Colby Lewis

A Texas Rangers Midseason Report: It's Time to Go All In

With the baseball season at the symbolic halfway point, we asked former Unfair Parker Sam Merten to root around in his beard and see if he could come up with anything to say. He obliged ... and obliged ... and ... Sports are unpredictable. That's why we watch. And there's no greater evidence than t ... More >>

Best Part About the Rangers Inking Roy Oswalt? Low Expectations and a Big Upside.

Heading into Tuesday night's 10-3 ass-kicking by the Seattle Mariners, the Rangers and their fans had very little to complain about the 2012 season. Name an offensive stat -- batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs, total bases, on-base-plus-slugging percentage (my personal fave) -- and the Ra ... More >>

Stealing the Mojo: Rangers-Cardinals World Series Game 3 Preview and Open Thread

Texas RangersIan Kinsler completes the best defensive play I've seen in my 25 years watching the Fall Classic -- a diving stop by Elvis Andrus and flip to Kinsler with his glove to end the fifth inning of Game 2. Just spectacular athleticism displayed by Andrus.​If you've read my piece about S ... More >>

Memo to Ron Washington: It's the, Um, Postseason, Just In Case You Forgot

Photos by Sam MertenPerhaps more than any of his players, Ron Washington needs to break out of his postseason slump.​After the Texas Rangers fired Buck Showalter following the 2006 season, general manager Jon Daniels interviewed five candidates. Of course, there was Ron Washington, a longtime ... More >>

Shark-Infested Waters: Texas Rangers-Detroit Tigers ALCS Game 3 Preview and Open Thread

via​Wow. What an amazing start to the American League Championship Series for Your Texas Rangers. Two close games. Two incredible wins. Now Detroit has to win four of the next five games to get back to the World Series for the first time since they fell to St. Louis in 2006. Ain't gonna hap ... More >>

Whitt's End: 7.1.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Rangers return from Houston today to start a series in Arlington against the lowly Florida Marlins. Did anyone go to the airport to see the Silver Boot as Nolan Ryan triumphantly raised it? ... More >>

Just When You Think He's Alright, Neftali Feliz Blows One to the ... Lastros

'Twasn't as good last night​Was gonna construct a list of the Rangers' worst losses this season, then I realized after last night's 5-3 self-Heimlich to the Houston Astros ... there is no No. 2.Two-run lead in the 9th. All-Star closer Neftali Feliz on the mound. At home. Against the wo ... More >>

Texas Rangers Got Themselves an All-Star Pitcher, a Controversial Hall of Famer, Lots of Draft Picks, a New Hitting Coach and Another Player on Baby Leave. Whew.

The real deal?​Lots of Texas Rangers' catch-up to spread around today ... *Back in spring training we all watched how Neftali Feliz would react to being stretched out as a potential starter. While Feliz wound up back in the bullpen, Alexi Ogando became the team's oh-by-the-way No. 5 starter. ... More >>

Meanwhile, Your Texas Rangers are Suddenly Back Where They Started

​Been a little concerned obsessed with the Mavs. But I did catch some Rangers' baseball Saturday afternoon. Saw enough of Derek Holland to say "Wow!" And apparently he isn't alone. After swooning without Josh Hamilton, the Rangers tumbled from their 9-1 start into mediocrity. Don't look now, ... More >>

Well, That Didn't Take Long: Welcome Back, Josh and Nelson

​Yesterday I surmised that the Rangers' offense would suddenly improve with the returns of sluggers Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz. But not me -- nor even Texas -- thought it would happen that fast. Or that far. Fresh off the disabled list, Hamilton homered in his first at-bat and Cruz ad ... More >>

Give Ron Washington Credit for His Desperation Flip-Flop

​Rangers' manager Ron Washington loves status quo. Likes the same ol' routine of it all. When something extraordinary happens in the game he delivers his pet philosophical phrase: "That's the way baseball go." But in the midst of watching his team lose seven of nine games and seven of eight ... More >>

Yes They Cannes: Producers, Agents Shopping Dallas Buyer's Club 'Round France

Photo by Patrick Michels​After 10 long years of maybes, doubtfuls and dunnos, it would appear that The Dallas Buyer's Club, the true-life tale of Ron Woodroof, is closer to becoming a big-screen reality: Relativity Media today issued a press release announcing that co-producer Robbie Brenner is sh ... More >>

Say, Matthew McConaughey, You Got a Rangers Jersey? It'd Be a Lot Cooler If You Did.

