Oakland Steals One, Texas Finishes Under .500 For 3rd Straight April

Ian Kinsler was robbed. Robbed. Robbed.

In the bottom of the 8th, Texas down 3 to 1 with two men on, Ian Kinsler hit a shot to straight away center and looked like he had put Texas ahead. Frank Francisco was warming in the bullpen. The 13,000 fans in attendance were on their feet. Then Oakland centerfielder Ryan Sweeney took off and, timing his jump perfectly, extended his glove over the centerfield wall and hauled the sure homerun back, ending both the inning and any momentum Texas had built.



"It was pretty much timing," Sweeney said. "I just jumped, got lucky and caught it. ... He hit it dead center. I think if he would have pulled it a little bit, it might have gone."

Oakland got a great outing from Dallas Braden as he went five innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out six.

Texas starter Vicente Padilla also pitched well, going six innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out four.

Michael Young went 2 for 5 but was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple. Two hitters later, Hank Blalock hit a solo homerun. This is yet another in a long line of fundamental baserunning errors that have been costing Texas runs early in the season.

Playoff teams don't give runs away. Playoff teams make other teams pay for doing the very things Texas is doing by constantly shooting themselves in the foot.

Millwood Gives Gutsy Performance, Leads Texas To 5-4 Victory

You gotta hand it to Kevin Millwood: He's doing his part.

Millwood took the mound last night and, despite not having his best stuff, battled for 8 innings, giving the offense and chance to get back into the game.

And get back into it they did, scoring three in the 6th, finally pulling ahead in the bottom of the 8th inning thanks to an RBI single by Nelson Cruz.

Truth be told, Texas was lucky to even be in a position to take the lead.

Oakland's starting pitcher Brett Anderson was pitching well before developing a blister on his left index finger. He was pulled from the game in the 6th inning. Reliever Santiago Casilla, third baseman Nomar Garciaparra and second baseman Mark Ellis were all forced out of the game with calf injuries.

"We definitely caught some breaks tonight," Michael Young said.



Frank Francisco pitched the 9th, continuing his dominance and picking up his 6th save of the year. He has still yet to allow an earned run this season.

"That was big-time right there by Frankie," manager Ron Washington said. "That was really big-time."

"It was great," Millwood said. "He was doing what he has been doing all year, coming in there and throwing quality strikes. He's enjoying his job, and everybody is confident when he comes in."

Since Aug. 22, Francisco is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA with five walks and 30 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings over 23 appearances. He is 11-for-11 in save opportunities, and opponents are hitting .113 off him.

"I don't know of any team that doesn't have a shut-down guy like that and gets to the playoffs," Byrd said. "You need a guy that when he comes in, you feel the game is over. When Frankie comes into the game for us, it's a sigh of relief."

Hamilton's Ribs No Better, May Find His Way To The DL

It's looking very likely that All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton will be making a trip onto the disabled list with a bruised left rib cage.

Hamilton was out of the starting the lineup again on Tuesday and will be examined this evening by Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers team physician.

"I'm in extreme pain, no matter what I do," Hamilton said.

Hamilton initially hurt his ribs running into a wall last Tuesday in Toronto. He then reagravated the injury three games back in Baltimore and has started just three of the Rangers last six games, missing the last two.



"I probably need to rest it and let it heal," Hamilton said. "I've been battling through it the last four or five days. I tried it yesterday in batting practice and it didn't feel right."

The Rangers have yet to make a final decision regarding Hamilton but the DL is looking inevitable. Hamilton is still having trouble breathing.

"I can't do much of anything," Hamilton said. "I can't work out, I can't run, I can't swing, I can't throw. We'll see. All I know is I prayed about it and have peace about it. I'm going to do what I need to do to get it right."

Harrison Pulls Things Together, Rangers Take Series

Texas finally got some consistent pitching out of Matt Harrison as he went seven innings, surrendering four earned runs, walking only one hitter. Struggling early in the season with his control, Harrison stepped up, giving the bullpen some extra rest, and, in the process, picking up his first win of the year.

Darren O'Day and C.J. Wilson combined to pitch a scoreless 8th with Frankie Francisco coming on to pitch the 9th, picking up his fifth save of the year.

The game started off rough for Texas, with Harrison allowing all four of the runs he surrendered in the first two inning. But after the 2nd, Harrison and Co. combined to pitch seven scoreless innings.



"I just tried to change the tempo of my delivery and attack hitters," Harrison said. "The first couple of innings I was up in the zone and wasn't finding my release point. I slowed it down just a little and started getting the ball down in the strike zone. I just got into a groove and kept going with it."

Michael Young added a 2-run homerun in the 5th pulling Texas to within one run. In the 6th, they added three more, highlighted by a 2-run single buy the suddenly scorching David Murphy. Before hitting a homerun two game ago, Murphy had started the season 0 for 22. He's since gone 3 for 8 with 3 RBI. Before his recent hot streak, many speculated Murphy might be on his way to the Minors.

"I obviously know I have to perform," Murphy said. "As far as getting sent to the Minors, I wasn't worried about that. I know they have confidence in me, but you can only struggle for so long."

The series win has Texas feeling good heading back home for a 3 game series with Oakland.

"A good road trip," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "A real good road trip, especially winning three here. We've got a good team; we should expect to win every series. I know that's not possible but this is the way you have to play to get into the playoffs. I'd love to be Boston and win 11 in a row, but I'll take about six series in a row."

Thomas Diamond Looking To Finally Live Up To His Promise

Another arm could be close to getting a shot in the Rangers bullpen.

