tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52502816294345140782024-03-13T12:04:21.835-05:00Girls Don't Know Anything About Baseball And Other Random ThoughtsA little baseball, a little nonsense, few serious thoughts on life, television, food, the Texas Rangers and whatever else Marla Hooch thinks she needs to share with the intenetEMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-7020259771959900012012-10-14T22:48:00.003-05:002012-10-14T22:50:17.230-05:00To Be Continued....It's been one of those weeks - haven't had a moment to ruminate about anything...blog about something coming up soon. <br />
<br />
In the meantime: so sorry the Orioles, Nationals, and Reds all lost. As far the as the National League is concerned, if the "big" one hit California today or tomorrow and it slid into the ocean with Giant and Cardinals - woudln't bother me at all. The only horse I have left in the race is the Tigers. <br />
<br />
Sorry about Jeter's ankle - but the Yankees use that as an excuse for their performance so far, that really speaks volumes about their "team".<br />
<br />
Cannot join the knee-jerking crowd that wants to clean house and trade everyone on the Rangers - that's not right, I don't know what the plan is, but I hope it's a much more specific, strategic and less emotional.<br />
<br />
It's always a good day when the Cowboys lose.<br />
<br />
I really need to buy a few more Aimee Mann songs off of I-Tunes.<br />
<br />
And... this is the week one year ago that I lost Baseball Mom (October 16th). <br />
<br />
Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, sometimes it feels like forever.<br />
<br />
<em>Miss you and will always love you Mom - love Marla</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>.</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-6424383729615848642012-10-09T16:35:00.000-05:002012-10-09T20:06:07.756-05:00Um...I Guess I Forgot...Again<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I became a Ranger fan August 1979. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since that time I’ve been through 6 General Managers: Eddie Robinson, Joe Klein, Tom Grieve, Doug Melvin, John Hart and Jon Daniels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 different ownership groups: Brad Corbett, Eddie Chiles and friends, George W. Bush, Tom Schieffer and a cast of thousands, Tom Hicks and his creditors with a cameo by Bud Selig and now Nolan Ryan and company <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The one thing they all have in common is they keep doing the same thing over and over again – expecting a different result. I’ve heard that’s the definition of insanity or at least Ranger insanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our good friend TR Sullivan’s observation this morning’s on Postcards From Elysian Fields blog is absolutely perfect on the subject of <strong> </strong><a href="http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/2012/10/09/of-gods-war-and-josh-hamilton/" target="_blank"><strong>Josh Hamilton/the playoff loss and the Rangers usual knee-jerk plan of action. </strong></a> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am looking right at you Nolan Ryan (and to some extent Jon Daniels) and shaking my head in frustration. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With all the years of baseball experience Ryan has and that Cornell educated GM you think they would already know the maxim of philosopher George Santayana (1863-1952) who said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (from "Life of Reason <i>I").<br /></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>-- waiting for Version 41 of the new and better Rangers team Nolan and Jon plan to pull out of a rabbit’s hat this off-season - Marla</i></span><br />
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EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-37515983538368631642012-10-05T10:47:00.000-05:002012-10-05T18:16:08.059-05:00This Day In History<br />
1465<br />
-- French King Louis XI signs a peace agreement with Charles the Stout<br />
<br />
1857<br />
-- City of Anaheim CA founded - and no playoff baseball game was played there that day either<br />
<br />
1880<br />
-- First ballpoint pen patented by Alonzo T. Cross<br />
<br />
1882<br />
-- Outlaw Frank James surrenders in Missouri six months after the death of his brother Jesse James<br />
<br />
1907<br />
-- Philadelphia A's pitcher Rube Vickers no-hits the Washington Senators in a 5 inning game<br />
<br />
1921<br />
-- The World Series is broadcast on the radio for the first time<br />
<br />
1924<br />
-- First appearance in the NYC Daily News of the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie"<br />
<br />
1954<br />
-- Hurricane Hazel hits the east coast of the United States<br />
<br />
1962<br />
-- The Beatles release their first hit in England "Love Me Do"<br />
<br />
1966<br />
-- A sodium cooling system malfunction causes a partial core meltdown at the Enrico Fermi nuclear power demonstration plant near Detroit, Michigan. Radiation is contained (entire story detailed in the book "We Almost Lost Detroit")<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDKPmdlKd00/UG9pHC8xH0I/AAAAAAAAELc/X-l7xyxKuxw/s1600/275px-Flyingcircus_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDKPmdlKd00/UG9pHC8xH0I/AAAAAAAAELc/X-l7xyxKuxw/s1600/275px-Flyingcircus_2.jpg" /></a><br />