Photos by Patrick MichelsTurns out, Matthew McConaughey's got a pretty good arm.If you'd been in one particular basement in Arlington a little more than an hour ago, you would've stood square in the middle of a fairly strange scene: Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa standing around, cheerfu ... More >>

Is Rangers' Pitcher Colby Lewis This Year's Version of Scott Feldman?

​Let me start off by saying I'm making zero correlation between Colby Lewis' rough 5th inning last night and his recent sojourn to California to attend the birth of his second child. But let me continue by saying I'm starting to get worried. Why? Because -- even though it's early -- the tenor ... More >>

Whitt's End: 4.22.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *And then, after Jesus had died on the cross and was buried in his tomb, some rabbits rummaged through a nearby picnic and ate a bunch of chocolate and candy. Powered  ... More >>

On Second Thought, Colby Lewis Still Shouldn't Have Missed That Start

The vengeance hath been raining down like a motherfucker.​"Earring-wearing Gay wad." "Goddamned Moron." "Ignoramus." "Troll." "Idiot." "Devil's spawn." "A product of cousins breeding with cousins." And my personal favorite: "Jackass." In the past 24 hours, this bouquet of compliments has be ... More >>

Rangers' Games Have Gotten Really Interesting ... in the Stands

Either reporter Jim Knox deserves a couple Emmys or else his office -- otherwise known as the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington -- has become baseball's most fertile field for intriguing off-the-field story lines. Colby Lewis' post-paternity-leave return to the mound stunk like a bin full of dirty ... More >>

Welcome Back to Earth, Texas Rangers. Welcome Back, Colby Lewis?

So Alexi Ogando is human. The Rangers' bullpen is shaky. Julio Borbon's center-to-home throws look like Mat McBriar's punts. And Nos. 1-2 hitters are cooler than a New York night. Admit it, right now Texas' 10-5 feels more like 5-10. After Ogando gave up three homers last night, A ... More >>

If the Texas Rangers Pitch Like This They'll Go 162-0

Alexi Ogando: Another quality start. Another win. Ho-hum.​I don't trust Mark Lowe. Mason Tobin doesn't yet belong on a Major League mound. And Julio Borbon makes me a little nervous in center field.But that's it, the extent of my minuscule Texas Rangers concerns through five games. 5-0, ... More >>

A Rangers Repeat? History Suggests Odds Are Long.

One Hit Wonders

Texas Rangers Set Opening Day Pitching Staff and Who the Heck is Mason Tobin?

Don't laugh, we'll actually see this jersey on the mound for the Rangers this season​A year ago today we were dissecting the depth of a Texas Rangers' pitching staff anchored by No. 1 and 2 starters named Scott Feldman and Rich Harden. Hopefully that perspective will soften the blow of ... More >>

Michael Young: Still Here. Still Hitting.

​Don't know what else to call it, I'm just getting a weird vibe here in Surprise, Arizona. The defending American League champion Texas Rangers somehow only have two starters (C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis) inked into the rotation. Their elite closer (Neftali Feliz) might be a starter but ... More >>

Check That, Neftali Feliz Now Wants To Be a Starting Pitcher

​After watching Neftali Feliz hurl an impressive first four innings of Monday's 5-4 exhibition win over the Los Angeles Dodgers here in Surprise, Arizona, I sat down with general manager Jon Daniels to find out exactly where the 22-year-old fireballer fits in this season. Closer? Or starter? ... More >>

It's Never Too Early For Spring Training Knee-Jerk Reactions

Photo by Sam MertenIan Kinsler could be gearing up for a career year.​You hear it every year around this time: Spring training stats are meaningless. And, sure, while that can be true for guys like Doug Deeds -- the 29-year-old career minor leaguer who's hitting .357 with two homers and four RBI f ... More >>

