Toronto Blue Jays

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 >>

The NFL's Game Changer

Chris Kluwe is prying open America's last closet: major-league sports.

The Great Bratbino: A One-Pound Brat in Honor of the Rangers' Josh Hamilton

The Texas Rangers announced yesterday that soon you'll be able to upgrade that Boomstick dog to a combo meal, which includes two one-liter bottles of Coke. And, in fairness, since Nellie got a hot dog in honor of his hot bat, Joshie gets one too: The Great Bratbino. John Blake with the Rangers tel ... More >>

Evan Abeele of Memoryhouse Talks Sub Pop, Hockey and Philip Glass

Back in the '90s, Canada's Memoryhouse were one of those bands you would never expect to release an album on Sub Pop. But over the past decade, the Seattle-based label has diversified so much that just about anything goes, including the dream-pop of Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion. Driving through ... More >>

An Excuse For Hotdogs

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 >>

Whitt's End: 9.23.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Doomsday scenario for Monday Night Football: Quarterback Jon Kitna. Running back DeMarco Murray. Receivers Kevin Ogletree, Jesse Holley and Dwayne Harris. Center Kevin Kowalski. Left guard ... 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 >>

Michael Young Whiffs; Texas Rangers Lose

​Not saying by any means that it was an easy or routine play. As Rangers' manager Ron Washington said, the ball was "smoked." But it's a ball that third baseman Michael Young could've stopped, right?When Young did the ole on Casper Wells' hot shot in the 7th inning Wednesday night, I was remi ... 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 >>

Rangers' Offense Gone, But Shannon Stone Not Forgotten

​So the Rangers exploded for 12 runs Friday night thanks to Nelson Cruz' eight RBI. On Saturday they authored a dramatic 9th-innning comeback, powered by three consecutive bunts and a walk-off hit by Michael Young. So surely Sunday night would provide some thrills. Some entertainm ... More >>

Rangers to Honor Blyleven On ... Wait. What's This? Foxy Brown's Throwing a First Pitch?

​While we await some return phone calls and sift through some rather nutty legal docs, let's take a closer look at this release the Texas Rangers' John Blake sent out announcing some highlights from the upcoming homestand that begins tomorrow with games against the Jays. Because there are some int ... More >>

At the Ballpark in Arlington, New "Safety Initiatives" In Advance of Higher Railings

Photo by Sam MertenThe view from Section 235, from which Tyler Morris plummeted 30 feet in July 2010​This just in from the Texas Rangers' John Blake: Beginning Friday, when the club opens a seven-game home stand against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rangers will introduce "a series of new safety init ... More >>

Is Josh Hamilton a 2011 All-Star?

​Silver Boot secured? Check. First place in the AL West? Check. Representation in next month's MLB All-Star Game? Che ... Not so fast. While Ian Kinsler's first two-homer game in almost two years lifted the Rangers over the Astros, 3-2, and gave them an intrastate five-peat, Texas&n ... 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 >>

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 >>

A Rangers Repeat? History Suggests Odds Are Long.

One Hit Wonders

Rangers Re-Do: Frankie Francisco for Mike Napoli

​Mike Napoli may help the Texas Rangers win some games this season, but right now he's a big pain in the butt. How's that? Because think of the team's landscape had general manager Jon Daniels not acquired Napoli from the Toronto Blue Jays on January 25 for reliever Frankie Francisco. If tha ... More >>

Not Sure I Get the Texas Rangers' Latest Trade ... For Another Catcher

Adios, Frankie​A week after Texas Rangers team president Nolan Ryan said he's happy with the team and that his roster is set for spring training, his franchise made a trade yesterday. One I don't quite grasp. The Rangers sent reliever Frankie Francisco to the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran c ... More >>

The Dallas Stars are struggling to be noticed- despite a winning record.

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 >>

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 >>

Whitt's End: 11.12.10

Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *The Dallas Cowboys began the season at 9/1 odds to make the Super Bowl. At the halfway point of the season they are now 500/1. The over/under for wins for interim head coach Jason Garrett: 2.5. Give me ... More >>

Blue Jays 8, Rangers 5: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Even for cup-runneth-over-in-red-flavored-optimism fans, this ain't good. Your Texas Rangers have lost five in a row (outscored 37-19) and eight of 10, and in the last two nights in Toronto have surrendered a whopping seven homers. Looks more like a slow-pitch softball game with all the ... More >>

Rangers Reeling, But We're Not Worried. Yet. Right?

​The Texas Rangers haven't won a game since last Wednesday. They've dropped four in a row - including a 7-2 Labor Day thrashing at the hands of the Blue Jays in Toronto and one of the wildest, worst endings to a game you ever did see on Sunday in Minnesota - and seven of their last nine. Pitc ... More >>

Rangers' Pains Now Will Bear Gains Later

​Cliff Lee received a trigger-point injection for the knot in his back. Josh Hamilton got a shot of jelly in his knee. And to this, Texas Rangers fans, I say "rejoice." Better now than later. The Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals, 4-3, to extend their lead in the AL West to 9 ... More >>

Cliff Lee is Great, But His Offensive Support Sucks

​Breaking news: To win a baseball game - even with your best pitcher on the mound - a team must score a run. Even two. Cliff Lee was good - not great - Sunday in a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Angels. He pitched another complete game, something he's done in all five starts for the Texas ... More >>

Ready to Get Rich? Down the Stretch You Want Feldman or Harden?

