NL East

Major League Baseball's Screwball Economics

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

Josh Hamilton Continues to Troll Us Mercilessly, Says Dallas Isn't a Baseball Town

We tried not to hold it against Josh Hamilton for his occasional trip to Sherlock's, his ridiculous energy drink addiction, his snooze-worthy line of Christian clothing, and last year's collapse. And while that bungled fly ball -- you know the one -- was hard to forgive, that didn't change the fact ... More >>

Sinker Ball

Eastwood's return is a decidedly slow-pitch affair.

Coheed and Cambria's Josh Eppard On Matt Pinfield, Iron Maiden and the Mets

Coheed and Cambria comes back to Dallas on Friday, previewing material from their forthcoming double album, The Afterman, and supporting metal legends Iron Maiden. Drummer Josh Eppard took some time to share his love of the New York Mets, his experience as an Iron Maiden fan, and what it was like to ... 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 >>

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 >>

How Jimmy's Conquered Dallas

How did a humble neighborhood bodega become the city's sausage king? With a recipe restaurants couldn't resist.

A Season (Or So) After Getting Booted From Rangers' Booth, Lewin's Now a Voice of the Mets

​Just dialed into Josh & Elf on The Fan (or, as they're billing it this a.m., "Two Jews and the Flu") to see if there'd be any mention of this morning's news out of New York, where Josh Lewin's been named to the New York Mets' radio broadcast team. But, nope, nothing so far; Mavs head coach Ri ... More >>

With Josh Lewin Out the Door Friday, Mark Elfenbein's a Solo Act Again (For Now)

Photo by Ted Nichols-PayneElf, Lewin and The Bus​Mark Elfenbein's known for a good month that Josh Lewin would be taking a spot in the New York Mets' radio booth this season. His cousin told him. Says the longtime sports-radio fixture known as Elf, he was sitting at a pre-show production meeting ' ... 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 >>

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 >>

The Power of Plan B: Texas Rangers-Detroit Tigers ALCS Game 6 Preview and Open Thread

​Not so long ago, Minnesota Twins backstop Joe Mauer was the consensus pick as baseball's best catcher. But the 2009 American League MVP, four-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and .323 career hitter had another injury-plagued season in 2011 (missing significant time for "leg weaknes ... 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 >>

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 >>

Verlander, Smerlander: ALCS Preview and Rangers-Tigers Game 1 Open Thread

[Editor's note: At the request of a few regulars, we're going with a rare weekend-night open thread to celebrate the Rangers' second straight appearance in the American League Championship Series. Will we do this again tomorrow? Hard to say. Let's see how tonight goes. I'll be in and out, but tonigh ... 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 >>

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 >>

Hook, Line and Stinker: The Cowboys' Catch and Release of Nnamdi Asomugha

After an epic swing and miss at the NFL's No. 1 free agent, the Cowboys are off and crawling at training camp.

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 >>

Bet On All-American Good Times

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 >>

For the First Time in a Long Time, We'll Recognize the Texas Rangers

Together again​A day short of six weeks after breaking his arm, Josh Hamilton is back. So is Nelson Cruz. And with them, will the Rangers welcome the return of their offense? After a weekend in Philly in which they were outscored only 5-4 over 27 innings of, let's face it, boring base ... More >>

With Josh Hamilton and Cliff Lee Looming, the Rangers are Somehow Surviving

​Adrian Beltre got the big hit. Ian Kinsler made the defensive play. And, in a first, Mark Lowe salvaged what Neftali Feliz ruined. The Rangers beat the Royals in extras last night and -- pending a weekend visit through Cliff Lee and the formidable Phillies' pitching staff -- might avoid ... More >>

Batter Up

Very Cool Move by Your Texas Rangers

​No, they didn't sign Josh Hamilton long-term or acquire Cliff Lee in a trade from the Phillies. But during last weekend's mid-winter banquet out at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine your Texas Rangers went out of their way to put a smile on the face of manager Ron Washington. During Hurricane K ... More >>

The Next Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys Will Be ...

​Garrett Top. Unless of course, Jason Garrett pulls a Cliff Lee and spurns the metroplex. Make no mistake, the Dallas Cowboys' interim head coach is suddenly a hot commodity as other NFL teams' permanent head coach. In the wake of a 5-3 second half he has some real leverage now. How's th ... 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 >>

Texas Rangers' momentum comes to a screeching holiday halt by the Phils Who Stole Cliffmas

Dear Santa: Please Put a World Series MVP Under the Tree. Pretty Please?