1969<br />
-- "Monty Python's Flying Circus" begins its run on the BBC<br />
<br />
1983<br />
-- Polish anti-communist union leader Lech Walesa wins the Nobel Peace Prize<br />
<br />
2001<br />
-- Barry Bonds hits his HGH aided 71st and 72nd Home Runs to break Mark McGwire's androstene aided record of 71 Home Runs<br />
<br />
2004<br />
-- Howard Stern announces he's leaving over the air radio for satellite radio company Sirius<br />
<br />
2008<br />
--Dow Jones Industrial Averages drop 700 points signaling the beginning of the economic downturn/recession<br />
<br />
2012<br />
-- The Rangers two year AL Dynasty ends.<br />
<br />
--- Marla<br />
<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-31485239753155960342012-10-03T17:29:00.000-05:002012-10-03T17:30:14.815-05:00It's The Curse of Game 6I know I'm writing this before the game with Oakland ends - but does it matter? <br />
<br />
I know how it's going to end. <br />
<br />
When the Red Sox broke the curse of Babe Ruth the baseball gods had to find another team to be there whipping boy - and thus we have Game 6 of the World Series 2011 which led to the great collapase of the Rangers 2012. <br />
<br />
Sorry Ranger fans we're going to be suffering from this curse for a long, long time.<br />
<br />
<em>The A's are the team of destiny. The Rangers are the team destined to self-destruct. -- Marla</em><br />
<br />
<em>.</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-12929190665098508402012-10-02T20:14:00.000-05:002012-10-02T23:04:53.936-05:00These Are Not The 1996 Rangers And Shouldn't Even Be Mentioned In The Same SentenceI have a long, rambling, essay that I've been working on for 2 days to explain my feelings about the current state of the Rangers. Fortunately for you dear reader, TR Sullivan posted an excellent entry on his blog <a href="http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/2012/10/02/the-rangers-in-autumn-two-days-to-go/">Postcards From Elysian Fields</a> that I felt compelled to comment on, and in the process of doing so was able to distill my feelings into a wordy paragraph. TR compared the current Rangers to the 1996 Rangers and this is what I wrote in reply:<br />
<br />
<em>"Think this [2012 Rangers] team is more like the 1996 Mariners – a very talented team, expected to win – then in September ultimately failed in the clutch. There aren’t any Burkett’s or Hill’s on this Rangers team – except for Michael Young who has stepped up this month. Seems like the offense was on cruise control all season and now they don’t know how to kick into high gear while all the pitching has been at best inconsistent – I’ve been a Ranger fan long enough to say they don’t deserve a playoff berth this year. Maybe <strong><u>that</u></strong> would be the kickstart they need to learn to concentrate and play the game the right way with a little humility and a lot more hunger."</em><br />
<br />
<br />
After reading it again a few hours later, I stand by my statement. Doesn't matter what happens tonight or tomorrow - I don't feel good about the 2012 Rangers, and I've felt that way since about mid-July. I don't think they are lazy, infl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">ated egos - maybe just a bit. What they do suffer from is lack of memory and concentration. Big numbers = big money contracts, doing the little things right = championship rings. Gotta wonder which equation the veterans on this team were thinking about this season. </span><br />
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What is frustrating and sad for we the long suffering Ranger fans is that most of us know how small that window of opportunity is for any team to get into the playoffs and how much smaller it gets to go to the World Series more than twice in a decade (take a look at the last 10 years and see how many teams other than NY have been there more than twice). I'm sayng it right now: that window is shut this year. Shame on the veterans on this 2012 Ranger team . They seem to be suffering from short term memory loss - they've forgotten what got them there and more importantly what it was like being the ones who were watching playoff games from the couch instead from the dugout. I have a feeling that by this time next week, the Rangers will have a quick trip down memory lane as they pack up their bags and get ready to watch the rest of the post-season from their couches. <br />
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<em>Angry in Arlington - Marla </em> <br />
<br />
(P.S. That's my new couch which I really love, and the next blog will be much less poison filled - I hope)<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-39980749888019114202012-09-30T22:32:00.001-05:002012-09-30T22:32:44.614-05:00September 30, 2012 One Sentence ReactionNo matter what the magic number is, you should not feel good about this 2012 Rangers team.<br />
<br />
(More on that tomorrow)<br />
<br />
-- <em>No kidding around - Marla</em><br />
<br />
<em>.</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-29756642298580070442012-09-26T20:58:00.001-05:002012-09-26T20:58:16.358-05:00September 26, 2012 One Word ReactionThat one word is: Pathetic<br />
