

Omar Olivares, the Angels' starter, pitched extremely well. The Rangers managed just 3 hits off him in his 7.1 innings of duty.

The only starter to last more than 5 innings so far this season has been Aaron Sele, who pitched a masterpiece on Tuesday. What will the Rangers do if this keeps up?

Well, they'll lose.

Perhaps though, they'll make a trade. I know it's bold, but I propose trading Juan Gonzalez. The Rangers can survive the loss of Gonzalez. The Rangers have Ruben Mateo a phone call away at AAA. In 3 games at Oklahoma City, Mateo is 6 for 12 with 2 doubles, a homer and 4 RBI.

The Diamondbacks and their fans would love to have Gonzo (and get rid of Esteban Loaiza while you are at it, Doug Melvin) - and we'd love to have Luis Gonzalez to take Mike Simms' spot, plus underrated lefties Omar Daal and Brian Anderson - and the Minor Leagues' best pitching prospect, Brad Penny, who pitches for AA El Paso. The season is still young. If the Rangers wait until July to make a deal for a pitcher(s), it may be too late.

Do it now. Make the bold move. Otherwise, it could get uglier.

First off, what's with these damned red clickers that are all over the ballpark? If you go to the ballpark and you have one of these things, and you're reading this, tell me. WHY? They're the most annoying thing I've ever heard. It sounds like the ballpark has been invaded by crickets, and they friggin annoying as all hell. I complained to the customer relations people, and they said it was a promotion from the Ft. Worth newspaper. Whomever there thought of this should have a bullet in his head. This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen, and the most annoying thing at the ballpark in all my time here. Period.

This was the first of my 13 Ranger mini plan ticket games, and already two two regular season games I've gone to (I was at the pre season game vs. the Astros, too) have been losses, both with a home run by the first batter. Chuck Finley beat the Rangers for the first time in 5 years, and in the second regular season game I've already been to this season, the first batter of the game hit a home run off Ranger pitching. Ugh. I didn't really have a good feeling about Burkett walking into the park, and I know he can pitch, but he seems to have a harder and harder time getting it together. Of course, Palmiero's home run (no, not that Palmiero) didn't help the feeling. Speaking of Home runs, there were a total of three by the Disney Angels (the other two being Todd Greene, and Ranger killer Tim Salmon). Salmon's almost wasn't a Home Run, as Roberto Kelly missed catching it off the wall by inches. It ws a helluva try, and it bounced on top of the wall, and went up several rows of seats. However, Roberto Kelly got himself picked off second base back in the second inning, or we might have got some more more runs there, too.

When Esteban Loaiza (anyone notice Warren Morris is tearing it up early for the Pirates) came in, I thought "Oh god". However, he actually pitched good - he came in with two outs in the third, and allowed only one hit (a double to Sheets) to the first eleven batters he faced (two 1-2-3 innings). Then in the seventh, it fell apart, with a single, a double, and a home run. He did finish the seventh, but was relieved in the eighth. Loaiza was hit in the leg by a batted ball, I don't know if that had anything to do with his breakdown or not. I don't think so, but still... Mike Munoz came on and pitched the final two innings, giving up the only walk by the Rangers of the night in the 8th, and a double in the 9th, but no damage done there. So far this season, I like our pickups pitching wise.

Our hitting was fairly decent, if not earth shattering. Jon Shave continued his six year hitting streak last night by getting a single in the third (he was on base in the second when Kelly was picked off) - I believe that makes a 10 game Ranger hitting streak for Shave now. Not counting the two pinch hitters in the bottom of the ninth (Alicea for Shave, & Goodwin for Kelly), everyone on the team had some hits except for Raffy & Stevens, who both went ofers. The best offensive player was Pudge, with a single, a stolen base, an RBI, a run scored (himself) on his solo home run in the 5th. Juan had an RBI, but didn't seem rather impressive tonight.

We lost the first game to the Tigers then won the other two. If we win the final 3 of 4 against the Disney Angels, then I'll overlook tonight, which seemed to be Burkett's fault.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Call me Bill James, but anytime your starting pitcher gives up a homer to the first guy he faces, he's going to be in major doo-doo the rest of the game.

Or at least, so far has been the case this young season for the Rangers' hurlers.

John Burkett, coming off a bad Grapefruit Season, pitched like he was launching rockets at Cape Canaveral Friday as he gave up two balls that cleared the fence and 2 doubles. The Rangers and Burkett lost to the hated Angels, 8 to 4.

Burkett began the game by giving up a home run to Orlando Palmeiro. Palmeiro's homer was only the third home run he's ever had, including all his years in the Minor Leagues. To allow a homer to this guy is like allowing your 80 year-old grandmother to bust out a can of whoop-ass on you. The Rangers' pitchers have given up more home runs this season - 8 - than they have walked hitters - 7.

Burkett pitched like he did most of last year and as he did in the spring. He finished his short outing giving up - hold your nose - 5 earned runs in 2 and one-third innings.

And you knew Johnny Oates thought the game was out of reach in the 3rd inning when he summoned the Rangers' version of Theodore Kazynsky in from the bullpen. Yes, that wacky unibomber himself, Esteban Loaiza.

Loaiza actually surprised, at least for a while. He came into the game with 2 outs in the 2nd and pitched four plus innings. No damage done until the 7th, when the wheels fell off his uniwagon.

Offensively, the Rangers knocked around "Mr. California", Chuck Finley pretty good. Finley gave up 2 homers in his 6 innings of duty, one to the red hot Todd Zeile and the other to Ivan Rodriguez. Every starter in the Rangers' lineup managed a hit Friday night - except Rafael Palmeiro, the lone Ranger with a history of killing Finley. The Rangers managed a total 9 hits off of him in 6 innings, but it wasn't enough.

The Rangers had their chances to get even, but saw them go up in smoke. In the first, the Rangers had 2 on and 1 out, only to have Juan Gonzalez bounce into an inning-ending double dip. In the 3rd, they scored a run but wound up stranding runners at 2nd and 3rd.

Don't blame the offense though. Blame John Burkett.

First off, what was with Fox Sports Southwest last night? At least here in Garland, I was shown the Astros Cubs game. Everything said it was to be FSS, but the Astros game was on there. What's more annoying was that it was also on ESPN, too! CRAP! I suspect someone was asleep at the wheel either at FSS or my cable company and was showing the wrong feed. At least I got to hear it, but I was all ready to watch the game. Grrrr....

