Tommy Hunter

Guess We Can’t Blame Mark Connor After All

The Hapless Texas Rangers Turn to their Farm System

Will Your Texas Rangers Ever See First Place Again?

Maybe we starting celebrating singles?Notable deaths in the last week: Ed McMahon. Farrah Fawcett. Michael Jackson. Billy Mays. The Texas Rangers? After getting 1-hit last night by someone named Chad Gaudin and losing two of three to a San Diego Padres outfit that hadn't won a serie ... More >>

Whitt's End: 7.24.09

Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Once upon a time Walter Cronkite was the "most trusted man in America." His death got me wondering who wears that crown today? The answer hurts: Oprah. *Sure smells like the Dallas Mavericks - who lo ... More >>

Whitt's End: 7.31.09

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Been buried in Camp Cowboys all week, but looks like 103.3 FM ESPN needs a new drive-time sidekick alongside Randy Galloway. Brian Estridge is leaving to co-host mornings on WBAP 820 AM with the l ... More >>

Feliz Navidad!

Ladies and gentlemen, the future. Well, at least part of it.​And now you know why I didn't exactly shed a tear that the Texas Rangers decided against acquiring Roy Halladay in exchange for a package that included one Neftali Feliz. In a word: WOW! Merry Christmas, Rangers fans. The 21-year- ... More >>

Dale Hansen: Unglued

​Was checking out Channel 8's sports last night when I was presented with classic Dale Hansen. Not unplugged exactly. How about unglued? As Hansen began his recap of Rangers 5, Indians 0, the video didn't exactly cooperate. While he beamed about Tommy Hunter's pitching and Josh Hami ... More >>

Whitt's End: 8.14.09

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Lots of you asking for a breakdown of the latest Arbitron PPM radio ratings for July. Not worth a separate item these days because - yawn - The Ticket's dynasty just rolls on. Dunham & Miller ... More >>

The Texas Rangers and Their Holland Tunnel

Now isn't the time for potential. It's the time for production. Right?​The Rangers' past is sucky and their future is murky. There are frightening skeletons in the closet and financial potholes down the road. The present, however, smells delicious. That's why Derek Holland should be taken o ... More >>

Neftali Feliz is a fireballin’ pitching phenom who has brought the surprising Texas Rangers Christmas in September.

Now isn't the time for potential. It's the time for production. Right?​The Rangers' past is sucky and their future is murky. There are frightening skeletons in the closet and financial potholes down the road. The present, however, smells delicious. That's why Derek Holland should be taken o ... More >>

The Rangers May Be Out But They Are Not Down--Not Come Next April

Now isn't the time for potential. It's the time for production. Right?​The Rangers' past is sucky and their future is murky. There are frightening skeletons in the closet and financial potholes down the road. The present, however, smells delicious. That's why Derek Holland should be taken o ... More >>

Moves by Rangers at Winter Meetings Has Our Baseball Weenie Harden-ing

Meet the Rangers' new ace: Rich Harden​Despite the financial restraints stemming from the team's unresolved ownership situation, Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels skillfully inked the most dominant free-agent starter at this week's Winter Meetings in Indianapolis without adding payroll ... More >>

Chargers 20, Cowgirls 17: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Now you believe me? Norv Turner > Wade Phillips. 9. Safety Gerald Sensabaugh picked a horrible time to have his first terrible game as a Cowboy. It was his oops that led to both Chargers' touchdowns: Interference at the 1 on a reverse pass set up San Diego's first touch ... More >>

Texas Rangers Pitch In to Help Cedar Hill High, While Tom Hicks Jr. Apologizes (Again)

​Let's start this item with some kind words for (for now) Tom Hicks Sr.'s baseball club, which, at 12:30 p.m. today will help out Cedar Hill High School, where students returned from the winter break to find the baseball team's field house ransacked and more or less destroyed by vandals. Texas Ran ... More >>

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

​Let's start this item with some kind words for (for now) Tom Hicks Sr.'s baseball club, which, at 12:30 p.m. today will help out Cedar Hill High School, where students returned from the winter break to find the baseball team's field house ransacked and more or less destroyed by vandals. Texas Ran ... More >>

Whitt's End: 3.26.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *While Donovan McNabb is dangled by the Philadelphia Eagles and Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers conveniently avoids talking to the police about possible rape charges, isn't it nice th ... More >>

Have You Seen Enough of Rich Harden?

​Tommy Hunter is a bulldog. A scrappy fighter of a pitcher who throws strikes and in his first start of the season hurled a complete game at the Tampa Bay Rays in Saturday's sweltering heat. Rich Harden is a, well, I dunno honestly. I never seem to have the patience to see his starts through. ... 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 >>

Whitt's End: 7.9.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Hope last night doesn't come back to haunt the Texas Rangers down the road. Despite leading 4-0 with undefeated pitcher Tommy Hunter on the mound in Arlington, the Rangers imploded late and lost t ... More >>

Okay Cliff Lee, Show Us Your Stuff

​The Texas Rangers have a five-game lead in the American League West. Tonight they begin a four-game series with the second-place Anaheim Angels in Arlington. (And over the next 11 days they'll face the Angels seven times. How the West was won, anyone?) In other words, time for new pitching a ... 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 >>

Texas Rangers to Show Their LUV This Morning

Texas RangersTommy Hunter​Can't recall the last time I recorded Rangers games -- '99, maybe? Nevertheless, even a few hours later Nelson Cruz's 10th-inning walk-off last night was a thrilling thing of beauty -- and towering enough to put the Rangers eight and a half up over both the A's and Angels ... More >>

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

Texas RangersTommy Hunter​Can't recall the last time I recorded Rangers games -- '99, maybe? Nevertheless, even a few hours later Nelson Cruz's 10th-inning walk-off last night was a thrilling thing of beauty -- and towering enough to put the Rangers eight and a half up over both the A's and Angels ... 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 >>

Whitt's End: 10.1.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Sobering number right outta the gate: Since July 1 the Texas Rangers are 42-40. Are we fooling ourselves thinking they're an elite team that can actually win a playoff series against one of the ... 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 >>

On An Unprecedented Sports Sunday in Arlington, It's Not Just The Rangers Who Go Down Swinging.