Five years ago, Diamond was the Rangers' No. 1 draft choice, the 10th player selected overall in the 2004 baseball draft. He was the Rangers' No. 1 prospect in 2005.

But after compiling a 26-11 record in '05 and '06, Diamond missed all of 2007 after having to undergo Tommy John surgery and struggled to regain his form last year, posting a 3-3 record with a 6.20 ERA for AA Frisco.

But Diamond had looked more like his old self this season, his first in AAA. In four appearances, Diamond is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA and has regained much of the velocity that was missing from his pitches last season.



"I'm pretty close to the way I was before," said Diamond, who turned 26 on April 6. "Everything seems to be coming back nicely, so I'd say I'm pretty close to how I was before. But not quite the same.

"My velocity isn't all the way back yet, but you just pitch with what you've got. I know that I'm not where I was before, not quite at my best yet."

After spending his entire career as a starting pitcher, Diamond is now learning a new role as a relief pitcher.

They told me I was going to be a relief pitcher late this spring," Diamond said. "It doesn't really matter, as long as I'm pitching. Either way. It's really fairly easy to switch from one to the other.

"I get a chance to play a little more, pitch in more ballgames. Pitching every fifth day, it's more of a set routine. Out of the bullpen, you just never know."

With the Rangers inability to get consistent pitching out of it's bullpen, Diamond may find this new role is also the fastest way to get to Arlington.

Rangers Pitching Lets Another One Slip Away

In the top of the 5th inning on Sunday, both Hank Blalock and David Murphy hit homeruns, driving in three runs and giving Texas a 5-1 lead. In the bottom of the same inning, starter Brandon McCarthy gave all three runs back to Baltimore, letting them right back into the game.

"To me, that's the game right there," McCarthy said. "I couldn't be more disappointed with what happened in the fifth. They gave me three runs, and it's time to get a shutdown inning. Giving up those runs, that's unacceptable. That's the tipping point that could have pushed us in the right direction or the wrong direction."

Manager Ron Washington couldn't disagree.

"The fifth inning killed us," Washington said. "Once you get that lead, you want to shut them off and keep that momentum."

"I just wasn't comfortable throwing strikes," McCarthy said. "I just didn't feel comfortable mechanically. I don't have an explanation. It's something I have to figure out immediately.

"I was fighting myself. I was putting myself in bad counts, and it got to the point where they were excited to face me. You can't let that happen. You can't let a good hitting team like that be hungry and excited to face you."

Regardless of the poor outing, McCarthy did leave with a one-run lead. Reliever Jason Jennings made sure they didn't stand up, allowing a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 6th inning to Adam Jones. In six games this season against Texas, Jones is now 11 for 28 with 3 homeruns and 12 RBI.



"We didn't want to lose three games to these guys," said Jones. "We know we are a good team. We have to go out there and do it."

The homerun by Jones gave Baltimore a 7-5 lead and their bullpen made the lead stand up, throwing 5 scoreless innings and not allowing a baserunner until Andruw Jones got on in the 9th.

"It's a great win for us," said relief pitcher Danys Baez. "We went through a lot of things in the past couple days."

Kinsler Continues His Hot Streak, Texas Wins Another Close One

Starter Scott Feldman finally managed to get some outs, turning in a nice, five inning, allowing only one run.

Rookie Derek Holland replaced Feldman and, while he had a few hiccups out there, still went three inings, allowing only one run. Holland will hit a tough stretch at some point (young pitchers always do) but if he continues to pitch anywhere close to how he has thus far, he'll be in the regular rotation before the All-Star break.

Ian Kinsler hit two more homeruns and continues to pace this team. When he hits, this offense just rolls. Kinsler is now 30-for-59 (.508) against the Baltimore Orioles since the beginning of 2008.



Josh Hamilton went 2 for 3, but aggravated a rib injury in his final at-bat and was obviously laboring on the basepaths. In the dugout, cameras caught Hamilton trying to catch his breath, telling manager Ron Washington, "I can't breathe." One has to worry that this might become a season-long issue. Surely Texas will be very cautious with this injury.

Texas hit four more homeruns (Kinsler w/ 2, Chris Davis and Andruw Jones with solo homeruns) and are leading the league in this category.

However, Texas is also the worst in the league in bullpen ERA and C.J. Wilson did nothing to help that stat last night, allowing 3 more runs in only 1/3 of an inning before being bailed out by Frank Francisco. After allowing a 2-run double, Frankie reached down for a little something extra and throwing 96 mph heat past Nick Markakis, saving the game and picking up his 4th save of the year.

More Last Inning Heroics For Michael Young, Texas Get Big Win

It looked just another uninspired effort for 7 innings. Vicente Padilla was again struggling with his coomand, walking 3 and giving up another 4 earned runs. Texas' offense had nothing, seemingly unable to figure out Orioles starter Koji Uehara.

But in the 7th, Hank Blalock went yard for the 4th time this season, cutting the lead to 2. Marlon Bryd then singled in another run in the 8th. But after Orioles closer George Sherrill sat down the first two hitters of the 9th, things were not looking good for Texas. That is, until Ian Kinsler laced a single over the head of shortstop Cesar Izturis.

"I'm just doing what I can to get on base," Kinsler said. "Once it got to two strikes, it became a defensive at-bat. Get the barrel on something and give Mike (Young) a shot."

Michael Young delivered, crushing an opposite field home run, giving Texas a 5-4 lead.



"I got pretty lucky," Young said. "I was hoping it would stay left. A couple feet to the right and it would have hit the scoreboard."