Mark Clark started the game off well, I thought he was going to repeat what Sele had done the night before. It went that way until the fourth. Actually, if you count all three games played so far, the Rangers held the Tigers scoreless for 15 innings, as they didn't score in the final three of the opening day fiasco, either. Clark gave up two home runs, which seemed to be his undoing. I didn't think he was all that bad, but he didn't do as good as Sele did last night. Still, it's only his first game, I'm not gonna blast him yet. Crabby, though, is not pitching very well so far. Tonight it was no outs, and three earned runs. At this rate, he might end up back in the minors, and we could bring up Zimmerman (Jim says more or less the same thing below). Mike Morgan continued to impress, but he may be hurt now (as is Clayton, too). It ended up that Mark Clark got the win, his 10th different club he got a win for. There was some talk on the radio that a ball might go to the Hall of Fame with the hat that went there from opening day.

Raffy finally hit a home run (would have been nice to see it, FSS!), and our offense just kept battling back. Was nice to see a come from behind win, and to hang on to it, even though some of our pitching was trying to give the Tigers the game. Lee Stevens had another great night, pushing four runs across the plate. Also, Todd Zeile had another good night with two doubles. One run last night was a gift - you always like to see bases loaded with a 3-0 count on your batter. Yup, we got the free pass. Only thing more embarrassing than that would be a bases loaded balk. :)

The Tigers look much improved over last year so far, and I'd like them to have some success this year (just not enough so it's a problem for the Rangers). :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers' offense brought out the big bats Wednesday to thrash the Tigers, 10-7. The Boys from Arlington pounded out 18 hits including 6 doubles and a home run.

Starter Mark Clark pitched well for three innings then completely lost control of the ball game. His line stats were similar to Rick Helling's on Monday but not quite as bad. He still gave up 2 homers, 2 bases on balls and 2 wild pitches, not to mention the 4 earned runs and 6 hits in a span of 1.1 innings.

Fortunately, the Rangers were bailed out again by Mike Morgan, who's sweaty cap was recently turned over to Cooperstown. He pitched brilliantly, inducing a double play ball on the first batter he faced in the fifth to clean up a messy Clark jam.

While the game was close at times, the Tigers' bullpen just couldn't stop the Rangers' relentless hitting attack. The bats took on dimensions seldom seen last year, as the Rangers showcased the team's newly-found (and 67% left-handed) power from designated hitter Rafael Palmeiro, first baseman Lee Stevens and third baseman Todd Zeile. Palmeiro led off the 7th with a very important solo home run that cleared the Rangers' bullpen and made the upper deck in right-center. Amazingly, only two balls were hit into the Home Run Porch last year by Ranger hitters; Stevens did so early in the year and Will Clark accomplished the feat late in the '98 campaign.

Stevens rapped out 3 hits and drove in 4 runs, all which were important when he drove them in. He drew a bases-loaded walk off lefty CJ Nitkowski and singled off Sean Runyan and made the Tigers' relievers pay for walking Zeile to face him with a lefty. If Stevens can hit left handers like this, then the team can survive the loss of Mike Simms quite easily.

Zeile, known for his notoriously slow starts, had 2 more doubles (he already has 3 on the young season) and 3 hits and is hitting over .600. In the field he shined as well, as he dove to his right to snare a screaming liner off the bat of suddenly-scary-to-see-him-come-up Juan Encarnacion in the 5th.

The Rangers somehow found a way to finally shut down the Tigers' offense, which looks to able to score a bunch of runs this year. In what can only be described as a l-o-n-g (it lasted about 19 minutes) and gut-wrenching top half of the 8th inning, the Rangers' bullpen was both effective and ineffective. When the Rangers needed the outs, they managed to get them. Otherwise, it was nail-biting and cover-your-eyes time for Rangers' fans.

Tim Crabtree was simply terrible. If he has another outing like last night's (see box score), there's a chance he could go to AAA since he still has a Minor League option left. The Rangers could then call up Jeff Zimmerman.

Eric Gunderson threw one pitch and retired the lone hitter he faced, otherwise they might still be playing at The Ballpark. Ok, there's a curfew, but you get the point.

Danny Patterson was only slightly better than Crabtree - and I use the word better quite loosely.

John Wetteland finally put a cap on the scary 3-run Detroit eruption in the 8th and nailed down the save in the 9th. He certainly seemed like his old self.

The Rangers, in fact, were their old offensive selves too as they completely leveled the visiting Tigers with impressive precision.

As I put this page together, it's 1AM, and I'm kinda tired. I'll write my commentary tomorrow when I get into work.

Still.. No errors - nice. Roberto Kelly came within two feet of two home runs for the night - nice. Aaron Sele - awesome!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

What a terrific rebound for the Rangers. The Rangers really were horrible on Monday but Tuesday's vengeful affair was sweet. Aaron Sele, who has been projected as a pitcher who won't be nearly as effective this year as last, was dominating Tuesday as the Rangers shut out the bewildered Detroit Tigers, 6-0.

Sele was stingy, allowing only 7 baserunners in his 7 shutout innings, with 6 strikeouts. 70 of his 111 pitches were for strikes.

Setup men Tim Crabtree and Danny Patterson pitched the final two innings as the Tigers managed only 8 total baserunners and one extra base hit, a Tony Clark double that lead off the 9th.

The Rangers offense got it going early. Johnny Oates' special lineup against lefties, which has Royce Clayton leading off, saw the first 2 hitters reach. Rusty Greer drove Clayton and catcher Pudge Rodriguez both in with a stinging double to the left-center alley.

Oates' tough decision-making came into play again the 7th. After two quick outs, Juan Gonzalez smoked a single through the left side of the infield. Surprisingly, he stole second. A passed balled later, he was on third. Then a wild pitch scored him. Later in the inning, Oates' stuck with Roberto Kelly even though a right-hander was in the game and Tom Goodwin available to hit. Kelly promptly delievered a towering 2-run homer. Four batters later, Luis Alicea drove in the final run of the ball game with a bloop single that scored Todd Zeile, who had barely missed a home run earlier.

The defense played well, with Clayton and Zeile both making tough plays to throw out runners.

As stinky as the Rangers were yesterday, Tuesday had them smelling like a rose.

I'm walking into the Ballpark today (I've been to the last three opening day games), and I was running late. I thought I was going to miss the first inning. I'm walking really fast, and my feet are hurting by the time I actually get into the park. Anyways, I see the Rangers are on the field, and are about to throw the first pitch. I stop walking to my seat, and stand next to the wall at the back of Green's hill. There goes the first pitch.. and there goes the first pitch!! Home run on the first pitch of the season. Boy, if that wasn't an open for things to come, I don't know what was. I was sitting in Section 10, which is right next to the left field foul pole. That means one thing. The sun!! Ugh.. It was a nice spot, I thought, but probably would have been better if I wasn't in the sun so much.