Matt Garza's widely considered to be the best starter available, but could a better pitcher be had for the right price?​It's almost Christmas, and the Texas Rangers haven't done anything to address the hole in the rotation left behind when Cliff Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and th ... 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 >>

Cliff Lee Shuns Rangers, Shocks Yankees and Signs With Phillies

The Phillies?! Now Rangers fans don't even get a chance to boo him.​The good news: Your Texas Rangers didn't lose Cliff Lee to the New York Yankees. The bad/horrible/devastating news: Your Texas Rangers lost Cliff Lee. To the Philadelphia Phillies?! We heard persistent whispers all through ... More >>

So It Was About the Money: Texas Rangers Execs Say Cliff Lee Would Have Stayed in Arlington For More Years and Dough

Sam MertenJon Daniels and Chuck Greenberg celebrate the Rangers' first playoff berth in more than a decade.​The Rangers had a chance to re-sign Cliff Lee, but his demand for more money and years than Texas was willing to offer resulted in his decision to return instead to the Philadelphia Phil ... More >>

Rangers and Yanks Both Lose Cliff Lee Sweepstakes as Southpaw Heads Back to Philly

Sam MertenThanks for the memories, Cliff.​After much procrastination, former Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee has decided to return to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, with Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweeting that the deal is for five years and approximately $ ... More >>

The Case Against Cliff Lee

​Whether free agent Cliff Lee chooses to re-sign with the Rangers because of Arlington's proximity to his Arkansas home or bolts to New York for the extra dough, his decision undoubtedly shapes the future of both teams significantly. Yet in all that's been said and written about Lee, rarely do ... 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 >>

2010 World Series - Rangers v. Giants: Texas is the Favorite. And Deservedly So.

​It's 1972 vs. 1958. It's also, unless I'm seeing something terribly wrong and homerish, a clear advantage for your Texas Rangers over the San Francisco Giants. Right? The Rangers, born in '72, have never been to the World Series. The Giants have been here three times since moving from N ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Free Energy, Foxy Shazam and Hollerado at The Loft

Free Energy, Foxy Shazam and HolleradoThe LoftOctober 22, 2010Better than: listening to politicians try to inspire hope with the upcoming elections.Free Energy​Philadelphia-based power-pop group Free Energy has been climbing very fast since their March 2010 debut album Stuck on Nothing, a critical ... More >>

Whitt's End: 10.22.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End:*Roger Staubach to Tony Hill to beat the Redskins in '79. Alvin Harper running free against the 49ers to clinch the NFC Championship Game in '92. Dirk Nowitzki's long 3-pointer to secure Game 2 of ... More >>

Nolan Ryan's Latest Rangers' Prediction: "I'll Take the World Series in Seven."

Photos by Sam MertenNolan Ryan bites his lip after predicting that the Rangers will win the franchise's first World Series Championship this year.​Team president Nolan Ryan predicted a World Series victory for the Texas Rangers during a rally held this afternoon at the home plate gate outside ... More >>

Chef Tell: Take Them Out To The Concession Stand

​Last night Top Chef opened with our fair Tiffany Derry's boisterous guffaws. Ed, the cheftestant who is her show BFF and who totally adores her, was parading around in one of her dresses. At that point, with just six left in the contest, a little unflattering cross-dressing seemed an appropriate ... More >>

Whitt's End: 8.20.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *If Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo gets hurt behind a patch-work offensive line Saturday night don't come crying to me. I don't think he should even suit up. There is exaggerated risk, and ... More >>

Baseball Saying Yes to No

Ah, the good ol' days. Are they here again?​Tampa Bay Rays' pitcher Matt Garza tossed a no-hitter last night. It was the fifth this season in Major League Baseball, most since 1991. Funny thing is, now the San Diego Padres and New York Mets are the only current teams wit ... More >>

The All-You-Can-Eat Seats at Rangers Ballpark: Stale Popcorn and Cheese-Like Substance Were Consoling Factors in the Rangers Win

​I'm a New York Mets fan in a family with die-hard Texas Rangers fans. It makes for some awkward moments. The Mets are doing what they do -- falling behind with Big Apple style (heartbreaking style). The Rangers are doing what they do -- swatting aside the competition as anyone would pesky mos ... 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 >>

On Eve of Judge's Decision Concerning Rangers' Sale, a Debate Over the Consequences

Sam MertenChuck Greenberg, Tom Hicks and Nolan Ryan on the day the Rangers announced a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan​Tomorrow in a Fort Worth courtroom, should all go according to plan, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Lynn will rule on whether Hicks Sports Group can move ahead with its sale of the fir ... 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 >>

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 >>

Whitt's End: 11.6.09

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Haven't received a return call all week from Greg Williams, which is weird if not troubling. Something's up. Maybe he's merely at his vacation condo in Colorado and temporarily out of pocket. Or m ... More >>

Hatin' On Pinstripes

See Damn Yankees in Fort Worth