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It's third inning and I'm already giving up on this game.<br />
<br />
Forget about signing Josh Hamilton this off-season. Instead, get some scouts and minor keague coaches who can actually develop real pitchers - starters and relievers -because they've done a pretty lousy job so far and the future doesn't look any better.<br />
<br />
Goodbye AL West Division title - hello one game wild card playoff.<br />
<br />
Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic -- Marla<br />
<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-26200492034552260112012-09-25T22:33:00.001-05:002012-09-25T22:33:14.966-05:00September 25, 2012: One Sentence ReactionMark Lowe pitching in a yet-to-be-decided division race game, really Wash?<br />
<br />
--Marla<br />
<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-10692524261014987712012-09-24T22:33:00.002-05:002012-09-24T22:33:37.820-05:00Once Sentence Reaction: Rangers 5, A's 4 (10 innings)My evening prayer: dear baseball gods, let the Rangers wrap this thing up by Thursday so Adrian Beltre's teammates don't re-injure him during their celebrations (as Tom Grieve pleaded with them tonight).EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-13811205899175617892012-09-16T18:46:00.002-05:002012-09-16T21:41:59.934-05:00One Sentence Reaction: Rangers 2 - Seattle 1Still kind of worried, only 3 game lead with 6 left against Oakland. <br />
<br />
<em>-- Marla</em><br />
<br />
(P.S. Justin Smoak showed us why he hates hitting at Safeco Field)<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-7864847729741474492012-09-16T18:44:00.002-05:002012-09-16T21:41:19.953-05:00Planing My Nights By The TV GuideThere was a pop song (masquerading on the country charts) a few years ago with the lyric "she was at home planning her nights by the TV Guide." I absconded with that line for today's blog. <br />
<br />
My sister the New Mexico Bean has a PHD in psychology - she told me it's documented that women my age start watching more television - good I like watching TV, not ashamed of it, and love writing about it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31V9h5GQh-U/UFZkMm7aIVI/AAAAAAAAEKY/RAsDMAwJHo8/s1600/1025_LTV_OLD_TV_FAMILY_full_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31V9h5GQh-U/UFZkMm7aIVI/AAAAAAAAEKY/RAsDMAwJHo8/s320/1025_LTV_OLD_TV_FAMILY_full_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong><u>Top 10 Season Passes on the DVR</u></strong>:<br />
1. The Good Wife - love Josh Charles, love Josh Charles. This is the "water cooler" series with my friends at work.<br />
2. Parenthood - Produced and written by Jason Katims (sp?) who did the same for Friday Night Lights (my 2nd favorite TV series ever) - There's a big blog post coming up on Lauren Graham/Sarah Braverman soon.<br />
3. Smash - I'm a Broadway/Musicals junkie - Megan Hilty is the best singer on TV today (take that Lea Michele) <br />
4. Mad Men - yeah, I bought into the hype - but that's because it's a really, really good show.<br />
5. Modern Family - Ty Burrell is so underrated.<br />
6. Suits - it's just enough over the top to be fun, without being in your face unwatchable (as alot of cable series can be).<br />
7. Leverage - see #6 - the chemistry and asides from Elliot, Parker and Hardison are worth the price of admission.<br />
8. Psych - I don't always get all the references (it's an age thing) but it's fun to watch.<br />
9. White Collar - Speaking of fun to watch - Matt Bomer is gorgeous<br />
10. Glee - Has really fallen off since the first season, most of the time I fast forward through the plots to the musical numbers - which are still the best (come back Krisen Chenowith and Gwyneth Paltrow- please - Kate Hudson is kind of meh)<br />
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I don't watch reality TV shows, or competition shows. Not the least bit interested<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLnt1hlYdj0/UFZXzsExnMI/AAAAAAAAEKE/JBx2I4UnQE4/s1600/troy+and+abed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLnt1hlYdj0/UFZXzsExnMI/AAAAAAAAEKE/JBx2I4UnQE4/s320/troy+and+abed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong><u>The New Stuff</u></strong>:<br />
<br />
Community - My close personal friend Sir Basil Gucci and fellow DTFCer Justin kept telling me watch this show. I hesitated because I really don't like Joel McHale - but I finally caught up with it on Hulu the last few weeks - Troy and Abed - I know these kinds of guys and I love them.<br />
<br />
The Big Bang Theory - didn't start watching it until one one Saturday night a couple months ago when there was nothing else on -now I'm hooked. Would loved to have seen Jim Parson in the revival of "Harvey" on Broadway this past summer.<br />
<br />
The New Normal - liked this more than I thought I would - if they'd tone down Ellen Barkin's character, make her understated - it would be even better (and she'd be much funnier).<br />
<br />
Go On - I want to like this series, really I would - I'm rooting for Matthew Perry (loved Mr. Sunshine - I think Sir Basil and I were the only ones who watched it. Plus I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who watched Studio 60 to the bitter end).<br />