​ ​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 >>

2010 ALCS - Rangers vs. Yankees: Game 4 Preview

​The Texas Rangers lead the ALCS over the New York Yankees, 2-1. In Monday night's Game 3 they waltzed into fabled Yankee Stadium and laid an 8-0 whupping on the Bronx Bombers. The Rangers have dominated the series, out-scoring New York 20-8 with five of the Yankees' runs coming in that epic ... 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 >>

2010 World Series GAME 4 - Giants 4, Rangers 0: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. Okay, I'm convinced already. Tommy Hunter isn't a "big game" pitcher. In all three playoff starts he failed to get out of the 5th inning. At this time of year, starters should be able to get more than 12 outs. Not Hunter. 9. Haven't seen Vladimir Guerrero look that harmless very often. ... 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 >>

As Chuck Greenberg Deals With Lee "Letdown," Rangers Release 2010 DVD Look-Back Tonight

​Shortly after the news broke that Cliff Lee is a Phillie once more late last night, Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg posted to his Facebook page the following note:Tonight's news is a letdown, but I'm proud of our effort. Congratulations to Cliff and a heartfelt thank you for the role you play ... More >>

Pending Brandon Webb Signing Shouldn't End Rangers' Pursuit of Starting Pitching

Webb is a nice addition, but Texas should continue looking for another starter.​As expected, the Texas Rangers inked Brandon Webb to a one-year, incentive-laden contract reportedly worth around $3 million guaranteed with a potential for the veteran right-hander to earn between $8 million and $10 m ... More >>

Super Bowl Week: Charities Ride the Hype

​Dallas is going to see more than an infestation of football fans this week. In honor of the big game, groups are putting their best philanthropy out there. The Event: Leading Ladies Spectacular The Cause: Genesis Women's Shelter This year, the Leading Ladies' philanthropy spilled over into t ... More >>

Kitchen of Champions

​Dallas is going to see more than an infestation of football fans this week. In honor of the big game, groups are putting their best philanthropy out there. The Event: Leading Ladies Spectacular The Cause: Genesis Women's Shelter This year, the Leading Ladies' philanthropy spilled over into t ... 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 >>

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 >>

Whitt's Merten's End 3.11.11

Photo by Sam MertenChuck Greenberg and Texas Rangers co-chair Bob Simpson celebrate after outbidding Mark Cuban in an auction to own the club​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's Merten's End: *Well, that was quick. Chuck Greenberg formed ... More >>

Surprise, Surprise. Chuck Greenberg is ... Poof.

​And just like that, the man who saved Nolan Ryan's job with the Texas Rangers has been replaced. By Nolan Ryan. I heard rumblings about this a couple weeks ago. Even hinted in a Whitt's End and on 105.3 The Fan that there were - seemingly out of nowhere - cracks in the foundation of the re ... 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 >>

Whitt's End: 3.25.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Like me, do you think the Texas Rangers are kinda getting caught with their pants on the ground with their pitching staff exposed? The time to go get a reliable closer is not next year, it' ... More >>

A Rangers Repeat? History Suggests Odds Are Long.

One Hit Wonders

Even Ron Washington is Making the Right Calls During Rangers' 9-1 Start

​The Rangers are 9-1, their best start in franchise history. They've outscored their opponents a ridiculous 60-26. They've beaten the aces of Boston (Jon Lester), Seattle (Felix Hernandez) and now Detroit (Justin Verlander). They're hitting homers, getting immaculate starting pitching and winn ... 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 >>

My Top 21 Texas Rangers in the History of Ever

​C.J. Wilson was superb in last night's much-needed win over Seattle. Pedro Strop is gone. Mark Lowe is back (uh-oh). Tommy Hunter and Nefali Feliz are getting close. And dazzling Cuban defector Leonys Martin is fast-tracking our way.In the middle of a very transitory Rangers season I was ... More >>

The Rangers Aren't Winning, and Now C.J. Wilson is ... Whining?

​Hello, win column! third place.The Rangers started 9-1. But since Josh Hamilton broke his arm on that daring/dumb dash for home plate in Detroit on April 12, they're 9-17.That equals 18-18. That equals -- for the first time since April 30, 2010 -- third place in the AL West behind the Angels ... More >>

The Tease That is Rangers Pitcher Derek Holland Continues, Escalates

​One night he's Sandy Koufax; the next Sandy Duncan. For two starts he's Kate Upton; then last night we get a heaping, hideous dose of Kate Smith. More? No? Get the picture? Good. Because when it comes to Rangers' starter Derek Holland, you never know if you're getting beauty or the beast. Af ... More >>

Rangers: 2 Losses 2 Trades = Better Team

Newest Ranger Mike Adams​Your Rangers lost two of three in Toronto over the weekend, and came out of it a distinctly better team. How's that? Texas was handcuffed by (again) Brett Cecil Friday night and by Brandon Morrow Sunday afternoon. But more importantly, GM Jon Daniels pulled off ... More >>