World Series

Rogers the Dodger

Scattershooting ...

The Texas Rangers Are in the World Series! Sort Of!

Getting to first base

Everyone's a contender during spring training, but can Will Clark and the Texas Rangers come back from last season's disappointments?

Sporting Trade

Sell your soul for a Series?

Can Nolan Ryan Save the Texas Rangers? Again?

Sell your soul for a Series?

Mood Swings

The Rangers' hitting coach is remarkable, resilient and really good at his job

Déjà Boo

Another Rangers season ends in a familiar Hunt for Dead October

The Curse of Sucking

Is this the year the Texas Rangers finally...? Nah.

Whitt's End: 10.30.09

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *I take absolutely no very little joy in D Magazine's Inside Corner sports blog going belly up any second now. Evan Grant is a solid baseball Xs and Os writer and I'll follow his work back to Dalla ... More >>

The Rangers In The Playoffs: What In The Wild World Of Sports Is Going On?

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *I take absolutely no very little joy in D Magazine's Inside Corner sports blog going belly up any second now. Evan Grant is a solid baseball Xs and Os writer and I'll follow his work back to Dalla ... More >>

Texas Rangers Fans: Let's Go Yankees! Clap ... Clap ... ClapClapClap!!

​I've seen Mavericks' forward Popeye Jones inadvertently tip a jump ball into his own basket, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers two points. I've seen Cowboys' defensive lineman Leon Lett inexplicably attempt to recover a blocked field goal on an icy Thanksgiving field at Texas Stadium, handing t ... More >>

It's a Losing Season for the Cowboys and Dallas' Fancy Restaurants

Even chefs who aren't sports fans are ruing the Rangers' performance this weekend, since the extended series is likely to keep eaters out of their dining rooms for a few more nights. ​Central 214's executive chef Blythe Beck says high-end restaurants can't compete with championship baseball. "Re ... More >>

2010 ALCS: Yankees v. Rangers Position-by-Position Breakdown

​Gleefully, I was wrong about Rays in 5. In accordance, take this synopsis with a pinch of salt, a hint of lime, a chug of a six pack, then wake up Friday night and watch for yourselves. ALCS rosters won't be set until Friday at 10 a.m. so there could be some tweaks to the Rangers- Yankees b ... More >>

2010 ALCS - Rangers-Yankees: Game 3 Preview

​Look at it this way, if Cliff Lee beats the Yankees here tonight in Game 3 of the ALCS they'll have to beat the Texas Rangers in three consecutive games or else face him again in Game 7 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Saturday. Advantage: Rangers? Of course to take a 2-1 series lead the ... 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 ALCS - Rangers-Yankees: Game 5 Preview

Can it end right here? Right now? Abso-friggin'-lutely!​Pssst, I'm not supposed to talk about this. Like a no-no in the 7th inning, baseball's unwritten etiquette says you're not supposed to whisper a word about celebratory plans. Especially when you're on the enemy's fabled field. But ... More >>

Rangers vs. Yankees: The Mismatch is, Ironically, a Mismatch

​As expected, this thing is a blowout. Not even close. Think about it: The New Yankees entered the American League Championship Series with 41 AL pennants; the Texas Rangers 0. The Bronx Bombers play in Yankee Stadium; the Rangers in a ballpark once controlled by broke-ass bum Tom Hicks. The ... More >>

For Now, At Least, a Fairytale of New York

​Sums up George A. King III in this morning's New York Post: "The Yankees arrived last night deep in the heart of Texas with a pulse. Faint, for sure, but enough of a beat that the ALCS stethoscope detected it. Can the pump tick long enough to get the Yankees to the World Series? That's not the wa ... More >>

Hey, Tampa, You Lost. Now Pay Up.
Arlington is Hungry.

We think they're ordering crab claws.​With the Rangers on the brink of entering the World Series, the city of Arlington still hasn't wrapped up a food bet covering the previous round of play. According to the mayor's assistant, Tampa Bay hasn't anted up the seafood package it promised Mayor R ... More >>

Back, Back in the New York Groove?

​Writes Mike Lupica in the New York Daily News: "The Yankees showed up on Wednesday in Game 5, they did, hundred percent. Now they have to do it again in Texas, or they become another big, bad Yankee team of this decade that got hit somewhere before the World Series and never recovered. You know w ... More >>

Damned Yankees

​Groans Erik Boland of Newsday: "All the elements that put the Yankees in a three-games-to-one series hole materialized Friday night, ensuring they wouldn't be able to completely climb out of that hole. It was another night of ragged starting pitching, ineffective relief pitching and next to nothi ... 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 >>

Rain Fears a Cliff Lee Delay and Other Assorted Facts Before Game One of the World Series