Who made the first error of the season? That's right - Todd Zeile. Dammit. I want Tatis back! The other two errors were by Clayton (4th) & Stevens (7th). Actually, I didn't think things were going all that bad until the fourth inning; I mean it was only 1-0. However, the floodgates opened in the fourth inning, the Tigers scored 7 runs, mostly on the longball (2 HR in the inning), helped by an atrocious outing by Helling & Loaiza (there's a shocker).

Actually, I felt that innings 7-9 weren't that bad, it's just the 4th through 6th were so bad. We finally broke the no hitter in the 7th, as Raffy doubled in Greer, who had been hit by a pitch. Mike Morgan & Mike Munoz both pitched some shutout ball, which was nice to see, and we scored 5 runs from the 7th to the 9th, one of which was a Stevens HR to left field. Juan Gonzalez had two RBI's, and the rest were spead out over several other players. Overall, the game stunk, and Helling better not pitch like this again much, or we're in big trouble. One down, 161 to go. There goes the perfect season. smile.gif (93 bytes)

To summarize.. I'm sunburnt. Section 10 isn't the best place to sit in the middle of the day. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Finally, Opening Day arrives. The smell of precious, green, spring grass. The wonderful smell of ballpark hot dogs. The nauseous fumes of bad pitching and defense. You knew there would be a sour stench all day when leadoff hitter Juan Encarnacion hit the first pitch of the game to the moon.

Rick Helling pitched as poorly as he can possibly pitch. In the first inning alone he threw 24 pitches - and it went downhill from there. He hit 2 batters. He gave up 7 runs (5 earned). He gave up 7 hard hits, including 2 homers. He stunk.

Esteban Loaiza was no better. He was actually worse. I'll spare you the details. Trust me, he stunk.

The defense stunk too. oh sure, Ivan Rodriguez threw out a couple of would-be base thieves. Oh yeah, the infield made a couple of double plays. This only served the cause of not letting the Tigers score 15 runs.

The bright spots were few and far between. Rafael Palmeiro drove a ball to right for a double. Juan Gonzalez had 2 hits and a walk and a couple ribbies. But until the 7th inning, the Rangers couldn't even collect a hit off Brian "Who is this guy, Nolan Ryan?" Moehler, who threw ground ball after ground ball.

It was a long, lost, smelly Opening Day. The good news is...it can only get better.

Sorry, I was totally offline for a few days, and am just hitting the office again after being out for a few days. Too much to do today before I'm supposed to go see the Opening Day game. Sorry 'bout that. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers lost their final exhibition Saturday 6-4.

Despite the loss, the Rangers pitched well. especially the bullpen. The Rangers were victimized by two errors and three unearned runs in a 5 run Mets eruption in the middle innings. Juan Gonzalez's miscue was the key error in the frame.

It was announced that OF Scarborough Green and IF Jon Shave made the ballclub and that Mike Munoz and Eric Gunderson sewed up the lefty spots in the bullpen.

Under a constant threat of rain, the Rangers won their first game in 1999 at the Ballpark in Arlington. I was there - Section 225, row 1. It was cool being close to the TV & radio guys. I even asked Eric & Vince if the kettle corn thing they were talking about all the time in Spring Training was real. They said it was. Eric said it was popcorn covered with something - couldn't hear them very well.

Mark McLemore pulled something in his hamstring in the first inning going after a foul ball, he was pinch hit for in the first inning (he was slated to lead off). Overall it was a good feel for the Rangers, even though they didn't win by a whole lot. Pudge had a triple, which was cool, and of course, when they announced Palmiero, the place went nuts. There did seem to be a bunch of people up from Houston in Astros garb. Ruben Mateo did play, but I didn't know it as it wasn't announced - he pinch ran for Raffy after a double Raffy had gotten.

I'm still on vacation, so I won't say much, but there is some new stuff at the Ballpark. Mainly advertising. There is a new third rotating sign in left field, and the TX lotto ad to the right of the manual scoreboard is gone. There are two new ads on the outfield wall, both for Dodge trucks, and the ad on the back wall of the Rangers bullpen is now a very noticeable white ad (I forget who it is at the moment). Also, the high outfield wall ads by the Coke scoreboard have changed slightly. There is one all the way to the right that I think is different, and the Radio Shack ad with the lighted ball for Home Runs is still there, but it has a Channel 39 logo on it instead of the Radio Shack ad.

But the one totally NEW thing that I liked was a new scoreboard that shows speed of pitch and type of pitch. It's located in left field to the right of the already existing dotpanel scoreboard (that shows out of town scores and updates during the game).

Well, I ended up writing more than I thought - sorry I didn't write much about teh game itself - check out Jim's commentary.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers edged the Astros 6-5 Friday in Arlington, scoring 3 runs off Houston pitcher Scott Elarton late in the game.

Rusty Greer and Jon Shave each had two runs batted in and Pudge Rodirguez and Royce Clayton has two hits each.

Mark Clark had his final tune-up of the spring and while he wasn't overpowering, he was effective (3 ER in 6 IP with 6 SO).

Texas plays their final exhibition Saturday versus the Mets.

I'm out on vacation, and found 10 minutes to update this page - no commentary from me today. However, I am going to the game at the Ballpark tonight (Friday 4/2). Should be fun!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers beat the Red 6-4 to close out their Grapefruit portion of the exhibition season Thursday, but more importantly, they got some great news from the rehab department.

John Wetteland, who's been shelved for most of the spring with a bum ankle, started the game for Texas and pitched one scoreless inning. I have no idea how good his velocity was or anything, since the game with AWOL as far as radio goes, but the Rangers obviously had him facing the top of the Cincy lineup for a purpose - a test. It appears as though he's passed it. He's pitched on consecutive days (yesterday, he pitched an inning in a minor league game). This is tremendous news for the Rangers.

The good news didn't stop there. Rafael Palmeiro, down with 2 seperate knee injuries all spring, made his Grapefruit League debut Thursday and hit a home run, serving as the DH. While he's not running at 100%, he says in two weeks he thinks he will be running full speed. Batting fifth, it's his bat that the Rangers froth over, not his speed.

Aaron Sele pitched decently for Texas. All in all, he's had an acceptable spring training - much like Rick Helling, Mark Clark and John Burkett. Nothing to write home about, but with this Texas offense, you don't have to be Cy Young, you just have to be Mike Young.

It was good news day all around in camp and with the final two exhibitions switching to Arlington, the entire team must be pretty excited about the health of Wetteland and Palmeiro.

The final roster spots are still on the table...who will be the utilty infielder? Will Ruben Mateo make the team or will Melvin insist he be sent to AAA? Will Johnny Oates take Zimmerman over Mike Munoz or perhaps Eric Gunderson in the bullpen? We'll soon find out. Opening Day is just 4 days away!

