The City On The Edge Of Forever

I was in 5th grade when the original Star Trek premiered on NBC. Although we had a strict bedtime set way before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night I did get to see a few first run episodes and the rest during the summer reruns (when we were allowed to stay up later). I have very fond memories of that series, being as interested as I was in the US space program Star Trek seemed like the logical outcome of NASA’s endeavors.

My dad was a TV repairman, which meant we never owned a new TV set – we always wound up with someone’s set that didn’t get picked up at the shop. In 1966 that was a good thing because we were the first family on the block to get a color TV. If you ever meet Baseball Mom ask her about the paper boy and his brother planning their weekly rounds to collect payments for the newspaper so they could watch some of the Star Trek episodes in color through the screen door on our front porch.

A friend asked me a couple of weeks ago if I was going to see the new Star Trek movie. I apparently made a face that looked liked I smelled something awful – “absolutely not” was my answer. It was the mixture of the mounting hype as well as the dread that the filmmakers would sully the memory of the original series that was going to keep me away from this movie. I’ve seen too many remakes, prequel and sequel movies that either mock or bear no resemblance the original and I can’t think of one that was better than the original (except for the remake of “Sabrina” with Harrison Ford).

But I have to admit it: the writers, directors and actors in the new Star Trek film got it right.

Baseball Mom (the first Trek fan in the family) wanted to see the movie (and go to Popeye’s Chicken for lunch – go figure) so that is how we spent Mother’s Day. And as always – Mother knows best.

I lost track of the number of times we nudged and winked at each other when the dialogue in a scene was a perfect reference to the past. It was the little things in the movie that made it truly enjoyable to those of us who remember: Sulu’s fencing, Dr. McCoy’s offhanded request for Nurse Chapel to take care of a patient, Captain Pike in a wheelchair, that familiar sonar noise in the background, the little square shuttle craft and the fact that they didn’t (substantially) change the look of the exterior of the Enterprise.

I’m not a big fan of action sequences and special effects – that’s just a personal preference – and I know why they had to have so many in this movie – thank goodness they did not overwhelm the storyline.

The plot was a little tricky, but not outrageous and the performances by the actors were, again, right on target. They all carried the spirit of the actors who preceded them in these roles. Chris Pine playing Captain Kirk was outstanding and even snuck in a few excellent Shatner-like mannerisms and line deliveries. Somewhere DeForest Kelly and James Doohan are smiling about their characters back stories as revealed in this film and the impeccable performances by the young men (Karl Urban and Simon Pegg) who played them. And God Bless the director JJ Abrams for keeping Majel Barrett Rodenberry’s voice for the Starfleet command computer.

I had a few very minor quibbles with this version: I still can’t get over the fact that Dr. Cameron is Kirk’s mother or that Winnona Ryder took up Jane Wyman’s part as Mr. Spock’s mom. I didn’t like the one liberty they took with the plot about Vulcan and Spock’s mom – it was as he would say “highly illogical” – and why not Klingons instead of Romulans? Just asking.

Seeing an aged Leonard Nimoy with all these fine young actors (especially the one who played the young Spock – Zachary Quinto) definitely made me realize how long ago it was that I sat in that in that living room on Hayes Rd on those summer evenings watching Star Trek on our color TV. I’m glad I changed my mind and saw the movie, it reminded me that Star Trek was a series that was a source of fascination as well as hope. In the words of James Tiberius Kirk (from the episode”Whom Gods Destroy”) it was and is “a dream that became a reality and spread throughout the stars”.

The title of this blog is a reference to my favorite Star Trek episode “The City on The Edge of Forever” – which involves time travel (a plot device used in the new movie too) you can watch the full episode via this link on You Tube.

Mandatory Baseball Content – since this is a baseball blog:

Justin Smoak: hits like Mark Teixeira, plays first base like Travis Hafner – Chris Davis fans have nothing to worry about – Smoak is a born DH.

Vincente Padilla: Really?

I never look forward to seeing the Angels come to Arlington, but I’m a little bit jazzed about the series this coming weekend. Let's see if this Rangers team really is ready– bring it on!

Live long and prosper -- Marla Hooch

Marla's Ten Reasons Why It's Great To Be A Ranger Fan This Week

This is a no-whine blog today.

However, if you are in the mood for wine, may I recommend my favorite red wine - although I generally prefer white wine

No, today’ s entry was not inspired by David Letterman’s Top Ten List (last night’s list delivered by the real Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy - was pretty good).