Rangers closer Frank Francisco would make the lead stand up, setting Baltimore down in the bottom of the 9th, picking up his 3rd save of the season. He has yet to allow an earned run.

But the day belonged to Michael Young who, for the 3rd time in 5 games, hit a 9th inning homerun.

"It's a lot different on the road," Young said. "Against Kansas City, the game was over, you've got your teammates waiting for you at the plate and you can celebrate for a few minutes. This game, they still have [the middle of the order] coming up and you still have to get three outs. Fortunately, Frankie did a great job."

Ron Washington is impressed with more than Young's flare for the dramatic: "Mike is becoming a team leader big-time. Every team has a superstar that steps up, and Mike has been stepping up big-time for us."

Gabbard Heads Back To Boston

The Boston Red Sox have reaquired Kason Gabbard from the Texas Rangers. Gabbard had opened the season in Oklahoma City, going 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA. Gabbard will now report to Fort Myers, Fla., to participate in the Red Sox' extended spring-training program.

In 20 starts spread out over two seasons, Gabbard went 4-4 with a 5.15 ERA for Texas.

In exchange for Gabbard's rights, Texas accepted future cash considerations.



"I thought he was a competitor," Ron Washington said. "I'm going to miss him because I like his competitive spirit. But sometimes things work out for the best and this could be the best thing for him.

"I wish him luck."

Gabbard will forever be remembered for a game for which he didn't even pitch. Last night, the newly acquired Darren O'Day was forced to wear Gabbard's No. 30 jersey when he gave up the game-winning hit to Blue Jays first baseman Kevin Millar.

Texas Looks Lethargic In Loss To Toronto

In their final game of the year in Toronto, the Texas Rangers went down with a whimper, 5-2.

Toronto starting pitching Scott Richmond looked downright nasty for most of his six innings of work, keeping Texas' hitters off-balance, never allowing them to gather any sort of momentum.

For Texas, Kevin Millwood wasn't bad at all but he wasn't great either, going seven innings, striking out three and allowing four earned runs (off three homeruns). Jason Jennings pitched the 8th, loading the bases (thanks in part to two walks) and allowing another run to score.

Rookie sensation Elvis Andrus made two more throwing errors and now has five errors in only 13 games played. While he's made some amazing plays so far this season, he's also made an adventure out of quite a few routine plays. Andrusis giving Texas far more with the bat than they thought they'd get but he's gotta settle down defensively if he's truly gonna make a difference for this team.



If you're looking for positives both Chris Davis and Josh Hamilton hit solo homeruns, hopefully showing some sign that their season-long slumps might finally be coming to an end.

Young's Heroics Not Enough, Holland Makes A Splash

Texas is certainly developing a flare for the dramatic.

After falling down 2-0 in the 2nd (off a 2-run homer by former Ranger Rod Barajas), Texas came back with a couple of their own in the top of the 3rd, thanks to a 2-run single by Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

But Matt Harrison was unable to do much of anything tonight, giving up three runs (including another 2-run homerun by Barajas) in the 4th.

The 5th inning was started by Scott Feldman, who continues to throw buckets of gasoline on fires, giving up two more runs in 1 2/3 innings.



Feldman was then pulled for Derek Holland, who was making his Major League debut and did nothing but impress, going 2 1/3 innings, striking out two and allowing no runs. Holland came in and threw strikes, showing poise on the mound, regularly hitting 94 mph on the radar gun.

Texas began to chip away, picking up one in the 5th, one more in the 8th, and three in the top of the 9th, the last run coming via a solo homerun off the bat of Michael Young.

But C.J. Wilson couldn't hold the lead and, after struggling through the 10th inning, allowed a lead off walk in the top of the 11th. The walk forced in the newly acquired Darren O'Day, who hadn't even been with the team long enough to get his own uniform (O'Day arrived roughly 20 minutes before actually warming up to enter the game), forcing him to wear Kason Gabbard's. Despite the situation, a moment of levity was offered when Ron Washington and the Rangers infield were seen standing on the mound laughing at the sight of seeing a pitcher that they'd previously never met running towards them from their bullpen.

The good feelings lasted all of one batter as Kevin Millar stepped up and did what he's done so many times in his career: drive in the game-winning run.

- Matt Harrison's struggles continue to worry many, his ERA now 9.20. He's been hit very hard and one has to begin to wonder how long they're gonna be able to stick with him pitching the team into early holes. However, with Kris Benson injured and Scott Feldman pitching no better, Texas may not have much choice than to let him see if he can pitch through his issues.

- Darren O'Day has allowed zero earned runs this season. He has, however, allowed five unearned runs. Not exactly what you want out of a relief pitcher.

Benson Back To The DL, Rangers Add An Arm

Rangers starter Kris Benson has been placed on the 15-day disabled list for what is being reported as right elbow tendinitis. This is the just the latest in a long list of injuries for Benson who has missed part or all of six of his eleven seasons in major league baseball.

Texas has sent Benson back to Dallas to meet with team physician Dr. Keith Meister and should rejoin the team in Baltimore.

Manager Ron Washington doesn't think Benson will miss much time saying, "This is just elbow soreness. [Benson] actually said he could take his start. This is us being precautionary."



Taking Benson's spot on the roster will be the newly acquired Darren O' Day, a relief pitcher claimed off of waivers from the New York Mets.

"He'll give us a different look out of the bullpen," said Washington of the sidearm pitcher.

To make room for O'Day Texas moved Dustin Nippert to the 60-day DL.