Texas Rangers' Pitching Staff: No. 3 in the AL West

​I fully admit it, at the end of last season I was calling for C.J. Wilson to pitch Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Considering the way he'd pitched all year and the way Cliff Lee had struggled at times it made sense. Turns out both pretty pitched damn skippy in the playof ... More >>

Making the Best of a Bad Situation: What Texas Should Do to Resolve Michael Young Mess

Photos by Sam Merten​Even before Michael Young demanded to be traded, the likelihood that he'd swap uniforms before the expiration of his contract in 2013 seemed like a long shot at best. Despite a résumé that includes six All-Star nods, a batting title, an (undeserving) Gold Glove and five cons ... More >>

Whitt's End: 12.10.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *In the ALCS, the Rangers beat the Yankees in six games. In the pursuit of Cliff Lee, looks like the Yankees will beat the Rangers in seven years. *I've been rough on the Rangers, who at one point ... More >>

You Like the Texas Rangers More than Las Vegas

​Witnessed lots of folks outside Rangers Ballpark last night who believe in their baseball team. The Rangers Rally was a warm hug on a chilly night and the theory goes like this: The present belongs to the San Francisco Giants, but the future belongs to the Texas Rangers. You buyin' it? ... More >>

The Top 10 Best Moments From the Texas Rangers' 2010 Playoff Run

​And what a ride it was ... 10. After an generous incorrect no-call on a check swing, Michael Young blasts a three-run homer to center field on the next pitch as Texas races to a 5-0 lead in Game 2 of the ALDS en route to a 2-0 series lead in Tampa Bay. 9. Presidents Bush and Dubya ... More >>

2010 World Series GAME 3 - Rangers 4, Giants 2: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. Yes metroplex, for the first time ever there will be baseball ... in November. Regardless of Tommy Hunter in tonight's Game 4, Game 5 will be Monday night, Novembrer 1, at Rangers Ballpark at 6:57. And oh, by the way Giants fans, you know where you can stick those brooms. 9. During the ... More >>

Can the Texas Rangers Win National League-Style Baseball?

Hey, maybe Nolan Ryan can give the Rangers' pitchers some hints. ​Baseball has its problems: A reluctance to use instant replay. Arrogant umpires and their customized strike zones. An All-Star exhibition game that actually affects the World Series champion. But of all our national past ... More >>

2010 ALCS - Rangers-Yankees: Game 6 Preview

Is tonight THE night? ​The lights are on. Clouds are circling but so far nothing but sprinkles. The wind is howling in from the south/right field, which means -- as evidenced by Josh Hamilton's extra-hitting session right now -- the jet stream out to right-center is in full effect an ... More >>

2010 ALCS GAME 6 - Rangers 6, Yankees 1: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. In retrospect, a great call by Rangers' manager Ron Washington taking Nelson Cruz out of Game 5 early with a tight hamstring. Cruz hit the biggest homer in Rangers' history in the four-run 5th tonight, shoving Texas to a commanding 5-1 lead. 9. Claw > Antlers? Very cool surprise when ... More >>

2010 ALCS GAME 2 - Rangers 7, Yankees 2: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. I've never seen a scarier, more intense 5-run baseball game in my life. With closer Neftali Feliz flying 98-mph fastballs all over the joint in the 9th, the tension felt as though it were 3-2 instead of 7-2. 9. I know Elvis Andrus gets credit for manufacturing a 1-0 lead with his "A ... More >>

GAME 3 - Rays 6, Rangers 3: My Top 10 Observations

​ ​10. 'Twas an occurrence about as rare as Halley's Comet this afternoon out here at Rangers Ballpark. In the Rangers' 39-year history they've played 3,092 home games in Arlington. Game 3 was only the fifth playoff contest. Texas is 0-5 all-time in home playoff games. 9. In ... More >>

Colby Lewis: Another One of JD's Genius Moves

Sam MertenJon Daniels​Back on July 11, I spent a couple innings with Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels inside a luxury suite at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington as the team finished a lousy four-game series with the Baltimore Orioles. His team would lose that day and limped into the All-S ... More >>

The Rangers In The Playoffs: What In The Wild World Of Sports Is Going On?