I’ ve been accused of being a bit too cynical about the Rangers – I’d argue that it’s being realistic. However, two days in first place in the division have sparked the glass half full side of my personality – with that in mind – here is:

Marla’s Ten Reasons Why It’s Great To Be A Ranger’s Fan This Week

1. It’s all about the pitching: The Rangers team ERA isn’t the worst in the AL, it’s not even the second worst in the AL. There are five teams with worse ERA’s including the Angels and the Yankees.

2. Dee-fense – Dee-fense – Dee-fense: The Rangers are 6th in team fielding percentage in the AL, further more they are tied for 3rd for the fewest errors committed.

3. Who’s your MVP?: The reigning MVP vs Ian

Dustin Pedroia
.316 BA – .828 OPS – 1 HR – 11 RBI – 4 SB

Ian Kinsler
.325 BA – 1.013 OPS (9th in the AL) – 9 HR (tied for 3rd in AL) – 25 RBI (9th in AL) – 7 SB (tied for 4th in AL)

4. Leaving it all on the mound – Part 1: Kevin Millwood. Now this is the pitcher the Rangers thought they signed.

5. Leaving it all on the mound – Part 2: Frank Francisco - a lesson in patience with a young player that is paying off big time (please note Mr. Hicks).

6. Dream On: The recent 7-3 run has been without Josh Hamilton. Add a healthy and productive Hamilton back into the lineup and....okay let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

7. A winning team is a good reason to go to the Ballpark, so it this: Those $10.00 seats and $5.00 parking at Friday night home games - fireworks too!

8. You knew I was going to link this video clip: Elvis is in building (I promise that is the last time I type that on this blog)

9. The Competition: welcome to the Mild Mild AL West - no other team has a record better than .500 - but watch out for the Angels.

10. As Howard Jones sang: Things can only get better (couldn't go an entire week without another You Tube video)

I had to put this online before the game started on Friday (just in case the magic doesn’t last)

Making my list and checking it twice -- Marla Hooch

The Dog Ate My Homework

It's one of the oldest excuses in the world - the problem is that I don't have a dog and I haven't done homework for at least two decades - but somehow "the dog ate my keyboard" sounded even worse (and I couldn't find a cute picture to illustrate it). I'm working from behind in the count, just ask the nineteen people to whom I owe e-mails.

The Battle of April: as I write this blog during the rain delay the Rangers are a .500 team, comfortably ensconced in second place in the AL West. I suppose that means we can all rest easy – the worst that can happen is they’ll lose the next two games which would put them at 10-12, by far their best April since the 2004 season, which apparently means that the season is a success in the front office’s opinion, why worry about the other 140 games?

Deal or No Deal: I’ve been reading the articles about Tom Hicks financial predicament, and I have to say I’m not surprised. This is the owner who said to his hockey fan base that they “unfortunately” won the Stanley Cup in 1999. Think about it: he’s offering 49% of his teams for sale. So what he’s saying is: please invest a huge amount of money in these teams, but you really won’t have any say in how the franchises are operated, or the decisions that are made or even in choosing my successor when I retire since I still control the majority of shares. Now explain to me why any right thinking businessman would want to do that? Seems kind of apparent why Mr. Hicks hasn’t found a buyer, or why he’s in so much trouble in the first place. He’d be better off asking Congress for some bailout money. If he would offer exactly 50% I’m pretty sure he’d find more than a few willing investors, and in the end the Rangers/Stars might wind up with the best part of the deal since he’d have a partner who could reign in Mr. Hicks – which is something that’s needed to be done for a long time.

Good Things Happen, Bad Things Happen: Let me start by saying I would still rather see Derek Holland in the OKC boxscores starting every fifth day. However, I was pleased to read the managers remarks on how he is going to going to handle Derek’s workload. But I still refuse to join the chorus of Holland Hype. Ask me at the end of the 2010 season.

