NL Central

Tom Cruise Reaches

As the strapping Jack Reacher, the star scores.

Five Key Holes the Rangers Need to Fill This Winter, and How They Should Fill Them

Just a few days after the 2012 MLB season kicked off in Japan, one of the elite players scheduled to become a free agent in the coming offseason took himself off the market. The Giants enticed Matt Cain to stay in San Francisco, signing him to a six-year, $127.5 million contract extension -- the mos ... More >>

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 >>

If Signing Yu Darvish and Prince Fielder Are Mutually Exclusive, The Texas Rangers Might Be Better Off If Darvish Returns to Japan

As Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline nears in the negotiations between the Texas Rangers and Yu Darvish, the most significant hang-up is reportedly the 25-year-old's request for a five-year contract and the team's preference for a six-year deal, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan. Understandably, Dar ... More >>

How Will the Texas Rangers Celebrate 40 Years in Arlington? With Lots of Throwin' Back.

​Since every Cowboys game is a Game 6 these days, it's time to look to the 2012 baseball season, when Your Texas Rangers will celebrate 40 years in Arlington. And for those of us who've been going to games since first pitch at Arlington Stadium (thanks, Dad), today's announcement is full of all ki ... More >>

Sierra Missed: Three Former Texas Rangers Are Now on the Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

​Juan Gonzalez and Rafael Palmeiro made their debuts on the Baseball Writers' Association of America's 2011 Hall of Fame ballot -- and didn't even come close to finishing near the Top 10 vote-getters. Raffy, poor Raffy, came closest with 64 votes; Juando trailed just behind Palmeiro with 30, two a ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Five Finger Death Punch, All That Remains, Hatebreed, Rains

Five Finger Death Punch.​Five Finger Death Punch, All That Remains, Hatebreed, Rains The Palladium Ballroom November 12th, 2011 Better than: the Cain Velasquez/Junior Dos Santos heavyweight title fight. Even though getting to the Palladium Ballroom was difficult around 7 o'clock on Saturday ... More >>

Breaking Down the Texas Rangers Offseason Plans in the Wake of Coming So Close

Photos courtesy Texas RangersNo need to place all of the blame on Nellie. There are plenty of other folks at fault for losing the World Series.​No matter how hard you try to find a scapegoat, the story of the 2011 World Series doesn't have a chapter about its version of Bill Buckner, nor shoul ... More >>

There Are 1,750 Kegs (and Sundae Helmets!) On the Way to Arlington For The World Series

Special World Series Ice Cream Cookie Sundae​When Casey Rapp ordered 1,750 kegs of beer for all the people he'll have over for Saturday's Rangers game, the problem, rather than getting all those kegs into place, was getting enough cups to hold all the suds. Rapp's head has been spinning with ... More >>

Fighting Off Hangovers and the Cardinals: The Week That Was in the Dallas Dining Scene

The dining room at Baboush​What are you doing sitting at your desk? Don't you know you could be drinking a Sazerac right now? I wish I was. But first there's a week to wrap up, and it's filled with pizza drama, digestion aids and holy shit it's a patio! If you enjoy too many whiskey cocktails ... More >>

Forever Young: Texas Rangers-Detroit Tigers ALCS Game 4 Preview and Open Thread

Photo by Sam MertenElvis Andrus and a beardless Michael Young haven't hit their strides yet at the plate, but that's about to change. ​As depressing as it was, I believe Game 3 of the American League Championship Series was an anomaly, much like Game 1 of the ALDS. Nothing seemed right. And w ... More >>

Kevin Devine Talks Nirvana, Politics and Your Texas Rangers: "You Guys Got a Good Club!"

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Kevin Devine is such an avid fan of the New York Mets that he named his first band Miracle of 86 in honor of that baseball club's surprising victory overthe Boston Red Sox in that year's World Series.But Devine is far more than a fan of The Great Game. He's an astute ... 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 >>

Rangers-Angels Take Baseball's Center Stage. Or at Least They Should.

​There are only two division races in baseball. And only one with playoff implications. As we play the regular season's final month the Tigers, Phillies, Brewers and Braves each have leads of at least 7 games with only 20 remaining. In the AL East the Yankees lead the Red Sox by 2.5, bu ... More >>

Adventures in Lousy Sports Stadium Logic, Starring University of North Texas and D

Researchers say the new UNT stadium will pump $29 million a year into Denton's economy. You'll never guess where the researchers work.​The University of North Texas unveiled its shiny new football stadium last week, a $79 million complex designed to bring some juice to Denton come college foot ... More >>

Rangers: Nolan Ryan Taken to Hospital Sunday For "Discomfort"; He'll Undergo Tests Today

Photo by Sam Merten​Nolan Ryan has been hospitalized for chest pains in the past: In 2000, he underwent emergency double-bypass surgery, then returned to the hospital in October of that year following another scare. This, say the Texas Rangers in a statement just sent to media, is what may have la ... More >>

Nolan Ryan Hospitalized in Houston with Heart Problems. Yikes.