I'm pretty busy getting ready for a short vacation while I have some relatives in this weekend, so I am not writing much today. It was nice to see the offense back, even though it was only against the Twins.

No errors again, which is nice to see. Without looking it up, there's been a few no error game since the obscene 5 error game last week.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Rangers' righthander Rick Helling hurled 7 innings Wednesday and the Ranger bats were once again alive and well, as the Rangers shelled the Twins 11-4.

Helling gave up two 2-run homers to Ron Coomer (surprisingly, his 5th and 6th homers of the spring) in back-to-back innings but that was the extent of the Twinkies' damage. Helling's outing was the longest by any Rangers' pitcher this spring to date.

Tim Crabtree and Eric Gunderson each had a scoreless inning of work. Gunderson has been especially effective as of late and Crabtree seems to be bouncing back now after a poor outing last week.

Offensively, the Rangers banged out 17 hits with Roberto Kelly, Juan Gonzalez and Royce Clayton doing the major damage. Kelly hit a 3-run shot and Gonzo and Clayton added a couple hits each. The team collected 6 extra base hits. Every Rangers' hitter got a hit except Milt Cuyler (0 for his last 19) an it appears he's lost any chance he had to make the team.

The Rangers did not commit an error on Wednesday, the 3rd time in 4 games they have gone errorless.

Rangers signed Rafael Bournigal this morning. He played a morning practice game, and hit a home run, and was in uniform for today's MLB game, but will be sent to AAA. No errors last season - batted around .250. The Rangers site hasn't had any media notes in over a week now. Hope that gets going again once the new season starts up.

We gave up a run very quickly in the first inning - it was weird, they had scored and got three outs on a foul sacrifice fly, which is pretty rare. The runner was a fluke bloop double. The second run seemed like a Loaiza manufactured run, as he fell behind hitters, and then gave up a double and then a single for a few more runs. And then a few more runs... Ugh... I think today shows that Loaiza is out of the starting rotation. Loaiza went 5 innings, gave up 5 runs. Munoz went two innings and gave up two runs. Johnson & Patterson each went 1 inning, giving up nothing.

At the start of the 6th, Bournigal came into the MLB game at shortstop. At this point, we were losing 5-1. The 1 was thanks of a Juan Gonzalez home run the inning before. Bournigal got his first Ranger at bat and got a hit for it, so he's batting 1.000 so far with the Rangers. :)

The 7th run by the Red Sox was a squeeze play, which you don't see very often, and you didn't get to see it here either, as this was a radio only game. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers lost their 5th game in their last 6 tries Tuesday. If there ever was a question since last Wednesday who the Rangers' fifth starter was, it was answered in this game.

Esteban Loaiza continued his terrible spring, giving up another 5 earned runs in 5 innings (bringing his spring ERA ever closer to 9.00). Mike Morgan will be the 5th starter, there's no doubt, barring injury. Loaiza just might find himself traded, if the Rangers can find the right deal, allowing Jeff Zimmerman to make the staff.

The Rangers' offense was missing for the 2nd day in a row. Only Juan Gonzalez (who homered in the 4th) and Lee Stevens (a double) managed extra-base hits. The Rangers had only 8 hits and no player had more than 1 hit.

It's almost time to play for keeps, so this team had better wake up soon or it's going to be a long season.

I didn't know today's game was on the net via the Devil Rays audio feed. I turned it on and the first thing I heard was "Devil Rays bat around and score 7"... Oh my god! :( It never got any better - the Rangers only scored one run the whole game, and the audio feed was spotty for me, I kept getting dropouts.

After Burkett got shelled for 7, he was still in teh game the next inning, which surprised me. But then again, it didn't, as they wanted to get him his innings, I suppose. Bobby Witt looked decent for the Devil Rays - I hope he manages to get on their rotation.

Kind of busy here at work today, I'm not going to be able to write a lot about this game. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

I listened to the game Monday via RealAudio on Tampa's WFLA radio station and the announcers are actually quite good, although somewhat boring in their approach.

Starter John Burkett gave up 8 runs in his 5 innings Monday as Tampa Bay bedeviled the Rangers, 8-1. Burkett didn't pitch poorly; he was victimised by a host of sharply-hit ground balls that made their way through the infield. He didn't exactly pitch like Tom Seaver either, as the Rays banged a couple of doubles to the gaps. However, the 7 run third inning was the nail in his coffin.

Jon Shave and Scott Sheldon anchored the infield's left side and just couldn't get to most of the shots driven their way. Sheldon however, who played 3rd base, made two exceptional back-to-back plays in the 2nd inning (saving 2 runs at least) or the game would have been even more lopsided. This probably greatly helped his cause for making the ballclub.

Meanwhile, other balls had seeing eyes; one ball bounced over Lee Stevens' head at first base in the 3rd. The inning began ominously enough when Juan Gonzalez made a three-run error on a ball hit right to him and it bounced off his glove...it just seemed to be one of those days for the Rangers.

The lone bright spot today was the Rangers' achilles heel yesterday; the bullpen. Eric Gunderson and Danny Patterson each pitched with the normal authority we expect.

Bobby Witt started and won the game for Tampa Bay and pitched extremely well. He's a shoe-in for a spot on their rotation. Offensively, the Rangers were powerless against him. The Rangers just managed 6 hits, one being a double in the 9th with two out by Ruben Mateo (who collected a base hit earlier) for the Rangers' lone extra base hit. Tom Goodwin also had 2 hits.

This is a game I thought we had wrapped up, but then our usually stable bullpen threw a major boner and gave up 6 runs in the top of the seventh. We didn't make any errors today, but our relief pitching wasn't all that great. Mark Clark looked good today, which was nice, and Ruben Mateo had an absolute bullet in from right field. There was a play where he tried to throw out someone scoring (he didn't), but the throw was something of beauty. From about mid-deep right field, he one bounced it to the plate - no one touched it, and the bounce was about 3/4 of the way from the pitcher's mound to the plate. I can't recall the last time I could see someone who threw like this. Scarbrough Green also made a few really nice defensive catches in center field, too. We were offensively crushed by the Pirates' non roster player Ivan Cruz who was four for four with a home run and four RBI's.

Johnny Oates said during the game that he feels that the positions still up for grabs are not going to be decided until after Saturday afternoon's game (the final pre-season game). Quite frankly, none of the relief pitchers (except Jonathan Johnson) did anything to help themselves today.

There was a nice thing today and yesterday where the TV announcers were hooked up via wireless mikes to various coaches. Over yesterday and today, we got to hear from Johnny Oates, Dick Bosman, Jerry Narron, and one or two others. Gave some nice insight into what they think of the team, and what the first and third base coaches actually say to players when they're on base.