Catch as Catch Can: I think I’ve written this before: Ranger fans have been spoiled by the org’s very good luck with producing very skilled defensive catchers who also had some offensive talent. Which means it is time for me to admit to believing in what some fans would consider heresy – defense is a bit overrated. Well, not overrated, but there is nothing wrong with having an average defensive catcher. The reason I’m babbling on about this is that I am throwing my support behind Salty as the Rangers catcher for the next few years. Salty is younger that Teagarden, apparently his defensive skill admittedly are work in progress, but appear to be getting better. Jarrod is a switch hitter – who by the way has been hitting .298 since July 1st of 2008 through today. As far as pitchers preferring to throw to Taylor Teagarden because he supposedly calls a better game: the 1996, 1998 and 1999 championship Ranger teams made it to the post-season with a catcher who supposedly was terrible at calling games. Good pitchers know how to pitch no matter who is receiving behind the plate. If what we read this past winter is true quite a few teams covet Teagarden. If I were Jon Daniels (and thank goodness I’m not) I’d have Taylor Teagarden playing every day at OKC – building up his reputation (and trade value) as well as proving he can stay healthy for an entire season.

"Dōmo arigatō, Mr. Roboto": Did you watch the season (could be series ) finale of “Chuck” on Monday? Then the opening line of this paragraph should make perfect sense to you. Chances are that yet another of my season passes on TIVO will be deleted soon, “Chuck” is on the bubble and that bubble is losing air according to the ratings. Aside from the fact that the show is amusing (Casey’s catalogue of grunts, Jeffster, everyone at the Buy More and “Awesome”) the producers of the show have achieved a minor miracle: they’ve opened my stuck in the 70’s taste to some terrific new music that I’ve actually downloaded to my IPod. Here's the link to the show's music page.

Finally: Winning in April is nice, but it’s a long way off from September. I’ll take good battle for a playoff spot in September over a few skirmishes for a W in April any time.

Praise the Lord and pass the pine tar – Marla Hooch
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Frisco's Tommy Hunter Puts His Game Face On

Burning Questions

Why haven’t you posted the game reports you promised last week?

The two games I attended were the Frisco Roughriders opener on Thursday 4/16 – they lost 11-9 to Springfield and Saturday’s Rangers game against the Royals that they lost. Thursday’s game was kind of ugly, Saturday’s game was heartbreaking – I wasn’t inclined to write about either game. I am going to Monday night’s game at Frisco, no matter what the outcome there will be a game report and pictures from that game and the two previous.

What did you think of Ron Washington’s decision to pull Michael Young and send up Omar Vizquel with the bases loaded?

Every time Ron finds himself in the position to make a game changing decision, he needs to stop and ask himself: What would Johnny Oates have done?


Do you think if the Rangers continue to struggle in April that Ron Washington will be fired?

Let’s remember that all baseball managers, coaches and GM’s are hired to be fired.
There are very, very few that ride off into the sunset on a white horse waving their hats goodbye. The majority wind up sitting uncomfortably at a table with TV lights glaring answering questions while trying to contain their feelings of resentment/sadness/humiliation/anger and whatever else for the guy sitting next to him (who just fired him) while experiencing one of the low points of their career on a very public stage. Think about this kids: if you’ve been laid off or ever worse fired, how you would you like a pack of nosy co-workers standing at you desk while you are cleaning it out asking what you think you did wrong and how you feel about the organization that just let you go and broadcasting to everyone in the company.

Back to the question – do I think he’ll be fired under those circumstances – probably. It appears that he made it through last year’s April debacle because Mr. Ryan hadn’t been in his new position in the organization long enough to feel comfortable making that call. This year it’s different, Nolan is more familiar and comfortable in his role and expectations are different (a little too high in my opinion) But that may be a moot point -at least until Tuesday since Texas is back in second place again after today’s win.

Do you think firing Ron Washington is right thing to do?

Nope.

Unless a manager is truly incompetent, outright combative with players and management , or committing a crime there is no reason to fire a manager during the season . I don’t think Ron Washington is any of those things. The thing I don’t like about Washington is that he doesn’t seem to have learned much the last two seasons. He still makes strange decisions (see last Friday’s Michael Young situation), his team doesn’t appear to play solid fundamental baseball . I’m not talking about defense I’m talking about mental mistakes: on the basepaths, making ill-advised throws instead of making the routine play, not working the counts, – all those “little things” –(I’m not talking about “small ball”) that true contenders do well every day in every game. I don’ t really care about a happy clubhouse – any baseball fan knows that winning teams have chemistry and a great atmosphere – while losing clubs will point fingers at a poor clubhouse atmosphere and blame that on the manager instead of their own poor performances.