​From the Rangers: Nolan Ryan was hospitalized in Houston after experiencing discomfort early Sunday morning at his home in Georgetown, Texas. Mr. Ryan will undergo tests on Monday for what is believed to be a recurrence of the heart condition which he has previously experienced. Mr. Ryan is ... More >>

Mitch Moreland Closes the Case at Rangers' 1st Base

​First place, thanks to 1st base. With his 11th-inning homer to beat the looming storm last night in Arlington, Mitch Moreland not only provided a walk-off win over the Houston Astros but also further cemented our confidence that he's the Rangers' 1st baseman of the present, and the futu ... More >>

Leonys Martin's Long Ride to Center

The Rangers' newest prospect fled communism in Cuba for center field in Frisco. He won't be there for long.

Whitt's End: 5.13.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Went and watched the American professional debut of Cuban defector/Rangers' prospect Leonys Martin last night in Frisco. In a word, wow! With his father and agent in the stands at Dr Pepper ... More >>

Rangers Finish Perfect Homestand, With Help From Their Shiny New Toy

​The weather. The ring ceremony. The attendance. And, oh by the way, the results.When the Rangers beat reigning AL Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez 7-3 yesterday, it capped the perfect start to their encore season.They're now 6-0, joining the Cincinnati Reds as the only undefeated teams in base ... More >>

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 >>

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 >>

Mavericks Getting a Teeny Tiny Bit of Help for Stretch Run with Corey Brewer

Corey Brewer​Don't get too giddy if and when the Dallas Mavericks sign free-agent forward Corey Brewer today. Decent player at both ends of the court, but it's basically one more attempt to fill in the gaps left by the absence of Caron Butler. Maybe with the additions of Peja Stojakov ... More >>

Whitt's End: 2.18.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Coming to you today live from the Daytona 500. Literally. I awoke this morn -- as did hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans -- to the public address blaring first, at precisely 6 a.m. "We ... More >>

The Texas Rangers Are Better, But Who's Gonna Talk About 'Em?

​So now that the Texas Rangers have a hitter (Adrian Beltre) and a pitcher (Brandon Webb), they've got one more important hole to fill this off-season: Television play-by-play voice. Remember just before Game 5 of the ALDS, the Rangers announced they weren't bringing back nine-year veter ... More >>

Let's Get This DH Situation Addressed: Rangers Should Re-Sign Vladdy or Risk Getting Worse

Sam MertenVladimir Guerrero​While the Texas Rangers waited for Cliff Lee to make up his mind, the best options to fill the team's hole at designated hitter flew off the board. The Chicago White Sox snatched up the two best fits, re-signing Paul Konerko for three years at $12.5 million per season a ... More >>

Closing the Book on Cliff Lee, Who Would Have Loved Texas For the Right Price

Sam MertenAdios, Cliff. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.​I know. I know. You're tired of hearing about Cliff Lee. He's a goner, and it's not like the Rangers didn't do their best to keep him here. Actually, I'd say Jon Daniels, Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg did too much in their attemp ... More >>

Werth It? Doing the Rangers' Math as Fat Contracts Swirl Around MLB Winter Meetings.

Photos by Sam MertenDamn. If Jayson Werth commands a seven-year, $126 million deal, how much is this guy worth?​Prior to the beginning of baseball's winter meetings yesterday at Walt Disney World Resort, a flurry of activity resulted in big-name players dealt and fat contracts inked. Predictab ... More >>

Clint Hurdle Gone. Batter Up?!

​Neftali Feliz is the American League Rookie of the Year. Deservedly so. Cliff Lee's Arkansas friends can't imagine him leaving Texas for New York. Fingers crossed. But now Texas Rangers' hitting coach Clint Hurdle is the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What becomes of Josh Hamilton's ... 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 >>

Rangers vs. Giants: Grilled Crab at a Ballpark Instead of Nachos? This is America, Dammit.