<br />
Major Crimes - I watched "The Closer" - it took a couple of episodes to get used to the new "format" - but like a fungus, it's grown on me.<br />
.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Waiting for the DVD's Because I Don't Have HBO:</u></strong><br />
<br />
Treme (2nd season) - From David Simon who created my favorite TV show ever "Homicide" - just wish John Goodman had stayed with the series.<br />
<br />
The Newsroom - it's Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterston and Aaron Sorkin - what other reason do you need?<br />
<br />
As I mentioned to someone recently - I rarely go to the movies anymore. In my never humble opinion 98% of them are unwatchable and even worse uninteresting - unless you are a 12 year old boy who reads comic books. Isn't it astounding how many movies are based on old TV series - studios are looking to TV for ideas - because no one who makes movies seems to have an original thought anymore.<br />
<br />
Planning my nights by the TV Guide - you bet. Television series these day are smarter, funnier, more thoughtful, well done and very importantly the more interesting medium worth watching these days.<br />
<br />
<em>I want to live in Aaron Sorkin's world! - Marla Hooch</em><br />
<em>.</em><br />
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EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-45131569171084731822012-09-16T17:35:00.002-05:002012-09-16T21:41:40.020-05:00One Of Those Navel Gazing, Soul Baring, Self Indugent ExplanationsWell kids I am going to take another run at blogging - but - this time it's not going to be strictly baseball.<br />
<br />
When I stopped writing regularly a couple of years ago it was for a number of unrelated reasons. Mainly because of my own laziness and too much white noise. Laziness is its own explanation, it's a fault I've been working to overcome my entire life and will continue to do so. White noise is a little different: there are so many baseball blogs, twitter accounts, and God-Know-What-Else on the web boasting useful and useless opinions, most of the time with the same information slanted to reflect the author's point of view (I do include myself in that generalization). I wasn't sure that I wanted to continue adding decibels to that growing din.<br />
<br />
What made me change my mind? A life changing event. As most of you know my beloved baseball Mom died very suddenly last October. The last conversation we had as I was leaving her house was a plan for a World Series watching party with hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks. Two hours after that she was gone.<br />
<br />
Since that day my world has turned upside down. I have this gaping hole in my sense of being that I know I can't fill. I've struggled with the stages of grief, trying to figure out what the new normal is and getting used to it. The best I seem to able to do is try to find a little peace and hope in the things left that I love, and one of those is writing. My mom loved reading the blog and last year when I wrote as Toby on Postcards from Elysian Fields. Writing again not only gives me a sense of relief-distraction-fulfillment- it makes me feel close to her again.<br />
<br />
Like any other skill, you have to practice to stay in shape, and I'm obviously way out of shape, please be patient. I will get there.<br />
<br />
How often will I write? I don't know, but I'm guessing on the weekend and days off from work. What will I write about? No idea - but as the amended blog title implies not just baseball could be just about anything. So this is self-therapy - does that mean lots of digging into your psyche? No, I get enough of that elsewhere, yes I'm doing it to help myself - I know I can be depressing and sentimental - I promise to limit the navel gazing. Are you finished talking to yourself on this entry? Yes.<br />
<br />
In fact, instead of ending with a question, let's end with a declaration of a new beginning: Watch This Space For Further Developments.<br />
<br />
<em>Back at the keyboard - Marla Hooch</em><br />
<em>.</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-12765756680088604902011-09-03T14:46:00.000-05:002011-09-03T14:46:48.668-05:00Testing 123Is this Thing still working? If it is, then watch this space- I'm going to start writing again.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-19207117649215645262011-02-16T09:27:00.000-06:002011-02-16T09:27:32.737-06:00February 16, 2011: New Year's (Season) Day<em>Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today!</em><br />
<em>We're born again, there's new grass on the field." -- John Fogerty </em><br />
<br />
Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day everyone!<br />
<br />
<img alt="San Diego Padres Pitchers" id="photoMain" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/40/fullj.3118c3891a9ac64b0bbe419a3e3db314/ap-57c9d96a51cc4a33b415a349c8836210.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<em>Look at me I could be Centerfield -- Marla Hooch</em><br />
