NL Central

Jay Farrar Has the Driest Sense of Humor on the Planet

Whether solo or in Uncle Tupelo or Son Volt, singer/songwriter Jay Farrar has created a canon of alt-country and Americana music that may be unrivaled. Brooding and intense, Farrar's songs chronicle the darker side of human emotions and like his songs, Farrar isn't the most upbeat guy on the block. ... More >>

Major League Baseball's Screwball Economics

As another season begins, MLB faces an unsustainable future -- and you’re picking up the tab.

Dispatch From Chicago: Hunting For A Real Deal Gyro

My liver is limping. A five-day-long trip to Chicago threw so much meat at me I'm still in recovery, eating a strict diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Trust me I'm not complaining. While my body may be upset with me, my heart (at least the spiritual one) is filled to the brim with an over ... More >>

Why (and How) the Rangers Should Go All In as the Trade Deadline Looms

What a week for Your Texas Rangers. Nolan Ryan and Ron Washington took turns publicly ripping Josh Hamilton for the alarming lack of discipline he's displayed at the plate, increasing the likelihood that he'll be headed elsewhere this offseason. Fans booed the slumping slugger at home for the firs ... More >>

All-Star Ballpark Food From Around the Country

Searching for photos of amazing ballpark food is like a self-inflicted wound. At the end of it all, I'm overwhelmed with the pain I've caused myself. Thanks to everyone's inclination to take pictures of food they eat, here's an ode to great ballpark food. (With one caveat: no hotdogs. That's a whole ... More >>

Gloria's is Expanding to Houston. MILF Alert?

The first bit of news here is that Gloria's is expanding its Salvadorian food empire yet again. The restaurant's website confirms they are scheduled to open their first place in Houston this spring, which would make 14 altogether, including one in Austin. The second bit of news is that, according ... More >>

Now It's ESPN's Turn to Sack the Cowboys For Having Merch Made in Cambodian Sweatshops

In October we noted a report from Pittsburgh-based Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights that said the Dallas Cowboys are having team-branded clothing made in "gross sweatshop conditions at the Style Avenue factory in El Salvador" -- which Cowboys Merchandise Ltd. chief operating officer Bill ... More >>

Exploring Texas Rangers' Options as Wheelin' and Dealin' Begins at Hilton Anatole

Photo by Sam MertenThe scene yesterday afternoon in the lobby of the Hilton Anatole.​Likely bracing for the departure of free-agent hurler C.J. Wilson, the Texas Rangers have already inked former Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan to a two-year, $14.5 million contract and announced Neftali Feli ... More >>

From Penn State to the Dallas Stars, the Good, Bad and Godawful News in This Day in Sports

Courtesy G ​Don't think for a second this small attempt to resurrect a sports blog is an afterthought. We'll get there ... sooner than later. But on a day like today: Where to begin? Penn State, no doubt, far from home for most but not for all, and certain top of mind on this day as news comes of ... More >>

Final Gut Check: Rangers-Cardinals World Series Game 7 Preview and Open Thread

St. Louis CardinalsTrying to forget this happened won't be easy for Texas, but they have to find a way if they want to salvage the championship.​As I've written before, I fell in love with the game of baseball in 1986 -- the first year I watched every inning of the World Series. Although I ha ... More >>

Guts, Not Gaffes Give Texas an Opportunity for the Kill Shot: Rangers-St. Louis Cardinals World Series Game 6 Preview and Open Thread

Texas RangersMike Napoli celebrates his game-winning double in the eighth inning of Game 5.​The intellect of one of the best managers and greatest players in baseball history short-circuited at the worst possible times for the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the World Series, but Monday night ... More >>

Leaving on a High Note: Rangers-Cardinals World Series Game 5 Preview and Open Thread

Texas RangersSouthpaw Derek Holland exits last night's masterpiece in style -- something C.J. Wilson and the Texas Rangers hope to emulate tonight.​I expected Derek Holland to finally realize his potential as a top-of-the-rotation arm in the American League Championship Series. That, of course ... More >>

Forgetting About Last Night and Entering Must-Win Mode: Texas Rangers-St. Louis Cardinals World Series Game 4 Preview and Open Thread

St. Louis CardinalsAlbert Pujols joined Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit three home runs in a World Series game. He also became the third player to have six RBI and the second player to have five hits in a World Series game. Oh, and he set a record for total bases as well with ... 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 >>

