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Good thing I didn’t get to hear this game on the radio, I probably would have tuned it out. This is the first day of many days of spring training that we don’t get to listen to the games, the only recourse is leaning on the refresh key on some sports site’s scoreboard page. :) As I write this, the box score has yet to be published, but given the fact that we gave up 22 hits and 15 runs, I can’t say anyone’s line will look good at all. :)

I don’t know what I’m irritated at more.. The fact that the Rangers game was on the radio and I missed it, or the fact that I missed it and they also won 20-8! I was busy doing house stuff yesterday, and totally forgot that the game was on until around 1:45 or so. Missed it completely, and at that point, I had company over, and didn’t really want to ignore them to listen to the game on the radio.
Still, in looking at the box score, our bats came alive in a way that they didn’t the last few days. We ripped Brad Radke to shreds, getting eight runs in the first (and there was also a 7 spot elsewhere in the game). If you want offense, just go check out the box score below – has all you’ll need to know.
Pitching wise, I’m not thrilled we gave up eight runs, either. Jay Powell had a perfect inning, and Todd Van Poppel & Rudy Seanez also had a scoreless frame, but everyone else (Irabu, Zimmerman, Miceli, Telford, & Cordero) gave up runs. Three were on a home run given up by Miceli, but I’m tired of giving up 8 runs in a game, even in an early spring training game. :)

Well, today was a doubleheader, although the first game was officially counted as the “B game”, and wasn’t broadcast, or even covered hardly at all in the press. I see from the notes that the Rangers won that game, getting the first home run of the season by outfielder Kevin Mench. As I didn’t hear any of that game, I’m not going to comment on it (nor will I count B games in my standings – only offically recognized double headers).
Anyway, to the “A game”.. After yesterday’s shutdown offensively, I was wondering what would happen today, although Juan played today, and Pudge was supposed to, but didn’t, as his mother was sick, and he flew home to be with her. We had nine hits this game, all of them singles. The best days were by Herbert Perry, who DH’ed and had two singles in 2 AB and an RBI, as well as Mike Lamb who went 2-3, also with an RBI. The rest of the hits were scattered over 5 other players, one of which came from Hank Blalock.
In listening to Chan Ho Park pitch on the radio, it seemed like he pitched well, and ran out of gas quickly, but that’s not surprising, or of major concern the first game of spring training. Juan Moreno gave up a run in his inning of work, but that was it for giving up runs. We had 5 other pitchers, all pitching one inning, giving up nothing. It’s early, I know – but it’s always nice to see nice work out of the pitchers, whether it’s the second game of spring training, or the 162nd game of the season. Can never get enough of good pitching.
The loss went to former Ranger Mike Judd, now trying to catch on with the Reds. Speaking of former Rangers, Ruben Mateo has underwhelmed so far in the two pre-season games against the Rangers. Given that Rob Bell too has underwhelmed, it seems like a “fair” trade now. :)

My wife and I have bought our first house this past month, and due to that, I totally forgot about this game even being on the air until my wife reminded me last night! I’ve been really wrapped up with my house – the preseason game snuck up on me, and when I started listening to it today, it seemed kind of surreal. My mind is still stuck in early February. I’ve seen the news, I’ve done updates, yet it still feels like Spring Training is two or three weeks away. :)
The Rangers pitching seemed pretty decently, especially from Ismael Valdes & Jeff Zimmerman. Rudy Seanez & Jay Powell didn’t seem all that sharp, and given the amount of time available to the glut of pitchers, one has to wonder if some of the fringe guys like Seanez will get many chances to redeem after an “eh” outing.
However, the Reds pitching (all 7 of them) was much sharper, not allowing but a single hit to the Rangers, and totally shutting us down. Pudge & Juan didn’t make the trip, although we should have been able to muster more than just a single hit! Yeesh.
Anyway, it was still nice to hear Eric & Vince broadcasting baseball again – but I don’t like the day games as much, because I have to listen at work, and can never pay as close attention to the games as I’d wish. Nice to hear some names being called like Blalock, Hafner, & Teixeira. Hopefully we hear a lot from these guys in the years to come.
Another one on the radio tomorrow, and then starts the frustration of having spring training games played, but not on the radio. :(
“…Ranger Baseball is on the air!”