If you do too, and you do, then go here and spend $12. Could come in handy two more times before the World Series is over.​This morning's headline is brought to you by C.J. Wilson's favorite website, Jorge Parrales and Jacob Herrera's Cliff Lee Facts. Here's another fact, courtesy Jeff Francoeur, ... More >>

2010 World Series - Rangers vs. Giants: Position by Position Breakdown

​I called Rays in 5 in the ALDS and Rangers in 7 in the ALCS. Why stop while I'm ... tied? Got in to the City by the Bay last night and this place is in a baseball frenzy. There's a pervasive baseball buzz. Lots of similarities between the San Francisco Giants and your Texas Rangers in the Wo ... More >>

Before the First Pitch of the 2010 World Series, a Very Well-Done Six-Minute Recap of the ALCS

You may recall: On the eve of the American League Championship Series, we posted Mark Cizdziel's pro-quality recap of the Rangers' ouster of the Rays, complete with pre-, post- and in-game audio and video stitched together from various outlets. Mark was kind enough to let me know that he's just give ... More >>

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington makes the most unlikely of journeys from cocaine to Champagne.

You may recall: On the eve of the American League Championship Series, we posted Mark Cizdziel's pro-quality recap of the Rangers' ouster of the Rays, complete with pre-, post- and in-game audio and video stitched together from various outlets. Mark was kind enough to let me know that he's just give ... More >>

Speaking of Ballparks and Getting the Munchies, A Look at the Rangers' New World Series Menu

Sam Merten​Texas Rangers spokesman John Blake just sent word: For World Series Games Three and Four at the Ballpark in Arlington -- oh, right, Game Five too, fingers crossed -- the team's done beefed up (heh) its sports menu. Also: The team's added more places to buy beer in the park, which, a ... More >>

Before Game Two of the World Series, a Look at How the Ballpark's Preparing for Game Three

Photos by Sam Merten​Although I've long considered Matt Cain one of baseball's most underrated hurlers, there's no reason why C.J. Wilson can't rebound from getting knocked around by the Yankees in Game Five of the American League Championship Series and tie up the World Series tonight. But ... 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 >>

The Top 10 Best Moments From the Texas Rangers' 2010 Playoff Run

​And what a ride it was ... 10. After an generous incorrect no-call on a check swing, Michael Young blasts a three-run homer to center field on the next pitch as Texas races to a 5-0 lead in Game 2 of the ALDS en route to a 2-0 series lead in Tampa Bay. 9. Presidents Bush and Dubya ... More >>

Tomorrow, a Rangers Rally. Better Late Than Never? Also: A Look at the Low, Low Ratings.

​On the other side are details for tomorrow's Rangers Rally, scheduled for 6 p.m. outside the Ballpark in Arlington. Long story short: Chuck Greenberg, Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels, Ron Washington and a few players will get together for an hour to remember the "magical" season that was. Because, see, t ... More >>

Why Your Texas Rangers Must Sign Cliff Lee

​I know he was miserable in Game 1 of the World Series and mediocre in Game 5, but the Texas Rangers wouldn't have been to the Fall Classic in the first place without pitcher Cliff Lee. As baseball's winter meetings start today at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, lots of talk a ... More >>

A Noche to Remember

​I know he was miserable in Game 1 of the World Series and mediocre in Game 5, but the Texas Rangers wouldn't have been to the Fall Classic in the first place without pitcher Cliff Lee. As baseball's winter meetings start today at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, lots of talk a ... More >>

Texas Rangers Spring Training Clouded with Awkward Spat with Iconic Captain Michael Young.

​I know he was miserable in Game 1 of the World Series and mediocre in Game 5, but the Texas Rangers wouldn't have been to the Fall Classic in the first place without pitcher Cliff Lee. As baseball's winter meetings start today at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, lots of talk a ... More >>

Bronze Beltre

​I know he was miserable in Game 1 of the World Series and mediocre in Game 5, but the Texas Rangers wouldn't have been to the Fall Classic in the first place without pitcher Cliff Lee. As baseball's winter meetings start today at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, lots of talk a ... More >>

A Rangers Repeat? History Suggests Odds Are Long.

One Hit Wonders

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

Photo by Sam MertenThe Tigers have this year's AL Cy Young, but the Rangers are so deep, there wasn't room for Alexi Ogando (3-0 versus Detroit this year) in the rotation.​[Editor's note: At the request of a few regulars, we're going with a rare weekend-night open thread to celebrate the Range ... 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 >>

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 >>

The Best Story You'll Hear Involving Rhett Miller, The Texas Rangers and The DOMAs.

​ In case you were wondering, the above tweet from Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller on Saturday afternoon was not a joke. Honestly, we thought it was at first, too. Then we ran into Miller in the backstage area for Saturday's main stage."No," he told us, "it's totally true."

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>