O'Day has a career 4.27 ERA in 34 relief appearances.

Texas Heads North, Starts Road Trip With A Win

Making their only trip across the Canadian border this season, Texas hit Toronto riding relatively high after the Mike Young walk-off homerun victory against Kansas City a few days ago and for their trouble, ran into buzzsaw ace Roy Halladay.

Brandon McCarthy went six innings, allowing only three runs before giving way to Eddie Guardado and Jason Jennings, both of whom held the lead for Texas. C.J. Wilson again didn't manage to do his job, allowing an rbi single by Jose Batista. This is becoming habit for C.J. and has got to be a serious concern for Texas.

Luckily, Halladay wasn't his normal self and, despite striking out nine and going eight innings the Rangers managed 2-run homers by Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler, and added an rbi single by Chris Davis, giving them just enough for the 5-4 victory.

In a scary moment, home plate umpire Kerwin Danley was hit by a broken bat after a swing by Hank Blalock, knocking him to the ground, sending trainers from both teams
to his aid.



Danley remained conscious but motionless and was eventually carted off the field by paramedics. He was then taken to the hospital for further examination.

Young Walks Off, Texas Hits The Road

After another dissapointing loss to the Kansas City Royals, a game which saw Kevin Millwood continue his hot pitching with a complete game, 2 run effort, Texas was desperate for a win in the final game of the series before heading out on a seven game roadtrip.

Kansas City pitched well the entire series and today was no different, as Kyle Davies battled back from a 4-walk, 2-run first inning to shut down the Rangers offense, striking out eight and limiting them to 3 runs on 3 hits in six innings of work.



Vicente Padilla struggled again, allowing five earned runs in as many innings, giving up two more homeruns in the process. But the bullpen bailed Padilla out, pitching 4 scoreless innings, giving the offense a chance to chip away at Kansas City's 5-3 lead.

The offense didn't let them down, picking up two runs in the bottom of the 8th thanks to rbi's by both Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis, tying the game 5-5.

In the bottom of 9th, Michael Young, historically one of Texas' better clutch players, hit it a walk-off, game-winning homerun off a 96 mph fastball from Kyle Farnsworth, sending Texas on the road with a 6-5 victory.

- David Murphy now has more runs batted in (1) this season than he does hits (0).

- Frank Francisco hasn't allowed an earned run in 5 appearances this season.

- Ian Kinsler has now reached base in his last 12 games.

Holland Coming To Texas, Rupe Designated For Assignment

Derek Holland, the Rangers' top Minor League pitching prospect, has arrived at the Major League level a lot sooner than previously anticipated. Holland was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City today in an effort to stop the bleeding in the Rangers' struggling bullpen. To make room for Holland on the roster, the Rangers have designated reliever Josh Rupe for assignment.

"I don't even know -- it hasn't even hit me yet," said Holland. "It probably won't hit me until I get out on the field. Even on the drive down here [from Oklahoma City], it didn't hit me."

Holland was draft-and-follow player in the 25th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft and has been used almost exclusively as a starter. Texas wants to get his feet wet in a relief role.



"As we looked at it, Derek was the best option for our bullpen," general manager Jon Daniels said. "It's something we discussed in Spring Training, breaking camp in this role. We feel he's a strike thrower with the stuff and the maturity to handle it. He'll be used initially in the bullpen.

"Obviously, we see him as a starter down the line, but right now he'll be in the bullpen."

So far this season Rangers relievers have a combined ERA of 8.63, having allowed 43 hits and 21 walks in 32 1/3 innings. They have allowed runs in eight of the club's 10 games.

"We're trying to straighten out the bullpen, especially in the middle," manager Ron Washington said. "We looked down there, and he was the best we have. We'll use him as a long guy and probably try to get him multiple innings whenever he comes in. It will probably be before the eighth.

"We'll watch him closely. We certainly won't abuse him. We won't leave him out there to take a beating."

Holland is ready to go no matter the role given him. "Relieving is fine with me. When the time comes, you still have to go out and throw. Nothing has changed. I feel good. I feel ready."

"We feel he's ready to handle this thing," Daniels said. "I'm not saying there won't be bumps in the road, but he's here to contribute to the team right now in the bullpen. We'll see where that goes."

Rangers Offense Sputters, Royals Roll

What a difference a day makes.

Fresh off a 19 run explosion against the Baltimore Orioles, Texas had to be feeling pretty good with perpetual doormats, the Kansas City Royals, coming to town. But it was the up-and-coming Royals who turned on the bats, scoring four runs in the 2nd inning of starter Matt Harrison, a leadoff homerun by 3b Mark Teahen and a three-run blast by Coco Crisp. Harrison battled, making it into the 6th inning but was forced from the game after a leadoff walk to John Buck and a single by Alberto Callaspo.

Willie Eyre came in and poured gasoline on the fire, allowing a two-run single by Mike Aviles.



"I was falling behind too much and showing my offspeed stuff too early," Harrison said. "I should have attacked more with my fastball early. I threw some good offspeed stuff later, but they had already seen it. But, overall, I was falling behind too much. I need to attack more than I have been."

Reliever Josh Rupe fared no better, giving up a 3-run homer to Mike Jacobs. All toll, Kansas City put up 12 unanswered runs.

Texas managed only three extra-base hits the enitre game, solo homeruns by Marlon Byrd and Hank Blalock in the 8th, and a solo homerun by Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Kansas City - 12
Texas - 3

Texas Rolls As Kinsler Hits For Cycle

Well, something had to give...