Rusty Greer had a really nice home run when our first base coach was on the microphone that was really helped out by the wind which brought a very foul ball back in fair for a home run. Pudge also had a solo shot earlier in the game. Overall I felt the Rangers lookd good, especially Mark Clark - but the relief pitching let us down. We sort of mounted a comeback after we were down 11-6, but it wasn't enough to come back and win the game.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Relief pitchers Al Levine, Tim Crabtree and Jeff Zimmerman blew a 3 run Rangers lead and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated Texas 11-9.

Mark Clark was the starter for Texas and even though he wasn't terrible, he didn't pitch well either (5 IP, 3 ER, 7 H). But it was the bullpen that lost the game Sunday.

Offensively, the Rangers banged out 12 hits and continue to smoke the ball this spring. Rusty Greer (2-3, 3 RBI) and Pudge Rodriguez each smashed homers. Rodriguez remains the American League' top hitter this spring.

Todd Zeile and Lee Stevens added 2 hits each but the 9 runs the Rangers plated just weren't enough.

The Rangers had only their 3rd errorless game of the spring.

Ranger TV is back! Yay! I kinda missed that Lin TV Ranger theme song that's always on during the Ranger games. :) Unfortunately, it started with a totally sloppy game (7 errors for both sides, and 32 hits). The Rangers came out on top, and sometimes it's fun to see a slugfest, but this game just felt really sloppy to me.

There was a really cool play on one of the errors. When Jon Shave (I think it was him) was playing third later in the game, he made a really wild throw to first base, and the ball went over the first baseman's head. The ball didn't go into the stands, it just bounced off the side of the fence and right back to first base. The Twin runner made a really REALLY slight move towards second base (but enough of a move to technically be "going towards second"), and then took his time getting back to first. The umpire saw that, and the Ranger catcher at the time (Hubbard) also saw it, and picked up the ball and tagged the runner out. It was one of those freak plays you don't see happen very often. Two of the Ranger errors were really close calls, could have gone either way. Taking away both of those still leaves you with 3 errors, which I think is three too many.

On the big time positive side, Mac looked good on the field, and was on base, too. Glad to see him coming around after all the injuries. Got to see the Mateo cannon again throwing out a Twin trying to stretch a single into a double.

It was great to see a big win, and I missed our TV crew (nothing against our radio guys (I love them, too), but I usually watch more games than I listen to on the radio). Overall, the offense looked awesome, but then again, this is the Twins. However, a lot of it was against Brad Radke, who we had shown some interest in. Radke didn't look all that good today, but then again, neither did Sele.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers banged out a spring-high 19 hits Saturday to double up the Twinkies, 10-5.

Starter Aaron Sele pitched horribly (4 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 HR) but still managed a win. The Rangers bullpen pitched well however and held on to a Rangers outburst at the plate.

Tom Goodwin had 3 hits and Pudge Rodriguez, Todd Zeile, Roberto Kelly and Royce Clayton all added a couple of hits each.

The bad news is the Rangers committed 5 errors. Clayton now has 5 errors in his last 7 games. I didn't see the game on TV, nor hear it on the radio, but let it be said that spring training fields are notoriously horrible. Whether these errors were throwing errors or not, I just don't know.

Nomar - Nomar - Nomar - Blowout - Blowout - Blowout!

Ugh. I'm really glad I didn't get to listen to this one on the radio, as it was such a blowout. And after hearing the rather boring Red Sox announcers last week, I'm glad I didn't get to hear them talk about this! :) Boy was this a longball against the Ranger day. Four of them - including two by Nomar. Nomar is a great talent, and if I was a Red Sox fan, I'd probably be really into this, but I'm not, so... shit!

Unfortunately, there was yet another Ranger error. I should go back and look through the box scores, and see if there are any games without errors this spring. I really don't like that we have so many of them - even when we win.

There wasn't much good to talk about here, since I couldn't hear the game on the radio, all I see are the glaring home runs in the line score. :) However, tomorrow's game is on the TV - first of the season - I can't wait!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers' pitching staff was knocked around thoroughly and completely Friday as the Boston Red Sox hammered the Rangers, 10 to 3. The Sox hit 4 homers in the game, while the Rangers were almost completely inept offensively.

Starter Rick Helling was banged around for two of the homers, both coming off the bat of Nomar Garciaparra. Jeff Zimmerman and Tim Crabtree followed with a terrible inning each (1 IP, 3 earned runs each).

WIth the bat, Texas managed very little. Gregg Zahn had a double and an RBI for the lone Rangers' extra-base hit.

Ruben Mateo's hit streak was snapped at 11 games as he went 0-4, playing in right field.

Thre is a bit of good news to report, however. Luis Alicea played second base for about half the game. Alicea had been out about a week with an unknown wrist problem. He went 0 for 2 with the stick.

his has been a good back and forth game with the Yankees which was nice that we kept up with them.

Kosovo air strikes started right when Rusty Greer hit a single and drove in Mac to tie the game 3-3. They kept interrupting the Ranger game a few times to report on what was going on there. That included a report from over there, and we got to hear President Clinton, too. He talked over the entire top of the 5th inning.

Rangers blew a big chance in the 6th - Goodwin had a triple with one out, then Mac walked, and Greer & Gonzalez struck out (Gonzalez with his usual swing at something way out of the strike zone and low). Damn! Also, Jeff Juden of the Yankees could NOT find the strike zone. Walked a ton of people, including almost beaning Clayton. However, did not allow a run. That kind of stuff really bugs me. Not once, but twice having an excellent opportunity, and doing nothing.

After a pretty decent game, the Rangers put in the guys who were going to be AAA anyway, Sheldon & Gallagher starting making errors, giving the Yankees a larger lead (3).

And then Ruben Mateo cracks another big Home run to tie the thing. Boy, this really is a back and forth game. Oh man!

And then the friggin errors do us in at the end. We gave up a couple runs in the top of the ninth primarly due to errors, and then we lost the game. Was nice to see us hang in there though - but I'm really starting to get annoyed by all the miscues. :(

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Finally, another game on the radio. I listened via Broadcast.com. Due to a server malfunction on their part, I missed most of the first and some of the 2nd innings. Paul Harvey was piped in for a while from some Oklahoma City station...so it wasn't a total loss.....goooood day!

Anyway, the big "pitch-off" today was really nothing more than another crummy performance by Esteban Loaiza and an average Mike Morgan outing. Loaiza developed a blister and had to leave early. He was behind just about every hitter. I think he had 3 balls on 5 different hitters but wound up walking just one. Morgan sailed along his first 4 innings, then he gave up some hard hits and a couple of earned runs. The Rangers made two costly errors in the infield behind him.

As far the "pitch-off" goes, Morgan won easily. despite that bad inning before he left the game.