<em>.</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-77083808200639358092011-02-08T08:13:00.001-06:002011-02-08T08:20:04.307-06:00Like It Or Not....In order to sign and keep free agents you have to overpay them and keep them longer than the stat heads at BP and BBTIA pronounce is necessary. Like it or not: that’s the way it works.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you treat players like baseball cards, as seems to be the mentality of the loudest shrieks we are reading on the ‘net today, instead of human beings – your team significantly decreases their opportunities to sign (or keep potential) free agents. Like it or not: that’s the way it works.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TVFO_vtCU4I/AAAAAAAADO8/1MghX_btMI8/s1600/SAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TVFO_vtCU4I/AAAAAAAADO8/1MghX_btMI8/s320/SAD.jpg" width="320" /></a>With the precedent the Rangers are setting with Michael Young, then they might as well change their name to the Arlington A’s since they are adopting the same mentality of the Oakland A’s – (watch out Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, and CJ). Except that the Rangers farm system just isn’t that strong anymore, and their track record of developing starting pitching is spotty - on a good day- and average to poor most of the time. Like it or not: that's the way it looks like the Rangers are headed.</div><br />
What should have been an off-season and Spring Training basking in the glory of 2010 has turned in a mess and revealed the Rangers to be stuck in the same treadmill of stupidity and futility I thought they’d abandoned. Like it or not: that’s the way it is.<br />
<br />
<em>Like or not: you've pretty much lost me this time JD and Nolan -- Marla Hooch</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-66257475958521196212011-01-02T09:25:00.000-06:002011-01-02T09:25:02.936-06:00First Blog Entry Of The New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TSCYmBQWvKI/AAAAAAAADOw/clOXz_9N8_U/s1600/NY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TSCYmBQWvKI/AAAAAAAADOw/clOXz_9N8_U/s320/NY.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Trust me, any other year a free agent pitcher signing with another team, and a trade not involving the Rangers is not a big story. <br />
<br />
The thought that keeps popping up in my mind is: this is (basically) the same team the Rangers started out with last season and were already winning the division when they acquired Cliff Lee. That's a pretty good team already in place (although I'm one of those who is not in favor of bringing back Vlad). Are the other teams in the AL West better? Well, the verdict is out on the Angels (if they get Beltre - maybe). The Mariners aren't, the A's - that's the team I worry about the most - their pitching is very good, their offense has been the question - is Matsui going to be a difference maker?<br />
<br />
It's the last day of the Holiday Season in my book, the "Boring Season" (that long stretch before Spring Training starts) begins tomorrow - there will be plenty of time to ruminate about the 2011 season, that's something I plan on doing. <br />
<br />
But for now, I have that same feeling I did in grade school on that last day of Christmas vacation - I've got to make the most of it - because the real world I live in 330 days out of the year rises with the sun tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
<em>Happy New Year to all - and let's start worrying about the Rangers....tomorrow</em> <em>-- Marla Hooch</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-60827490433135555252010-12-19T10:40:00.001-06:002010-12-19T10:40:55.937-06:00To All My Baseball Friends....<div align="center"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May Peace and Plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">And Happiness be guided to your home</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">By the candle of Christmas</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em>-- an Irish Christmas toast</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TQ41JNRcMhI/AAAAAAAADOo/f1ppang6vHA/s1600/Happy+Christmas+Everyone%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TQ41JNRcMhI/AAAAAAAADOo/f1ppang6vHA/s320/Happy+Christmas+Everyone%2521.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><em>-- Marla Hooch</em></div>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-24312940467096560522010-12-14T07:42:00.005-06:002010-12-14T08:19:19.396-06:00In The Words of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TQdzry_HglI/AAAAAAAADOk/SK9lhnW1k2I/s1600/Mick+and+Keith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TQdzry_HglI/AAAAAAAADOk/SK9lhnW1k2I/s320/Mick+and+Keith.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<strong>"You can't always get what you want</strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>But sometimes you find</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>You get what you need"</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Good luck in Philly Cliff, thanks for taking the Rangers to Series and so glad you didn't sign with the Yankees.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now it's time to move on.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I hope Plan B is better than Garza or Greinke - definitely not interested in Matt Garza and not so much in Zach Grienke either.<br />
<br />