See you for Game Three.​Since City of Ate readers are the sort who might hesitate upon being offered a World Series ticket, taking a much-needed moment to wonder what they might find to eat at the game, we offer here a cheat sheet to the leading concessions at Rangers Ballpark and AT&T Park. ... More >>

World Series Food: What the Players Ate

City of Ate's already covered the dining options for World Series spectators. But what about the players, for whom choosing the right meal could mean the difference between a lifetime of championship ring-flashing and never-ending heartbreak? Here, a look at what a few highly successful players ate ... 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 >>

Rays 24, Rangers 11: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Gawd, that was ugly. A three-game sweep - including an 8-6 loss Wednesday - at one of the best teams in baseball isn't that big of a deal when your injury-riddled lineup looks like the JV, but still ... that looked like the same ol' Rangers of shitty years gone by. I realize it will ... More >>

Ryan Summons Back to the Ballpark the Man Who Ran Stadium Operations Way Back When

Jay Miller​I've never seen a game at the Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express, but friends who have rank it among the finest experiences in minor-league ball -- the very definition of fan-friendly. (I'm curious, though -- what was "Pajama Collection Night" on July 11, exactly?) So, then, n ... More >>

Texas Rangers Auction Showdown: Mark Cuban vs. Nolan Ryan

Chuck Greenberg: Chief Stalking Horse​In advance of tomorrow's bankruptcy auction in Judge Michael Lynn's Fort Worth court room, initial bids must be in by 8 tonight. Up for sale: The Texas Rangers. Prospective buyers: Chuck Greenberg/Nolan Ryan and Mark Cuban. While Dallas businessman J ... More >>

Fat Lady May Be Warming Up, But Rangers Haven't Won The West ... Yet

​I'll say it, Texas Rangers' fever is at an all-time high. Sunday night's 6-4 win improved Tommy Hunter to 8-0, allowed the Rangers to win three of four from the Anaheim Angels and pushed their lead to seven games with 63 remaining. More than 160,000 fans went to Arlington Thursday-Sunday. Wi ... More >>

Mark Cuban, Owner ... Texas Rangers?

​Say it is so. And, I'll be damned, it is. Taking three of four at Fenway for the first time in 15 years is impressive and acquiring Cliff Lee is intriguing, but the Texas Rangers luring Mark Cuban as a potential new owner is down right life-changing. (All I had to do was go on vacation and a ... More >>

Rangers Win Again on Field, Stumble Again in Court

​Tweak it. Or trash it. That's the charge from the bankruptcy judge in the Texas Rangers' proposed sale from Tom Hicks to Chuck Greenberg. When the judge decries that the Rangers have to modify their current plan - but not add more money to the deal - it seems like a win for the creditors, ri ... More >>

Texas Rangers: Stick To It? Or Go For It?

​After years and a decade of wandering aimlessly from youth movement to patch-it-together-retread program to losing season, the Texas Rangers in 2007 gave general manager Jon Daniels a contract extension and a mission: Rebuild the farm system. Build a major-league winner. Three summers later ... More >>

Judge Agrees With Rangers' Attorney: Hicks Didn't Have to Sell Team to Highest Bidder

Sam MertenIn federal court this morning, Nolan Ryan looked much like he did at the presser announcing the team's prepackaged bankruptcy -- totally defeated.​With his broad shoulders squeezed in tightly next to Chuck Greenberg, Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan looked like he'd rather be tossi ... 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 >>

Texas Rangers: Fool's Gold or Gritty Perseverance?

​While I was gone the Texas Rangers, well, um, let's face it ... they crumbled. Starters not making it past the fifth inning. Bullpen overworked. Bottom third of the order about as effective as BP's oil spill plans G, H and I. Four consecutive losses. Division lead kaput. Not good. I keep app ... More >>

Greenberg Expects Some Creditors to React "In a Noisy Fashion" To Rangers' Bankruptcy

Photos by Sam MertenLeft to right: Chuck Greenberg, Tom Hicks and Nolan Ryan​Shortly after the Texas Rangers announced the team's plans to resolve its ownership situation in federal bankruptcy court, Tom Hicks said he and his lawyers agreed "about a month ago" that this was the best way to han ... More >>

Lore Bader of the Dallas Giants, Known to Put "Quite Some Vapor on the Baseball"

Lore Bader of the Dallas Giants​Thanks to Friend of Unfair Park PeterK, I spent a good hour this morning boning up on the professional (and personal) life of Lore Verne Bader -- or "King" Bader or "Two Pairs" Bader, as the right-handed pitcher was known during a stint in the majors and minors that ... More >>

Tom Hicks, Say It Ain't So. Uh-Oh, It's So.

​Because of Tom Hicks and some rich dudes at Monarch Alternative Capital, Nolan Ryan may no longer be a vital part of your Texas Rangers. As I hinted at earlier this week, there are last-minute problems with the sale of the team from Hicks to prospective new owner Chuck Greenberg. Big problem ... More >>

The Texas Rangers, With A New Owner And A New Season, Prompt A New Emotion: Hope

Peanuts, Popcorn and Mee Grob

Do baseball fans eat peanuts and Cracker Jack anymore?

A French toast

La Mirabelle serves up fine French fare and holds the snootiness