Ruben Mateo continues to play very well. He homered in his only at bat, a two-run smash that tied the game late. He's now hit in 11 straight spring contests. You'd think he's slated for AAA, but the kid can flat-out play baseball. I'm very excited about his progress. Oates says never say never, so he's leaving his mind open about the young Dominican. How can he not? Mateo has been the story of the Rangers' spring.

Mark McLemore seems to be making great strides, as he stole a couple of bases and made at least two outstanding plays at second base (according to the radio guys). I would have given him up for retirement after last year. Can you believe he's just 34? With his past ailments, it seems he's 54.

Anyway, the Rangers lost. The games seem to mean less and less this time of the spring, as now the blood curdles for the season to start. The team is off tomorrow, but I might write a commentary anyway, so look for it. :)

I'm getting really annoyed about not being able to hear the Rangers on the radio. I know it's less than two weeks, and they'll all be there, but dammit, I want Eric & Vince! :) If anyone's actually reading these things, don't forget, the Rangers are on TV in the Metroplex this Friday and Saturday for the first time.

After yesterday's tough loss, it was nice to bounce back and get a tight win. Again our pitching looked pretty decent (even though we gave up 4), and Burkett had a decent outing. I hope there's more good ones than bad ones for Burkey this year.

David Wells pitched really good against us again, which was shades of the 98 playoffs. I like David Wells because of his musical tastes, but dammit, he doesn't have to pitch against us quite so good, does he? But, we got a balk out of him, though. :) We had some back to back longball today from Pudge & Todd Zeile, and

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The pitching of the Texas Rangers continues to improve day-by-day, as proven in the game Tuesday. The Rangers won the game, 4 to 3 over the Blue Jays. But just like the three days prior, the big news is that four of the men in the five man rotation are pitching well.

Rangers' starter John Burkett, who was terrible most of last year and in his first two outings this spring, pitched his second consecutive effective outing. Here's a look at his last two spring outings:

         IP H R ER BB SO HR 
03-18-99 5  3 1 1  1  2  0
Tuesday  5  3 2 2  0  6  0
-----------------------------
totals   10 6 3 3  1  8  0

Have a look at the last 4 games by the Rangers' starters:

              IP  H R ER BB SO HR
Rick Helling   5  7 2 2  2  2  0
Aaron Sele     5  1 1 1  0  6  1
Mark Clark     5  6 3 3  1  2  0
Burkett        5  3 2 2  0  6  0
--------------------------------
totals        20 17 7 8  3 18  1

Those last 4 starts have an earned run average of 3.60. While that's not earth-shattering, it's impressive news for fans of the feeble-armed Rangers.

There continues to be trouble with one spot in the rotation however; the one belonging to Esteban Loaiza. He's been just plain bad in his last two outings: (5.2 IP, 9 hits, 6 earned runs). Johnny Oates, who had declared Loaiza the starter before spring play ever began, declared yesterday that on Wednesday Loaiza will be pitching for his rotation life. On the horizon is veteran Mike Morgan, who's been nothing short of spectacular this spring. Tomorrow, they will duel in a "pitch-off", with the winner getting the #5 spot in the rotation, according to an article in Tuesday's Dallas Morning News. There's even talk of the Rangers possibly trading Loaiza, so it's apparent the Rangers are unhappy with the way he's performed.

Meanwhile. lefty Mike Munoz has really stepped it up the last couple of weeks. At first, he didn't look all that impressive according to the stats. However, his last 6 outings have been a completely different story:

              IP H R ER BB SO HR 
outing 1      2  2 0 0  0  2  0
outing 2    1.1  1 0 0  1  1  0
outing 3     .1  0 0 0  0  0  0
outing 4      1  2 1 1  0  3  1
outing 5      2  2 0 0  0  1  0
outing 6      2  2 0 0  0  0  0
----------------------------------
ERA 1.04)   8.2  9 1 1  1  7  1

On the offensive side, which rarely is a worry, Ivan Rodriguez and Todd Zeile hit back-to-back homers today, the first for Pudge, and the second for Todd. Rodriguez added 2 RBI's as well.

A tough loss, but we did get pretty decent pitching again, which was nice to see. I really hope that holds up over the course of the season.

Mark Clark is really starting to look like another good pickup for Doug Melvin - I thought that when we first got him, but it's nice to be seeing Clark prove that theory correct. We're starting to become more focued, it seems, and that's good, I'd like to hit opening day with a good stride.

We pitched against Justin Thompson, someone I'd love to have here in Arlington, but unfortunately, he's the ace of Detroit, I don't see that ever happening. :) Actually, I traded for him on my computer baseball game (I love to play Hardball 6), so he's a Ranger in my mind. :)

More errors (OK, only one) today. It seems that every game that goes by has some sort of error, and it's starting to irk me. We had a big problem with that in 97, and it didn't get a whole lot better in 98. I hope we can get a lid on this soon.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Ah, another spring weekday, another day without the Rangers on the radio. The Rangers lost a tough one on Monday 3-2 to the Detroit Tigers.

Despite the loss, the Rangers' pitching continues to improve. This is the 3rd straight ballgame that the Ranger hurlers have pitched well. Mark Clark gave up 3 runs in 5 innings, but it appears wasn't hit hard. He only walked one. His control has been excellent this spring - and throughout his career. He's a true control pitcher.

Juan Gonzalez just keeps hitting. Today he rapped out a couple of singles and drove in another 2 runs. Last year Gonzalez was in great shape and stayed off the disabled list. They say this year he's in even better shape. Perhaps being in such great shape will again keep him healthy all year.

Justin Thompson, the lefty who will be the opening day starter for Detroit when they meet the Rangers in two weeks, pitched well for Detroit. Let's hope the Rangers have his number when they meet again.

The injury report: Today's Dallas Morning News is reporting that Wetteland might start the season on the disabled list, and today's radio broadcast wasn't so gloomy, but they didn't sing praises about his recovery, either. He's been ordered not to pitch for four days in order to give his body some time to heal. Johnny Oates was worried he was overcompensating, and gave him some extra rest. The radio guys also said that Luis Alicea was going to have an MRI tomorrow morning to determine what's going on with him.

On the plus side, Ruben Mateo came back in the game today after missing some, and hit a pinch hit two run home run, which was way cool to hear (would have been nicer to see, but we finally get pre-season TV baseball next weekend). Also, the guys were saying that Raffy has set a date to return to game play for next weekend. Let's see.