<em>-- Marla Hooch</em></div>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-90326764001394391882010-11-25T08:30:00.000-06:002010-11-25T08:30:21.542-06:00Happy ThanksgivingThanks to my small but loyal audience for reading this blog, thanks to my baseball friends who make my day every day, thanks to my family for... everything and thanks to the Rangers for the best year of my baseball life.<br />
<br />
-- Marla Hooch<br />
<br />
P.S. I'll be back in December (which is only few days away) with more baseball ramblings. Meanwhile - here is one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories:<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FXSnoy71Q4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4FXSnoy71Q4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-41133443321300565482010-11-01T21:46:00.001-05:002010-11-01T21:47:46.961-05:00Game 5: There's No Crying In Baseball<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This has been the most incredible, wonderful, thrilling and fufilling season in my baseball life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will not complain.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Thank You Rangers -- Marla Hooch</em></span></div>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-77782371568250286782010-11-01T08:02:00.001-05:002010-11-01T10:16:20.879-05:00Game 4: There Is Always Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM649922HkI/AAAAAAAADNc/jJUHb5gMZNQ/s1600/World+Series+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM649922HkI/AAAAAAAADNc/jJUHb5gMZNQ/s1600/World+Series+Logo.jpg" /></a></div>Yes, last night was disappointing, but....<br />
<br />
It's November 1st and there is one more home game in Arlington left in this marvelous season - and I will be there.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In case you haven't seen it - Chuck Greenberg sent this message to several fan sites including Jamey Newberg's - if this doesn't get you Ranger Fan Heart Beating - nothing will:</div><br />
<strong>"This season has transcended expectations and transformed the psyche and hearts of legions of Rangers fans across Texas and throughout our country and beyond. At the core of the remarkable journey we have shared together is a ballclub and a community who collectively have consigned the conventional wisdom of the past to the dust bins of history, busting myths and charting a new course previously thought to be unattainable. </strong><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<strong>Can't pitch successfully in Rangers Ballpark. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Can't compete successfully late in the season because the heat will break you down. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Fans will lose interest when training camp opens. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Fans won't come to Rangers Ballpark after the All Star break because its too hot. Wrong.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Rangers can't win a playoff series. Wrong.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Rangers can't win a playoff game at home. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Rangers can't beat the Yankees in the playoffs. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Rangers can't get to the World Series. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Rangers can't captivate the hearts and emotions of fans new and old deep into the fall. Wrong. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>And on and on and on....</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>I can't even begin to count the memorable moments we have shared this year thanks to a very special group of players with hearts and smiles as big as Texas, who always pull together, stand up for one another, and who have changed the sports landscape here in the Metroplex forever. </strong><br />
<strong>But here is a simple reality. Monday will be the last game played in Rangers Ballpark this year. We all owe it to ourselves, our players and each other, to celebrate with passion, enthusiasm and indefatigable belief from lineup cards to the final out, loud and proud.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>The defining team of my young life was the 1979, "We are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates. I have often remarked how much this Rangers club reminds me of that team, with a confident but friendly swagger and an abundance of character and personality. </strong><br />
<strong>Now these two teams have something else in common. Both fell behind 3-1 in the World Series. Kent Tekulve, the great closer from the '79 Pirates, texted me after tonight's game to pass along this story. Before Game 5, Willie Stargell told his teammates:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>'We are playing in front of the whole world. We may not win this thing, but before we go, let's show the world how the Pirates really play baseball'. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>The Pirates, playing against a team whose colors were black and orange, won Game 5. Then they returned to Baltimore and won Game 6. Then they won Game 7. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>I know our players will show everyone how the Rangers play baseball tomorrow. As fans, let's do the same. We have one final opportunity this season to show the world what we have accomplished together and the passion we all hold for our players and our shared dreams. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM66TxF04oI/AAAAAAAADNk/XgrXMv7w_ic/s1600/Last%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM66TxF04oI/AAAAAAAADNk/XgrXMv7w_ic/s200/Last%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></strong></a></div><strong>The World Series is going back to San Francisco. And then there will be one final piece of conventional wisdom to prove wrong....</strong><br />