Additionally, firing a manager in mid-season, in my mind reflects badly on the ownership and the GM. They had an entire off season to decide if the manager/coaching staff was doing what they wanted. These people don’t miraculously change before they show up at next year’s spring training – they are the same staff lead the team to a great/or miserable/or mediocre season. Yes, I know that most mid-season managerial changes are just a symbolic gesture to the fans and the media “hey at least we’re doing something”. Just once, I’d love an GM to get up in front of press conference and tell the truth: “We can’t fire the players whose performance has been absolutely terrible and put the team in this position – so instead we’re firing the one guy whose contract we can control – even though he’s not the one who pitched poorly, or couldn’t get a base hit with runners in scoring position.” Now do I think Ron Washington should be let go at the end of the 2009 season – maybe. If I were Jon Daniels I’d certainly start looking around to see if there are any better options out there, and I kind of think there are.

Who do you blame?

I’m not playing the blame game. However, I do think it’s interesting that, as always, the hitting coach has his Teflon uniform on and the new pitching coach seems to have one too – wasn’t Mike Maddux hailed by some as the best acquisition the Rangers made this offseason? I’m not impressed – so far.

What’s next for Derek Holland?

Scrutiny.

The Rangers just couldn’t help themselves could they? I don ‘t buy the line that putting him in the bullpen is a “pressure free” move. The way this kid has been billed – if he struggles at all (and he will) it will make him a lightening rod for criticism and second guessing that he doesn’t deserve. I do think working him out of the bullpen is a good idea – just not at this stage of the season. You won’t read any glowing adjectives, or depressed disappointment or thinly stretched justifications about Derek on this blog. Phil Donahue has a great philosophy of life that I’m going to apply to all of Derek’s innings with the big league team: “Good Things Happen, Bad Things Happen”.

Where can I watch the Mariner’s commercials you mentioned last time.

Thanks to Mr. Schmenge for the link to this year’s and the past 4 seasons commercials (listed by year on the left hand side)

Finally – what is your take on this Rangers team?

Here's my answer:

• the much loved 2004 Rangers were 6-7 on April 19th on their way to a 13-9 April record
• the less than loveable 2006 Rangers were 7-11 on April 19th on their way to a 13-12 April record
• the 2008 edition of this team was 7-11 on April 19th on their way to a 10-18 April record.
  

There are ten games left in April, and if you can tell me which edition of the Rangers (2004, 2006 or 2008) this year’s team most resembles, please let me know, because I have absolutely no idea.

With more questions than answers – Marla Hooch

Proverbial

uważaj pierwsze owoce zawsze bugów
(loosely translated: ‘be careful first fruit always has bugs”)
-- Sophia Urzykowski

I don’t know if my great-grandmother was a baseball fan, but the quote above was one of her favorite proverbs still used by her granddaughter, (my Baseball Mom), that applies to the first week of this Rangers baseball season.

For those who were planning on buying playoff tickets after the first three games, hold on to your wallets – and for those who are already writing this team off as “new season – same old Rangers” after the Detroit series – I advise that you put your pessimism back in the drawer too. We all know baseball is a game of stats, so let me point this out to both sides of the argument: six games is about 3.75% of the entire season. Let’s wait and see what happens. Although I’ll admit I’m concerned about the bullpen – especially the middle relief which did force me to put Maalox on my shopping list this week.

Random Thoughts: I think Jim Reeves nailed it with his column on Matt Harrison this morning … Is Andruw Jones still with the team?...If you really want to place blame for the poor road trip it would be the equipment manager who said no Red Uniforms on the road – the lesson here is don’t tempt the Baseball gods… I really don’t like this year’s crop of Rangers commercials. It seems like they are trying to recapture the aura of the “Molly” commercials of the 1990’s – but in this case imitation is not flattery, it’s just plain flat. I loved last year’s commercials, if you can’t do humor well (and the Rangers haven’t in the past few years) then go with the kind of theme they used last season. If they really want comedy in their commericals, then find out who produces the Mariner’s commercials – they are truly funny…Have to give props to my pal Scott Lucas for his 4/11 Minor League Report – all Todd Rundgren references are greatly appreciated especially when they are used in reference to the “Lizard” … I never voted for the man – but I have to give the former owner/president compliments for his broadcast visits during the opening day game – the comment about Elvis Andrus's command of English (“his is better than mine”) was priceless.

Finally –They are back! Game reports and pictures staring this week: the home opener at Frisco and the Hooch Entourage trip for Red Out Saturday vs The Royals at the Ballpark.


“Nie ma tego złego co by na dobre nie wyszlo”
(sometimes bad things turn out to be good for you) -- Marla Hooch

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