This sounded like a very well rounded team game (for the most part). Aaron Sele pitched by far his best game of the spring so far, only allowing 1 hit (unfortunately, that hit was a home run). He struck out six Reds in the five innings he pitched. They were all called strikeouts. That could have been due to the umpire in question. I remember this guy from my time listening to Phillies games in the National League. Still, Sele sounded like he was sharp today Patterson, though, didn't do the same. He pitched one inning, and gave up a couple of runs. He didn't sound like he had it in control at all. Jonathan Johnson, on the other hand, did! He pitched two perfect innings, which is always great to hear. Eric Gunderson came in and got a save, too.

There was some nice hitting today, including the aforementioned HR by Mateo, and several doubles. Milt Cuyler also sounded really sharp today, which was nice to see, as I have a gut feeling we'll need some extra depth this year. Great game!

Commentary by Jim Weeks:

The Rangers erupted for 4 runs in the sixth inning Sunday and dyed the Reds, 5-3. The Rangers scored 2 of their runs in the inning when pinch-hitter Ruben Mateo slammed a 2-run shot off Dennis Reyes. Mateo is now 9 for his last 16 (.563) with 3 homers, a double, 4 walks and 8 RBIs. He's also hit in his last 8 straight exhibition contests, the longest such streak by any Ranger this spring.

The story of the game however, was the greedy pitching of Aaron Sele, who limited the Reds to just one hit over 5 innings, while striking out 6. As good as Helling was on Saturday, Sele was even moreso on Sunday.

Eric Gunderson picked up a save and continued pitching well this spring. Gunderson's probably had one of the lefty jobs in the bullpen all along, as long as he pitched decently. By all accounts, he's pitched pretty well.

The Rangers limited the Redlegs to just 5 hits overall and was by far the best pitched game they've had all spring. This is very encouraging sign, especially after the good performance yesterday by Helling.

The Rangers have now won 2 in a row and are 9-7-1, despite starting off the spring 1 and 4.

My wife and I were out this afternoon doing some shopping, and I totally forgot the game was on the radio - I didn't get to listen to any of it, unfortunately. By the time we remembered it was on, it was 3:30, and the game was already over. :(

Fortunately, we have Jim's commentary to back me up here. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers won today for the first time in their last 3 exhibition games, led by a Juan Gonzalez 3-run homer and the pitching of Rick Helling.

It was Gonzo's 2nd homer this spring. He's been hitting extremely well but not for much power. The two-time AL MVP also added a single.

Rusty Greer remains hot, going 3 for 3 today. It's good to see the 3 & 4 guys in the lineup hitting so well with just a little over a couple weeks until the season starts. Tom Goodwin added a couple of hits as well.

Helling surrended 2 runs and 2 walks in 5 innings, which for any Texas pitcher is good news. The way this team scores, if the starters' ERA can stay around 4.50, they'll pick up a lot of wins.

Hyped rookies Mike Zywicka and Kelly Dransfeldt have played a lot this spring but both have done virtually nothing offensively. I wouldn't be surprised to see both in AAA camp by the next cut. I do think Ruben Mateo will make that cut however, and who knows how long he will be around after that.

As I watched the score on this game come in over the sportswire, I saw that we managed to put together a comeback, which was cool. I was thinking that comebacks are cool, but I hate to rely on them, as you generally get disappointed when you have to come back all the time. Then I saw we were going in to the bottom of the 9th, and then D'oh!, extra innings. Watched them go by, and once it got to the 12th, I figured there wouldn't be any more. There weren't, the game ended in a tie in the middle of the bottom of the 12th, but for a slightly different reason. According to the newswire, THE GAME WAS CALLED A TIE AFTER BOTH TEAMS RAN OUT OF PITCHERS. I thought that was pretty funny. I know things like that happen in pre-season, but it was still silly to see it reported that way. :)

Three hours and 38 minutes is a long time for a spring training game! It was nice to see several of our guys keep a hot streak going (where was that in the playoffs? ). Hope Venafro isn't hurt too bad, but I would have been surprised if he made the club anyway. The erratic Loaiza showed up today, it seemed. I know it's only three runs, but with all the stink the Rangers are making about Loaiza "stepping it up" this year, I don't think they'll put up a lot with the "really awesome pitching one day, crappy the next time" stuff that he's known for.

On a seperate note, the Rangers site hasn't been updated with Media notes in the last couple of days. Hopefully they get that rolling again soon.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers and Phillies tied a spring contest today 6-6. The game wasn't on the radio (this is not a recording!) again, so I just waited for the boxscore like a good little boy and tried to stay out of trouble in the meantime.

It looks like the Rangers ran out of pitchers in this 12 inning affair after lefty Mike Venafro took one off the arm. I hope he isn't too seriously injured, although his chances of making the team dim everyday.

Gregg Zahn, Ruben Mateo, Juan Gonzalez and Rusty Greer all continued their hot streaks and it's good to see Mark McLemore get a couple of hits. He's a big key for the Rangers this year and if he doesn't get on base like they expect him to, it might mean the Rangers will be forced to make a move for one until Kelly Dransfeldt is ready. Royce Clayton also had a couple hits for the good guys.

Esteban Loaiza, who reportedly pitched well in his last outing despite bad numbers, looks to have pitched pretty poorly today, considering he walked a couple of batters and gave up 3 runs in 3 innings.

Danny Patterson, Eric Gunderson, Tony Fossas and Venafro all had scoreless outings. Eric Gunderson seems to be locking up one of the lefty spots in the bullpen. Jeff Zimmerman pitched today as well and despite giving up a run, he still looks to have a hold of one spot in the pen. He might be the last cut of the spring.

The Rangers are hitting well as a team, as they are hitting about .296 after this game.

Again, we're not on KRLD (grrr), so there's little to talk about (from my standpoint, anyway) that is game specific. I did kind of watch the line score developing off the sports ticker, and it was 1-0 for the longest time, I thought pitching was doing well. Then I turn in and see a big 6 spot for the Twins. Burkett was tagged for the loss, even though four of the Twin runs came off a slam against Wetteland. Burkett did pretty good, pitching five innings and allowing only one run and three hits. Kind of a shame then that he got tagged for the loss, as our runs didn't come until after Wetteland allowed six friggin runs in one inning! Wetteland isn't doing that great so far this spring. Of course, he's coming off a surgery, so he has more of an excuse than some others who are struggling this spring.

We did have a couple of home runs by our guys (Mateo & Clayton), but that was all the offense. We also had another error today. I haven't actually sat down and counted them, but it really seems like we're making far more errors than we did last year, and last year wasn't that great. :( I know, I know, it's still Spring Training, but I still don't like to see them, anyway.

Other: Boy, Kerry Wood sure is taking a beating. Out all of 99, and could conceivably miss 2000 as well! Yikes!

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

The Rangers came up losers 7-2 to Minnesota Thursday in the first game of a rare spring doubleheader, ending a 5 game win team streak. I can only think of one other time that the Rangers ever played a spring doubleheader and that was several years back.