And Now a Word with Brett Hull: Stars VP, St. Louis Lover, and Total Foodie

​With the Cards and Rams in town this weekend, we asked ourselves: "Who in our fabulous city is from St. Louis and could shed a little light on the food scene up there?" Perhaps, we thought, our most esteemed transplant from that so-called Gateway to the West, Hall of Famer Brett Hull, who p ... More >>

The Perfect Dining Guide to Dallas for the St. Louis Cardinals

Welcome, you guys!​Dearest St. Louis Cardinals, City of Ate heard you're heading to town to play a game or two of baseball with our Texas Rangers, and we would like to take a moment to welcome you to our fair city!! Hi!! Welcome! We like your pants! We know that being a visitor in a new town ca ... More >>

Refusing to Let Championship Dreams Wash Away: Texas Rangers-St. Louis Cardinals World Series Game 2 Preview and Open Thread

Texas Rangers​Sometimes the worst managerial moves are the ones that weren't made, but the focus tends to be on the ones that were. The vast majority of media and fans across the country agree that Tony La Russa out-managed Ron Washington in Game 1 of the World Series last night, which is har ... More >>

In the World Series Match-Up Between the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, Don't Dismiss the Impact of Tony La Russa

St. Louis CardinalsTony La Russa on the field at Busch Stadium yesterday afternoon.​For whatever reason, my relationship with baseball went from casual to deeply committed bordering on obsessive during the 1986 baseball season. Like most kids growing up in North Texas, my father taught me to l ... More >>

Rick Perry, Jay Nixon Bet Some Dr Pepper, Bud and Various Meats Over World Series Outcome

Via.​Sam's World Series Game 1 preview-open thread's upcoming any minute now; start polishing your bats. Till then, this: The governor's office sends word that Rick Perry has, but of course, made a wager with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon concerning the outcome of Rangers-Cardinals. And it's not a t ... More >>

Albert Pujols Better Than Joltin' Joe? Say It Ain't So!: Texas Rangers-St. Louis Cardinals World Series Preview and Game 1 Open Thread

Texas RangersGives you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, doesn't it?​It's finally here. Pinch yourself. Your Texas Rangers are back in the World Series, and this time feels much different than last year's playoff run. There's a confidence flowing through my body that just wasn't there before, a ... More >>

Cruz-ing to Another World Series: Rangers-Tigers ALCS Game 5 Preview and Open Thread

Photos by Sam MertenNelson Cruz giving me a free ticket to the gun show last year.As the trade deadline approached in July 2006, it seemed inevitable that Jon Daniels would make a bold move to bolster a mediocre offense in his first season as general manager. He targeted the best hitter on the mar ... More >>

Turns Out, Jim Crane May Own an AL West Team After All ... the Houston Astros. Wha?

​The Houston Astros are this close to being sold, as Drayton McLane is set to sell the franchise to Jim Crane for $660 million, pending league approval. (And, yes, that's the same Jim Crane who tried to buy the Texas Rangers out of bankruptcy last year.) The deal's expected to be done in a matter ... More >>

Rangers Take Another Step Toward Peaking ... and October

​Seven games up with 38 games remaining. Magic number down to 32 (smallest in baseball along with the Brewers and Phillies). Three of the first four in the bag already in Anaheim, with a chance to sweep tonight. For those of us who make a living bitchin' and moanin' about this or that with ... More >>

Rangers Partying Like it's, well, June 2010

​Your Rangers have done what good, potentially great teams do: Beat shitty opponents. When the Rangers begin their series in Anaheim against the second-place Angels Tuesday night, it will be their first opponent with a winning record in a month. Amazing. Since playing the Brav ... 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 >>

Did Josh Hamilton Have Alligator Arms? Yes. Will He Be in the Lineup Again Tonight? YES!

​After Tuesday night's 7-3 victory over the hapless Houston Astros, we can fit the Rangers for another Silver Boot. Texas got homers from Josh Hamilton, Mitch Moreland and Ian Kinsler and C.J. Wilson cruised against baseball's worst team. A favorable ump call helped the Rangers in ... More >>

Our Next American Sports Idol is ...