Both Texas and Baltimore had beat up each others opposing pitching over the first two games of the season, to the point where both teams were forced to call up extra arms from AAA just to have bodies in the bullpen. Early on it looked like Texas would be the team needing the extr help as Kris Benson looked less than sharp, giving up three runs in the first two innings. Had he not worked himself out of a jam in the 2nd, things could have been much worse.

But today, on Jackie Robinson Day, this game was to belong to the Rangers offense. After taking a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 3rd, Texas then exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the 4th, an inning prolonged thanks an error by Orioles 2B Brian Roberts.

With a big lead, Benson settled down, going six innings and picking up his first victory in over two season.

"It's a big monkey off my back," Benson said. "I had a few wins in Spring Training but that doesn't mean anything. Now I'll be able to relax after I got this one behind me."

Despite Kris Benson's big night, the game truly belonged to Ian Kinsler. Kinsler went 6 for 6 with five runs scored and four rbi, becoming only the 4th Rangers player to ever hit for the cycle.



"I knew I had an opportunity to hit for the cycle walking up for my at-bat in the sixth," said Kinsler, who is now hitting .474. "When I hit that ball, I was hoping for it to go over his [Jones] head. And when it got over his head, I was hoping for it to rattle around. I wasn't going to stop at second base regardless if he came up with it clean or not. I was going to give it a shot."

The offensive explosion was not limited to Kinsler as Marlon Byrd had a five-hit night and Nelson Cruz drove in a career-high six runs with a grand slam and two-run double.

"I love it," Byrd said. "Five hits and I'm second on the team in hits. That tells you something is going right."

Ron Washington was pleased with the victory saying, "That's what we've been looking for, that's what we needed. Then we can come back with the momentum in our favor and we can keep it going."

The 19 runs scored by the Rangers are the most in a big-league game this season and the most they've scored since they beat Baltimore, 30-3, on Aug. 22, 2007.

Final Score:
Texas - 19
Baltimore - 6

Rangers Relievers Let Another One Slip Away

Over the past two seasons Brandon McCarthy has done little live up to his live up the amount of promise heaped upon him early in his career. But after spending most o fthe last few years injured, McCarthy appears to be finally rounding into form, going six strong innings tonight, surrendering three earned runs and striking out five hitters. However, once again a quality effort by a Rangers starting pitcher is spoiled by the bullpen as tonight it was Eddie Guardado's turn to come in and hand the opposing team another win.

Texas opened the game with a series of solo homeruns by Michael Young, Nelson Cruz (who only seems to hit them when no one is on base) & Chris Davis. McCarthy wasn't perfect, surrendering a few solo homeruns of his own to Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, but left with the score tied 3-3.



C.J. Wilson came in and went 1 2/3 innings, striking out two before once again getting into trouble with a couple of walks, eventually giving way to Frank Francisco who again looked dominant, going 1 1/3, striking out two.

But Texas was unable to push across baserunners in both the 7th and 8th innings, leading to extra innings where, in the top of the 10th, Orioles CF Adam Jones took an 0-1 pitch out for a homerun. That was followed by a Nick Markakis single and, after an Aubrey Huff fly out, a Ty Wigginton walk. Luke Scott then doubled to center, scoring both Markakis & Wigginton.

In the bottom of the 10th, Texas started off hot getting singles by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Omar Vizquel, Ian Kinsler (scoring Salty) and Michael Young. Josh Hamilton then grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Vizquel. But, despite a couple of good hacks, both Hank Blalock and Nelson Cruz (again coming up short with men on) flied out to the warning track, ending the ballgame.

Final Score:
Baltimore - 7
Texas - 5

Rangers Owner On The Ropes?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Hick's Sports Group, a team of investors headed by Texas Rangers/Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks, is in peril. Creditors to the financier have declared the group in default, a move that could well cost Hicks control of both sports franchises.

This is the latest and most damning indication that the current state of the U.S. Economy is now having a detrimental effect on the state of professional sports. Earlier in the year, several NBA franchises were forced to take out bank loans in an effort to continue their day-to-day business activities. Several team owners are readying themselves for what will no doubt be a series of messy showdowns against lenders.

A New York Times report states, "The Rangers baseball team and the Stars hockey team are now unable to pay both their operating expenses and their debt service."



In a statement issued today, Tom Hicks said, "As has been previously reported, HSG missed its most recent quarterly interest payment. As a result of that payment default, HSG's lenders have now sent the expected and normal default notices to HSG. But nothing has changed at the baseball and hockey clubs while the negotiations continue at the HSG level. Both Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League have strong protections for their franchises when discussions such as these are underway. These are complex negotiations and there are some very smart people working on them. As an owner and lender to HSG, I am working to negotiate something that will make economic sense going forward for me, HSG and its lenders."

Many lenders are vexed by Tom Hicks' stance, angered that he is thusfar unwilling to make up the difference through his own personal funds. The default notice opens up the very real possibility that the lenders could find themselves in control of both franchises. While nothing is imminent with respect to the Dallas Stars(NHL provisions prevent immediate forclosure), things are quite a bit different where the Rangers are concerned as no such provision exist within Major League Baseball. This could well result in the lenders eventually forcing an MLB-sanctioned sale of the Rangers.

Hicks doesn't believe it will ever come to this saying, "I'm confident that I'll be able to reach agreement with 51% of the lenders because I will be able to fund all the cash needs of the two teams during the period that I'm bringing in new partners, which will help us to drastically reduce if not eliminate HSG's debt."