Hey Rangers Fans, Cheer Up!

Not him. Not now.​Last time I was out at Rangers Ballpark - which was Wednesday - it was a warm-n-fuzzy joint. Texas was winning three in a row from the Twins, fans were drinking "Blue Light Special" $4 beer. The Rangers were comfortably in first place. All seemed well. But now? Booing. Are ... More >>

Are the Texas Rangers Good Enough to Dare Get Better?

​Let's don't talk too loud - might wake them up - but your Texas Rangers are suddenly 5.5 games ahead of the Anaheim Angels in the American League West. Another good start by Colby Lewis, another pivotal hit by Michael Young, another save by Neftali Feliz and, presto, a 4-3 win over ... More >>

As Rangers Look to Add Another Game to Division Lead Tonight, a Reminder of the Architect of This Surprising Bunch

Photos by Sam MertenAll-Stars Josh Hamilton and Elvis Andrus​As Richie mentions in this week's paper version of Unfair Park, the Texas Rangers could be headed toward their winningest season in franchise history, as they nabbed their 50th win of the season last night and increased their lead to ... More >>

Angels 6, Rangers 5. Uh-oh?

We trust in ... Omar Beltre?​For the first time in a long time, Darren Oliver sucked. For the first time since June 11, the Texas Rangers lost a road game. Not to panic, but a lot of things that have gone right lately for Texas went wrong in Tuesday night's 6-5 loss to the Angels in Anaheim ... More >>

Whitt's End: 6.18.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Watching Thursday night's NBA Finals Game 7, it struck me just how far your Dallas Mavericks are from a championship. Lakers 83, Celtics 79 was a rugged, violent scrum on every possession. I' ... More >>

The Texas Rangers Are Putting Together a Winning, Weird Season

Where would the Rangers be without Colby Lewis? And others.​I was at Texas Rangers' spring training out in Surprise, Arizona the day they signed journeyman catcher Matt Treanor. Honestly, it registered a .5 on my 1-10 scale. The Rangers had their catchers of the future in Jarrod Saltalamacc ... More >>

The Top 10 Greatest Players in the History of Your Texas Rangers

​If you watched Sunday's 7-2 win in Milwaukee, you'd think Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis (two hits, including a key two-run single) is a better hitter than first baseman Justin Smoak (0-5 with five strikeouts). If you've been watching forever, you're convinced it's time to ... More >>

Don't Look Now, But the Texas Rangers are Pitching Well Enough to be Winners

​While you have been drowning your Mavericks sorrows, engaging in mosh-pit violence out at Edgefest 20 or keeping an eye on Dez Bryant's wacko mom, the Texas Rangers have started doing something very strange. Pitching. Well. Don't look now but the Rangers are now the first-place Rangers. Duri ... More >>

With a 22-Game Taste, Let's Circle the Bases: Last-Place Rangers Have First-Place Potential

Ian Kinsler makes his season debut tonight against the Mariners and lefthander Cliff Lee, who's also making his first appearance of the year. ​While Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has cryptically blamed the refs yet again for his team's fourth first-round exit from the playoffs in the last seven y ... More >>

Texas Rangers About to Take the First Steps of a Championship Journey

​This is no longer the year before the year. This, finally, is the year. After Neal McCoy's National Anthem and the obligatory military flyover and Roger Staubach's ceremonial first pitch, Texas Rangers' starter Scott Feldman will at 1:07 p.m. officially launch against the Toronto Blue Jays&n ... More >>

Whitt's End: 1.22.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Been meaning to get to this, but The Ticket is so dominant in Metroplex sports talk radio that at this point it's like digging up Barbaro for another kick to the ribs. In December 1310 AM The Tick ... More >>

The Buck Starts Here

New Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter makes the team much better. Problem is, he can’t hit leadoff, play center field or pitch.