​Beats me. Monday I watched both Williams sisters lose at Wimbledon, a week after Andy Roddick bowed out. It leaves as the only American quarterfinalist gentlemen's 10th seed Mardy Fish, a 29-year-old doubles specialist who will hardly threatening Rafael Nadal's throne. We heard a b ... More >>

Texas Rangers and Josh Hamilton Are Fighting the Summer Blues

​Alexi Ogando has suddenly produced three consecutive outings of five innings or less. Fourth outfielder David Murphy just went 1 of 9 to drop his average to .233. And the Rangers have lost 12 of their last 19 -- including 3-3 on a homestand against the Astros and Mets -- in clinging to&n ... 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 >>

The Top 10 Lamest "Rivalries" in Sports

​As I watched Mitch Moreland's gargantuan, 472-foot homer sail into the soon-to-be stormy June night, I was reminded that the Rangers-Astros' fight should be stopped on account of inhumane bludgeonry. Moreland's blast -- tied for third-longest in baseball this season -- capped an 8-3 Texas c ... More >>

And Then ... There Was Baseball. Rangers, Your Move.

Yorvit Torrealba and the Rangers should get healthy against baseball's worst Astros ​When we last left our Rangers they and pitcher Derek Holland were clubbed around in New York by the Yankees. Not, no last Wednesday. Way back on April 16.It was hours after the Rangers' 5-2 loss in the ... More >>

All Right, All Right, All Right: McConaughey To Throw Out First Pitch at Rangers Game Friday

​Your Texas Rangers play the New York Yankees on Friday night, first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Got tickets? It'd be a lot cooler if you did.Because, see, the Rangers just sent word that Matthew McConaughey will toss out the ceremonial first pitch, right before he heads to Houston to pick up Aerosmith tic ... More >>

The Conspirator: Redford Helms Another Dull History Lesson.

Oh Say You Can See Christina Aguilera Singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl

​The National Football League and FOX just made it official: The star of Burlesque will perform the National Anthem as part of Super Bowl XLV pregame festivities at Cowboys Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday. Says Christina Aguilera in the press release that just popped up in the in-box: "I have been pe ... More >>

My (Fausto) Carmona: Plan B Now That Cliff Lee and Zack Greinke Are Headed Elsewhere

Trading for Fausto Carmona would help ease the pain of losing out on Lee and Greinke.​Since we can all feel OK about losing out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, it's fair to evaluate Jon Daniels' Plan B, especially with the trade of Zack Greinke -- easily the best pitcher to be had on the marke ... More >>

Greenberg Asks Rangers Fans to "Believe"

Sam Merten​Win or lose, tonight's the final home game of the 2010 Texas Rangers season. And, yes, even the die-hards must admit at this late date (November 1, itself a remarkable achievement) that the Rangers' chances of winning the World Series look slim. But Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg, postin ... More >>

Platia Greek Kouzina: Fine Greek Food and Infectious Spirit Might Carry You Away

The Texas Rangers Thrive while Owner Tom Hicks' Sports Empire Crumbles.

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 >>

Josh Hamilton Partying Like It's ... 2008

​Back in March at Texas Rangers spring training out in Surprise, Arizona I asked team president Nolan Ryan his expectations this season for Josh Hamilton. Is the real Josh the player who had 54 RBI by June 1 in 2008 or the player who hit only 10 homers between numerous injuries in 2009? "Some ... More >>

Kill The Cubbies

How Hicks is Trying to Foul Up Rangers' Sale and Why MLB Won't Let Him

​Yesterday, Tom Hicks all but told reporters gathered in Boston that the pending sale of the Texas Rangers to Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan's Rangers Baseball Express is dead. But why, the very week Greenberg had hoped to have the deal done, did Hicks choose to say it now? That's the $570-million ... More >>

The Perfect Game

Everything Old is New Again in Arlington, On the Brink of a New Rangers Season

Patrick MichelsMichael Young takes a few cuts before Friday night's exhibition.​For the first time since fall, the smell of hot dogs on the grills overtook the Ballpark in Arlington Friday afternoon, as the stadium came rumbled back to life for an evening exhibition against the Royals -- ... More >>

Would-Be Owner Chuck Greenberg has the Money and Moxie to Lead the Texas Rangers Back to Relevancy and into the Playoffs

Baby Cardinals

Frisco Likes It Rough

Grain of Terror

Why do we drink beer while watching sports?

Big glossies and big platters

Maggiano's is more photo finish than finished food