As previously reported by several media outlets, Hicks is currently seeking to sale off a minority equity interest in both the Stars and the Rangers. While Hicks is doing his best to put a positive spin on the efforts, one has to wonder why an intelligent businessman would be trying to sell off 49% of his franchises during a time when, with the economy is such turmoil, one could expect to get pennies on the dollar. A selloff at this juncture could well result in a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars and may well be the most obvious proof that all is not well in the financial world of Tom Hicks.

Poor Pitching, Fundamentals Cost Texas Another One

Last night simply was not Vicente Padilla's night. The Baltimore Orioles came to town with an offense that looks to be one of the more potent in the American League and proceeded to hit virtually everything Padilla threw in their general direction. In his first start of the season, Vicente had location issues, battling for 5 2/3 and picking up the victory again Detroit. But last night, location was the least of his worries. Padilla just didn't have the same type of velocity on his fastball that he usually has, barely hitting 90 on the radar gun when we're used to seeing 93 and 94 out of him. The Orioles jumped all over him, to the tune of seven runs on eleven hits (including five in a row that ran him out of the game) in 3 1/3 innings.

"There are no excuses for that. I threw all my pitches today, and they hit everything. I threw a split finger. I threw fastballs. I threw curveballs. I threw changeups. They hit everything," said Padilla after the 10-9 loss.



In a trend which is appearing more ominous with each game, the bullpen offered zero relief as Scott Feldman looked no better, surrending three runs in 2 2/3 innings.

The Rangers offense was again the lone bright spot, pounding Baltimore pitching for nine runs on eleven hits and five walks, with several player showing a great deal of patience at the plate. Included in this list onf players is Chris Davis, who was set to have the day off until Hank Blalock woke up with a stiff neck. Davis took advantage of the change, going 2 for 3 and clubbing his first homerun of the year into the right field upper deck. The homerun came after Davis had worked a full count against pitcher Koji Uehara, showing patience he hadn't shown in the first six games of the year.

Andruw Jones continued his hot hitting as well, going 2 for 3 with a homerun and 3 rbi. He appears to have found his stroke, hopefully leading to a return to the all-star form he's shown for most of his career.

Mike Young added a 2-run homer and almost tied the game with another big hit until Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis made a great catch up against the wall to rob him of an rbi in the bottom of the ninth. This play proved to be very controversial as Ian Kinsler, who had been standing on 2nd base, chose to take off running (rather than tag up) assuming the ball wouldn't be caught. When it was, Kinsler was forced to hurry back to 2nd, costing Texas a base. After Josh Hamilton flew out to left center, Andruw Jones walked and was pitch run for by David Murphy. Murphy and Kinsler then got away with a double steal (Murphy appeared to out by a foot), before Marlon Byrd struck out to end the game.

Despite all the poor pitching, Texas went into the bottom of the ninth with a chance to win. But once again poor fundamentals (something Ron Washinton has suppossedly been preaching since becoming manager 3 seasons ago) play a role in costing the Rangers another win.

This is a young team but the question has to be asked: when will these guys start playing and thinking like Major League players?

Rangers Prospects Toss Class A No-Hitter

This past Saturday, Martin Perez, Tyler Tufts and Fabio Castillo combined to throw the first no-hitter of the Minor League season as the Hickory Crawdads blanked the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 5-0.

Said pitching coach Brad Holman, "I don't know if the outcome can get any better. I can say the individuals can get better, the way they go about their business, pitch execution, game knowledge, situational knowledge. But in terms of results..."



The Venezuelan lefty Perez, one of the Texas Rangers' top pitching prospects, struck out six and walked three over four innings before reaching his pitch count. He is just one week removed from his 18th birthday.

"He pitches," Holman said. "Despite the fact he's got stuff that's potentially overpowering, he's able to execute his pitches. He had bouts of erraticism, all young pitchers do, but he was never in that much trouble. He's got a good breaking ball, a changeup and a fastball that's well above-average," Holman said. "At this juncture, the development of the individual supersedes the win. Without risking an elevated pitch count, we're going to let him get his work in."

It was the first no-hitter in the South Atlantic League since Asheville's Bruce Billings blanked Lakewood, 10-0, last July 23.

Texas Swept In Detroit

After dropping a close one to the Tigers yesterday, Texas got back after it today, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, thanks to a pair of 2-run homeruns by Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler.

Kevin Millwood pitched another gem, going seven shutout innings, but C.J. Wilson came in to pitch the 8th, recording only one out while allowing 6 runs (3 earned) on a walk and 4 hits.



"I just couldn't stop the bleeding," Wilson said. "They got some broken-bat hits and some solid ones, but you don't always get those breaks."

This is the second erratic outing for C.J. Wilson so far this season. He's been wild in the strike zone and has paid the price, to the tune of 4 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings. If he's to truly nail down the 8th inning set-up man role, he's got to bring more consistency and throw quality strikes, especialy when entering with a lead. Nothing seems to kill a teams spirit faster than losing games in the final few innings.

Said Millwood after the loss, "This is frustrating, because we start with a sweep at home and then get swept here."

- Texas had 2 baserunners in both the 4th and 5th innings but were unable to push anyone across.

- After catching fire the last part of Spring Training, Chris Davis has opened the season stone cold, going 1-22 with 10 strikeouts.

- After thrilling in the first few games of the year, Elvis Andrus commited an error today that led to 3 unearned runs.

Blue Hats, 0-1

Kris Benson, making his first start in 2 years, was roughed up Friday to the tune of eight runs (seven earned) in five innings. The Detroit Tigers went on to a 15-2 victory. All-Star Miguel Cabrera, who had six RBIs on the afternoon, broke the game open with a fourth-inning grand slam that all but ended any chance Texas had of crawling back into the fight.