This game was only played to a 7 inning conclusion, since travel by bus is the norm in the spring, the Twins obviously didn't want the hassle of fighting alligators *and* old ladies all night long on some God-forsaken Florida highway to Fort Myers (I can say that since I live only 150 miles from Fort Myers). This game wasn't on radio anywhere, so you'll have to forgive me if my accounts from the box score aren't very accurate. I got stuck listening to the only all-AL Grapefruit game on the web today; Boston and Tampa Bay. It was bad anough listening to those Beantown announcers yesterday and today I got a second-helping. Oh well.

Rangers' starter John Burkett came up with a good outing, throwing 5 strong innings and giving up just 1 run on 3 hits. This is his first good outing this spring and it's without-a-doubt the strongest outing by a Rangers starter all spring.

Unfortunately, John Wetteland looks like he was shelled again. In his last 2 outings (2 IP) this spring, he's given up a hefty 12 runs on 11 hits and 2 homers. Makes me wonder if his ankle and elbow really are ok. If they aren't, the Rangers will have another large problem on their hands other than the disabilities of Mike Simms and Rafael Palmeiro.

Ruben Mateo continues to have an auspicious spring. In this game, the young Dominican went 1 for 1 with a homer and an RBI. In his last 5 games, Mateo is 5 for 9 with 2 homers, 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.

Rusty Greer had a couple of hits for the Rangers and Pudge Rodriguez had 2 as well, including a double. Royce Clayton hit a HR in the final frame but also commited his third error of the spring.

Oh great. Another big inning against us. We were up 1-0 for awhile, and then in the fifth inning, we give up five runs. This is starting to become a disturbing pattern. We made a run at it towards the end of the game, and closed the big gap (at the time 8-1) to 9-7, but we still lost. A bit busy this afternoon - I don't have the time to write much here. However, we did have another error. :( Mike Morgan is starting to look like someone who will stick, which is odd considering this would be his 11th team. :)

Was nice to see a rally in the making, makes we wish we had two more innings. :)

Commentary by Jim Meeks:

Argh! If there's one thing I have learned in all the years I have been a fan of the Rangers, it's that losing two games in one day is no fun. The Rangers fell again to the Twins in the second half of today's double-dip 9 to 7 (another 7 inning game).

There's not a whole lot good to say about this game. It's safe to say that Mike Morgan not only has a job for his 11th team (a MLB record) but that the Rangers will be counting on him to get them out of a lot of fires this year. Really good teams have a guy in the pen like Morgan, a guy who can come in and start when he is needed or break out the fire extinguisher in the 5th inning of a ballgame. Plus he can pitch almost anytime he's needed. His nickname is "Rubberarm". It looks like he pitched well again today and I'm not surprised.

The spring pyromaniacs (the scrapple from the bullpen who probably aren't going to make the team) were at it again in game two. Matt Perisho, Jonathan Johnson and Mike Munoz all need to get out of the first-aid kit for their burns.

Hopefully, Perisho (who's coming off arm surgery) and Johnson (who's not coming off of anything but another lousy year in the minors) will probably be pining away at the AAA camp in a week or so. Who knows about Munoz; he's someone Johnny Oates has said good things about in the papers, despite his rather lousy performances.

Gregg Zahn, who hit under .200 last year in Florida, remains hot, belting another homer today. Ruben Mateo remains red hot too, whipping out another couple of hits and knocking in another couple of runs. You know, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Mateo captures the imagination of Oates and Doug Melvin this spring and makes this ballclub. I read that there was serious talk in the winter about releasing Tom Goodwin outright, because Melvin was assured by the people at Tulsa that Mateo was ready to play in the big leagues. He might struggle offensively at first, but would he struggle any worse than when Tom Goodwin struggles? It's something that Oates and Melvin will have to go over carefully in the next couple of weeks. My guess is that Mateo goes to AAA and if Goodwin struggles at all, then Goodwin will be benched or traded.

This game wasn't slated to be on KRLD, but it was available via a Real Audio Link to the Red Sox broadcast feed. At least I got to hear it. I missed most of the end of the game, as I listened at work, and got called away to do something else. Thanks to Fathacker for the Real Audio Link.

Red Sox announcers aren't that exciting. Boy, do I miss Eric & Vince. At least I did get to hear the game, though. I hate this "no radio for most spring training games". The two Red Sox announcers did spooge a lot over Ruben Mateo, mostly over his arm.

Nice 5 run inning early on. Pitching wasn't that bad, only gave up three runs for awhile. I know it's still Spring training, but I don't like to see more than 3 runs given up in a game. There were no errors by the Rangers, which is always good. Mark Clark looks like he'll be a good pickup for us. Hope it carries over into the regular season even better! This win makes it five in a row now. We're two over .500 for spring training so far.

Speaking of that, what's with the KC Royals? 11-1, I think? Yeesh! If they manage to carry that through the entire 99 season, it will throw a major monkey-wrench into the arugment the "have-not's" are pushing now for a restructuring of the revenue sharing system in baseball.

Commentary by Jim Meeks:
Tom Goodwin and Lee Stevens led the Rangers to their 5th straight win in exhibition play Wednesday by defeating the Red Sox 7-5.

Goodwin was 3 for 5, doubled, walked once and scored twice. Stevens was 3 for 3, doubled and drove in 2 runs.

Stevens followed up a string of 5 straight singles with a 2-run scoring double in the second to put the game away.

Gregg Zahn continued his hold on the backup catcher slot going 2 for 4, while John Marzano got hit in the wrist in his only plate appearance.

On the mound Mark Clark started and was fairly impressive depsite giving up 3 runs in 4 innings. Most of the hits didn't seemed to be that hard (on the radio). Jeff Zimmerman Tony Fossas, Eric Gunderson and Al Levine all had scoreless innings in relief. Rookie Corey Lee struggled in his only inning, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits.

The Boston radio announcers were impressed by the Rangers defense. In the 3rd, left fielder Rusty Greer made an "sensational diving catch" to rob Darren Lewis.

In the 4th, the Sox announcers were thoroughly suprised at rookie Ruben Mateo's arm, as he made a very strong throw to 2nd on "what would normally be an easy double". Mateo, who played most of the game in right field because Goodwin played center, also grabbed a ball in the deep right-center gap in the 4th. In the 6th the announcers also raved about his speed and his base-running and called him a "very good-looking, toolsy player" and "an impressive young man".

The Rangers now are winners of 7 of their last 9 spring games.

Another game that isn't on the radio. Didn't get a chance to post this game the day it was played, so I don't have anything to say about it. Was nice to see a win though. Three straight games with runs over 10. That's nice, but I'd like to see the runs given up go down.