<strong>Believe. </strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><em>-- Chuck"</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Go Rangers! </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">-- Marla Hooch</span>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-43105851358704555282010-10-31T11:58:00.000-05:002010-10-31T11:58:20.075-05:00Game 3: Oh What A NightYes, I went to Game 3 in Arlington.<br />
<br />
You want a game story? Then read <a href="http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101030&content_id=15912270&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex">this one by TR Sullivan</a> because it's better than anything I could ever dream about writing.<br />
<br />
If I tried to describe everything I saw, heard and felt yesterday - this blog would be long and so incomprehensible - you'd call a pyschologist to check me out (calling Dr. Brad!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM2f-o5q1uI/AAAAAAAADNY/oj2R7DwlyFc/s1600/DSCF0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TM2f-o5q1uI/AAAAAAAADNY/oj2R7DwlyFc/s400/DSCF0021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here are a few impressions:<br />
<br />
Our seats were terrific, Section 33, Row 27 directly behind the Rangers dugout. Thank you again to the Sullivans!<br />
<br />
Seeing Pudge catch the first pitch - and according to what I've read - he asked the Rangers if he could come to the game - makes me feel that no matter what uniform he wears - he is still ours.<br />
<br />
The next time I have to go into battle - I'm taking Colby Lewis with me - as good as Cliff Lee is - I'm of the opinion that Colby (and Nelson Cruz) have carried the Rangers on their shoulders this off-season.<br />
<br />
Cody Ross is beginning to annoy me more than Aaron Boone ever did.<br />
<br />
Speaking of annoyed - if there was one thing that was a bit of a downer - the famous North Dallas "cocaine and boob job" set was out in full force for this game. (For those who don't understand that reference - it's the see and be seen crowd of front runners from Dallas - who only show up for events because that's "the place to be at the moment - they aren't there in July watchng the Mariners/Rangers game in 100 degree heat). Anyway, they were sitting right in front us: they spent the entire game: drinking, taking picures of eachother, talking on the phone, the girls were shrieking (one of the saw Ian Kinsler on second and started cheering because she thought he was going to steal 2nd - I'm not kidding) they clapped and cheered when they bought popcorn. I wondered why someone would spend that much money on tickets and not even pay attention? I felt sorry for the really faithful Ranger fans who couldn't afford tickets or coudln't get tickets while these idiots were the ones at the game.<br />
<br />
However, there were plenty of Ranger faithful - Eric Nadel was standing in the aisle next to our section with his family, and everyone who passed by him hugged him or shook his hand (as I did too). After calling 30 years of (mostly) bad baseball - he's got to be one of the happiest guys in the ballpark. I visited with Jamey and Ginger Newberg, tailgated with Devin and Marty before the game, saw Sister Frances and Sister Maggie (who knew when I saw them in March at Spring Training that the next time we'd see eachother was in October at a playoff game!) <br />
<br />
I did take a few pictures, they are mainly from the pre-game - I was too involved take pictures during the game. <strong><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EleanorCzajka/WorldSeriesGame3#">Here's the link</a></strong> (or you can access them through the photo album link on the left).<br />
<br />
<strong>Finally:</strong> I am ready for Tommy "Big Game" Hunter tonight - and yes I am going!<br />
<br />
<em>This is a baseball dream come true! -- Marla Hooch</em><br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-23843379000081337962010-10-29T10:45:00.000-05:002010-10-29T10:45:23.556-05:00I Am I Said<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrqoqwhQDI/AAAAAAAADKo/neICpBLN4qM/s1600/no+1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrqoqwhQDI/AAAAAAAADKo/neICpBLN4qM/s1600/no+1.gif" /></a></div>I am not a Yankees fan. I don’t walk around with that arrogant notion that I expect my team in the post-season every year and that on field celebrations are blasé.<br />
<br />
I am not a Mets fan, although I can sympathize with the fact that they live in the shadow of a more storied franchise that will always steal the Mets thunder no matter what.<br />
<br />
I am not a Mariners, Royals, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Orioles or Nationals fan whose seasons were over before the end of June (although I’ve been there before).<br />