"It's their day, but we could have ruined it," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "Oh well, nobody goes 162-0. We'll just have to settle for 161-1."

After drilling Cleveland to the tune of 18 extra-base hits in 3 games, Texas managed only 5 singles in seven innings against Detroit starter Armando Galarraga. Adding insult to injury, Galarraga is a former Rangers player, traded at the end of 2007 for what amounted to a box of baseballs and some hotdog mustard.

"They had a good day," Rangers third baseman Michael Young said. "They swung it well. They were aggressive. You could tell it was their home opener. Everything went their way. You chalk it up to that and come out tomorrow."

Benson gave up 10 hits and walked 2 but as poorly as he pitched, his relief was no better, as the combination of Warner Madrigal and Josh Rupe walked another 6 batters, hitting another, giving up 7 more runs in 4 innings.



The lone bright spot of the day came in the 9th inning when Nelson Cruz hit yet another homerun, his 4th in 4 games this season.

Texas Sticks With Red, Wins Again

Proving they never should've made the switch in the first place, the Texas Rangers once again donned the red hats and, after completing a sweep of the Indians, now find themselves 3-0 for the first time since 1996.



Last night, Vicente Padilla struggled with his control but made clutch pitches at clutch times, picking up his first win of the year. Nelson Cruz clubbed two monster homeruns, rookie sensation Elvis Andrus added the first of his career, pacing Texas to an 8-5 victory.

This afternoon, Texas (for the 3rd straight game) got the scoring going early, taking to Cleveland starter Carl Pavano, who lasted only 1+ innings, surrendering nine earned runs on six hits, while walking three batters. Andruw Jones, making his first appearance for the Rangers, went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored hitting in the cleanup spot and Marlon Byrd hit a three-run homer and had five RBI. Omar Vizquel made his first appearance of the season as well, adding a pair of hits, an RBI and a run scored for Texas. Ian Kinsler added a homerun and three RBI in the victory.



Brandon McCarthy, who's spent more time on the disabled list than on the mound the past 2 seasons, went 5 innings, giving up three runs and striking out seven. Though the bullpen gave up five earned runs in 4 innings, the offense put up enough of a lead to ensure another big win for the Rangers.

The red hats are 3-0 and seem to have several of the players believing in their magic.

"It's the red hats," said C.J. Wilson. "I love the red hats. It makes us more aggressive and more manly. Red is the power color."

Added Jason Jennings, "We like it. I'm a big believer in if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ride her until she bucks us off."

Initially, the red hats were only going to be worn for special occasions but seem to be gaining in popularity with each passing day.

Oklahoma City Redhawks Opening Day Roster

SP Luis Mendoza *
SP Neftali Feliz
SP Derek Holland
SP Doug Mathis
SP Elizardo Ramirez

RP Mike Ballard
RP Thomas Diamond *
RP Kason Gabbard
RP Brian Gordon
RP Pedro Strop
RP Derrick Turnbow
RP Beau Vaughan

C Max Ramirez *
C Emerson Frostad

1B Royce Huffman
1B Scott Thorman
3B Travis Metcalf
IF Joaquin Arias *
IF Casey Benjamin
IF German Duran *

OF Brandon Boggs *
OF Julio Borbon *
OF Greg Golson *
OF Ben Harrison

(Asterisk = on 40-man roster)

Update: 3B Travis Metcalf was claimed off of waivers by the Kansas City Royals.

Frisco Roughriders Opening Day Roster

SP Jared Hyatt
SP Kasey Kiker
SP Dustin Nippert (rehab) *
SP Omar Poveda *
SP Michael Schlact

RP John Bannister *
RP Jose Diaz
RP Clayton Hamilton
RP Tommy Hunter *
RP Beau Jones
RP Kea Kometani
RP Guillermo Moscoso *
RP Andrew Laughter

C Manny Pina
C Chris Gradoville

1B Justin Smoak
2B Jose Vallejo *
3B Johnny Whittleman
SS Marcus Lemon
IF Adam Fox
IF Guilder Rodriguez

OF Craig Gentry
OF Dustin Majewski
OF Steve Murphy
OF Chad Tracy

(asterisk = on 40-man roster)

Nice Start For Texas

Starter Kevin Millwood looked like the guy Texas thought they'd signed 3 seasons ago, allowing one run (via wild pitch) on five hits, while striking out five in seven innings as the Rangers snapped a five-game Opening Day losing streak with a 9-1 victory over the Indians at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Monday.



Texas exploded for four runs in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to a pair of 2-out base hits by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ian Kinsler. Hank Blalock then drilled a three-run home run in the fifth off last years AL Cy Young award winner, Cliff Lee (0-1). Mike Young had an RBI single and Salty added a solo homerun in the eigth inning, capping the offense for Texas.

Both C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco pitched one inning, each striking out one batter, not allowing a single baserunner between them.


Additional Notes:

- Blalock has now hit a home run in five of the Rangers' past seven home openers.

- Millwood was making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start -- the most in club history -- but this was the first time he emerged victorious. His last Opening Day victory was in 2003, with the Phillies.

- Elvis Andrus had a double -- his first Major League hit -- in the second and played very well defensively, assisting in two double plays that got Millwood out of jams.

- Every player in the Rangers starting lineup save for Chris Davis managed at least one base hit.