​Scott Feldman has been bad this year. He's 5-9 with an ERA of 5.46. Feels like every game he's staked to an early 3-0 lead only to give up five runs in 5.1 innings and walk off the mound tied or behind. Frust. Rating. He's scheduled to get the ball again Friday when the Rangers op ... 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 >>

Um, Do Your Texas Rangers Have Enough Offense to Be Taken Seriously?

How's that new hitting coach working out?​What the what? I was listening to the Texas Rangers Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays and I left them in what I thought was good shape. Up 9-3 in the third inning. Rich Harden on the mound. Bats seemingly alive. Done. Then, yesterday aftern ... More >>

A Week After the Opener Your Texas Rangers Need a Closer

​The Rangers lost three games last season when they took a lead into the ninth inning. In this season's first week, they've already lost two. Hence, an organization founded upon second chances (see Josh Hamilton and Ron Washington) is suddenly playing hardball accountability, yanking Frankie ... More >>

Opening Day Ballpark Brouhaha

Alexander Flores​Nothing spells out Americana more than baseball, unless you are adding outdoor grilling, hotdogs and cold beer to the mix. Combine all these together with the opening day of baseball and you might very well have the makings of an arrestable offense.This is what made the late morni ... 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 >>

Let's Put an End to the Madness, Shall We?

​Long after Tiger Woods stops talking and the Texas Rangers have finished beating the Toronto Blue Jays, March Madness will finally end tonight at 8 when Butler plays Duke for the National Championship. (Smells like a Duke blowout to me.) Show of hands: Whose bracket has Butler in the final g ... More >>

Roger Staubach's Next Pass. Er, Pitch.

​When the Texas Rangers open the 2010 season a week from day in Arlington they'll have a legendary, championship-winning arm on the mound. If just for one pitch. Former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers host th ... More >>

Rangers Call Cowboys QB to the Mound: Staubach Finally Gets First Pitch Duties

​Speaking of Your Texas Rangers ...Just checked the e-mail this glorious baseball-season-y Sunday afternoon to find a missive from John Blake, exec veep of communications for the ball club, who sends word that Roger Staubach's throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Rangers' 1:05 p.m. home ... More >>

Woodlands Man Files Suit in Dallas, Claims Ballplayers Assaulted Him on New Year's Eve

KTRK-TV​Speaking of courthouse filings, our sister paper in Houston and KTRK-TV, the ABC affiliate down thataways, bring news of a lawsuit filed here by a 25-year-old Chevron petroleum engineer who claims he was assaulted on New Year's Eve at the Magnolia Hotel downtown.According to  the suit ... More >>

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

Texas Rangers Win Again, Issue a Press Release That'll Blow Your Mind

Not sure why I had a Christmas ham under my cap. But at least I can prove I'm a Rangers' lifer.​They've lost Michael Young (two weeks with a hammy) and now maybe even Josh Hamilton (left last night's game with back ouchie). But, give them credit, your Texas Rangers haven't lost hope. And wh ... More >>

Rangers 5-5, Blue Jays 2-2. My Top 10 Observations.

'Twas a sweep. Get it?​10. I'm impressed. Your Texas Rangers bounced back from Monday's gut-wrenching 18-10 loss with typical, testosteroned resiliency. Granted, the Blue Jays suck - 18 runs one night; last night only 12 hits in 18 innings - but the Rangers could've caved. They didn't. 9. I ... More >>

The Texas Strangers No More

Chicks dig the long ball. We all love the fireworks. But nobody is connected to home runs like your Texas Rangers. I know they have 20 sacrifice bunts, 78 stolen bases and a committment to try and manufacture runs this season, but in the end - same as it ever was - seems the Rangers' ... More >>

Neftali Feliz: Deal or No Deal?

Mark GrahamShould Feliz and his 100 mph-plus heater be headed to Arlington or Toronto?While Ian Kinsler's bat - the first player with both a lead-off and walk-off homer in the same game - last night gave the Texas Rangers a momentary pulse, let's talk about the future of a dominant arm down on the ... More >>

Are They Real or Fake?

When it comes to your Texas Rangers, we're about to find out. Starting tonight at Yankee Stadium, the Rangers play their next 13 games against baseball's best teams - New York, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. Each of those teams is at least five games ab ... More >>

Did Mike Jacobs Save Ron Washington's Job?

Because the Kansas City Royals couldn't catch the ball, the Texas Rangers hung on to their manager. For now. After a 3-0 start that feels like months ago, the Rangers are 5-7. Not good, especially considering nine of those 12 have been at home and half against the lowly Orioles and Royals. ... More >>

Past the Halfway Mark, the Rangers Look Like Contenders and Pretenders

Monday Morning Meanderings

I Miss Rick Reilly

Cheaters Never Win?

Don't whisper a word to the children, but hell yeah, of course they do

Bases Loaded