<br />
I am not a whiny Cubs or Red Sox fan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrrIn15CmI/AAAAAAAADKs/GZ9RqzzuMC4/s1600/No+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrrIn15CmI/AAAAAAAADKs/GZ9RqzzuMC4/s1600/No+2.jpg" /></a></div>I am not a Phillies, Reds, Braves, Twins, or Rays fans still aching from the season that ended just a few days ago.<br />
<br />
I am a Texas Rangers fan.<br />
<br />
I’ve been through the dark days of Doug Rader and Lee Mazzilli and all of the 1980’s Texas teams. I’ve ridden the roller coaster of the 1990’s teams with the new stadium and the first taste of post-season. I’ve slogged through the dregs of the 2000’s team of Chan Ho, Tom Hicks, and those 3rd and 4th places finishes from 2000-2007.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrrYmE3FDI/AAAAAAAADKw/gkGPuUNYSDA/s1600/no+4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrrYmE3FDI/AAAAAAAADKw/gkGPuUNYSDA/s1600/no+4.gif" /></a></div>I am a Texas Rangers fan, and I am not giving up now.<br />
<br />
I never thought the Rangers would make the World Series during my lifetime.<br />
I still can’t believe it every time I see Nelson, Michael, CJ, Josh and everyone else on the Fox broadcast – I keep wondering if I’m just watching another game of the week, until I look at the date on the calendar and realize that it’s late October.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrroDMTU2I/AAAAAAAADK0/C0S9rRfbv0g/s1600/No+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrroDMTU2I/AAAAAAAADK0/C0S9rRfbv0g/s1600/No+5.jpg" /></a></div>I am not going to moan and groan about the first two WS games. I am disappointed, but then I realize there are 13 other AL teams who would gladly change places with 0-2 Rangers today.<br />
<br />
There are two more World Series games to be played in Arlington, Texas this weekend and I plan on enjoying every minute of them.<br />
<br />
The late Arthur Ashe said: <em>“Success is a journey, not at destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrr2kYaBVI/AAAAAAAADK4/RmDZ5_IfoR4/s1600/Last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMrr2kYaBVI/AAAAAAAADK4/RmDZ5_IfoR4/s1600/Last.jpg" /></a></div>As I wrote last night – there is <strong><em><u>nothing</u></em></strong> that can ruin this amazing season for me.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>I am a Texas Rangers fan -- Marla Hooch</strong></em><br />
<br />
(P.S. However, it would be nice if they could win at least one game in this World Series)<br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-22476625575462776982010-10-28T21:29:00.003-05:002010-10-29T08:22:20.533-05:00Game 2: It's Okay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMowE5xwJAI/AAAAAAAADKk/7qiaXYlgcM4/s1600/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMowE5xwJAI/AAAAAAAADKk/7qiaXYlgcM4/s320/shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Rangers are going to lose the World Series, of this I have no doubt anymore.<br />
<br />
But I’m not as depressed, disappointed, disillusioned (or whatever down trodden adjective you want to use) as most die hard Ranger faithful.<br />
<br />
I have my reasons:<br />
<br />
First of all, the baseball gods have always had it in for the Rangers and their fans. This franchise is cursed. Much like the Greek Myth of <a href="http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/entries/sisyphus.html">Sisyphus</a>, they enjoy making our team work exceptionally hard trying reach their goal and just when it’s in their grasp-well you know what happens - the curse remains - but let's hope it doesn't last as long the Cubs or the Red Sox curses.<br />
<br />
But more importantly: there is nothing, and I mean nothing, including losing in the World Series that is going tarnish the glory of this amazing Rangers season. From the day that Khalil Green decided he couldn’t come to Spring Training until that last out of the playoffs is squeezed in some Giant’s fielder’s glove (maybe as early as Sunday night) – this season is like no other I’ve experienced in my lifetime. I’ve loved every wonderful/painful minute of it, and I will hate to see it end no matter what the outcome.<br />
<br />
<em>You win some, you lose some... but it's still Ranger baseball and I love it. -- Marla Hooch</em><br />
.EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250281629434514078.post-52767555890941490562010-10-27T23:01:00.001-05:002010-10-27T23:02:26.760-05:00Game 1: That's The Way Baseball Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMj1lLFZT4I/AAAAAAAADKg/T0ZtzGz-fAM/s1600/World+Series+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyYdxURlPpk/TMj1lLFZT4I/AAAAAAAADKg/T0ZtzGz-fAM/s200/World+Series+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After Uribe's long at bat - you just felt the momentum shift away from the Rangers. Even though Juan struck out - you could feel the Giants saying to themselves: Hey! We can get to Cliff Lee! after that it all fell apart.<br />
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<em>It's the baseball gods way of reminding us: it's still just the Texas Rangers - don't ever buy into the optimism. -- Marla Hooch</em>EMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458522688716978751noreply@blogger.com0