Rangers Opening Day 20 Years Ago

I love Opening Day. The sun shines a little brighter, hope abounds, and everyone opens the season in first place. 1989 was my very first Opening Day, 20 years and 2 days ago today.

Texas had made several offseason moves, trading for Rafael Palmeiro & Julio Franco and signing the legendary Nolan Ryan, igniting all kinds of interest in a team that had given fans very little to cheer about.

I spent all afternoon prior to the game in between old Arlington Stadium and the hotel where the visiting teams always stayed, waiting on autographs. If I recall correctly, I snagged closer Mike Henneman, pitchers Jeff Robinson & Frank Tanana, catcher Mike Heath, All Star 2nd baseman Lou Whitaker, and outfielders Fred Lynn and Gary Pettis.

When I made my way into the stadium I set up shop down the first base line, in between the dugout and bullpen. It was there I got the autographs of several Rangers players, including Jeff Russell and Nolan Ryan.



Charlie Hough was the opening day starter, saving Ryan for the 2nd game of the season (presumably to guarantee 2 sellouts) and Charlie did nothing to disappoint, throwing a 5-hit complete game shutout. Shortstop Scott Fletcher had a double and single off Detroit ace Jack Morris, driving in 3 runs as Texas defeated the Alan Trammell led Detroit Tigers, 4-0.

Texas won 83 games and missed the playoffs that season but to this day 1989 remains my favorite year of baseball. Despite not tearing up the AL, Texas had some really nice guys on that team, with players like Geno Petralli, Brad Arnsberg and Bobby Witt becoming long-time family friends. Thanks to their kindness, I was able to see close to 50 home games that season, converting me into a lifetime baseball fan.

Scouts Praise Young Rangers

Several notes from Major League Scouts regarding some of Texas' top prospects:

Justin Smoak: “He’s just fun to watch — he certainly looks like he belongs in big-league games, and the team doesn’t miss a beat with him out there. He’s going to be better than (Chris) Davis. He’s going to be an All-Star, no question about it.”



Smoak hit .280/.357/.600 in 25 at-bats this spring.

Taylor Teagarden: “Teagarden is just an unbelievable defender, and he really shuts the running game down. And I think he’s going to hit. He’s narrowed the gap offensively more than Salty, who has gotten better behind the plate defensively. It’s a nice problem to have.”

Teagarden hit .300/.364/.700 this spring, exhibiting command of the pitching staff when working behind the plate.

Elvis Andrus: “He’s been much more consistent with the glove, and the Rangers don’t need much from him offensively. He’ll hit .255-.260 with seven home runs and be fine.”

Andrus showed some real brilliance with the leather, making several gold glove- caliber plays.

Neftali Feliz: “Every bit as good as advertised — he was up to 98 mph when I saw him. If I have to find something not to like, sometimes he’s a little flat through the zone and he needs to learn how to adjust to getting hit and for now, he just tries to throw harder.”

Derek Holland: “I saw him all list year and he just looks more and more polished each time I see him. He topped out at 96 mph for me and his breaking ball was much better.”

No Room For Joaquin Arias

When Joaquin Arias came to Texas as the 'Player to be Named Later' in the deal that sent Alex Rodriguez to the Yaknees for Alfonso Soriano, he came with serious promise attach to him. At the time, it was thought Arias would be the player to eventually force either Soriano to the outfield, or Michael Young to third base but injuries prevented either from happening. And after injuring his throwing shoulder 2 years ago while trying to learn the outfield (a move thought to facilitate getting his bat to the big leagues) it was thought that Arias' time with Texas was about at it's end.

Then Arias showed up for Spring Training 2009 and hit .417, driving the ball with serious authority. While his arm is still not quite where it once was, Arias can flat out rake and can still fly.



Texas now finds itself in a difficult position in that they want Elvis Andrus to be 'the man' at shortstop, with Omar Vizquel backing him up and showing him the ropes this season. This seemingly leaves Arias to dangle as trade bait. It has been rumored that the Reds might have some interest in him.

Regardless of what happens, Arias has worked himself back into the talk as a bonafied major league caliber player and will be given a chance somewhere. With only one minor league option remaining, Arias will start the season with AAA Oklahoma City, presumably in the hopes that he'll either do so well that a team will make a serious trade offer for him or, that Texas will be forced to bring him up and keep him on the 25-man roster. The last option will be less likely should Andruw Jones continue to regain his old form, leaving no spot on the bench for Arias' bat.

Catalanotto Sent Packing

Despite efforts to trade him over the past few weeks, the hammer finally dropped on Frank Catalanotto today as he was given his outright release. It was thought that Texas has a deal to send him to Florida before the Marlins made a trade with Kansas City for left-handed-hitting Ross Gload. Unless Cat is claimed by another team (which won't happen), Texas will be on the hook for all $4 million of his salary for this season as well as a $2 million buyout for next season. Catalanotto will become a free agent on Opening Day, meaning he can sign with anyone requiring his services. After hitting .317 this spring, there's no doubt he's proven he can still bring something to a team in need of a left-handed hitter to come off their bench. He won't have to wait long for work.



With Cat getting his release, that means Texas has decided to take a chance with Andruw Jones. Jones put together a nice spring, hitting a homerun in the 9th inning of the final spring game and showing more confidence in his swing over the past month. While it's doubtful Jones can be counted on for anything more than a reserve role, choosing him over Catalanotto (a known quantity) has to mean that Texas is hoping to see him return to something similar to his All-Star form of 3 seasons ago. Also, with Hank Blalock finally healthy, having Jones gives Texas a right-handed power bat on their bench to go with Blalock's left-handed power.