Spring Cleaning

Cleaning off my desk, emptying my suitcase, deleting a few shows from my TIVO and downloading the Spring Training pictures from the camera while waiting for a new season of ranting, raving and rambling about the great game.

Let's clear up a few last thoughts before we put on our game face:

Here and Back: I spent a very short but productive three days in Surprise last weekend. Came back with these impressions: maybe, just maybe Brandon McCarthy has a chance to make a contribution to the rotation…Elvis Andrus can play a little defense, and speaking of defense I don’t know about the infield, but after watching the plethora of Ranger OF’s I feel pretty good about all of the guys who’ll be tracking down fly balls this year…Chris Davis had 6 hits (in 8 AB’s) with 4 RBI and 2 HR’s while I was in Arizona – coincidence? I think not – Chris might want to hire me…I did get to see plenty of minor league pitching –Derek Holland, Kasey Kiker, Jacob Brigham and Tim Murphy (I was very impressed with Murphy and Brigham’s outings) … the Mariners minor leaguers don’t wear names on their uniforms – and I need to find out who #34 on their “A” squad was from the March 28th game – he could be some serious competition in a few years based on the way he pitched that day… I saw Justin Smoak taking BP, Engle Beltre hit a HR, Jason Hart coach first base and Steve Buchele coaching at third…met up with many good old friends and made a few new ones...found out the venerable Jim Reeves is a fellow “Life on Mars” fan (more on that later) … and was reminded that parking is a serious business. The parking lot attendants at the stadium are members of the Sundancers – a large group of volunteer retirees who work at the stadium. When you drive into the parking lot it’s like landing on an aircraft carrier: there a lots of grey haired guys in panama hats with flags and cones pointing you to the spot where you must park – God forbid you try to park in any other place than the one they’ve designated for you. Thinking about them still makes me smile.

Here's are the links to my Spring Training pictures:

Minor Leaguers and Former Minor Leaguers (now known as Major Leaguers)

I have a new camera that has lots of bells and whistles I haven't quite figured out yet. The one feature I have mastered is "continous shooting" - that gave me the delightful opportunity to capture an entire sequence of the pitching motions, here are the links for:

RHP Jacob Brigham - LHP Tim Murphy and LHP Kaskey Kiker

Leaving and Staying: Well, it’s over. The last episode of “Life On Mars” aired last night. It was terrific, up until the last five minutes. I was a little disappointed in the ending. If you know anything about the BBC version of the show – their finale was a shock – I was hoping for something as good. But I should have known better: it’s American network TV which means original, unique and edgy aren’t allowed – it had to have an “happy” ending – and it did – although I did love the very last shot of Gene’s white buck stepping out on the planet (“Life on Mars” – sort of clever). There are several good articles online today about the show: the New York Daily News uses "Life on Mars" as comparison between US and BBC TV series. The British shows are often created for a finite number of episodes that seems to produce a different creative process and much more interesting stories. Certainly it leads to less convoluted story lines than most long running US television shows that often lose track of their characters and become repetitious. This review from Salon.com is probably the best summation of the show, especially the music – which is why I’m listening to Elton John on the IPod as I type this. Another aside: I love the Salon author's swipe at the HBO series that glorified the vapid and shallow. By the way: I really hope Jason O’Mara winds up in another series – because I am smitten. I have no idea what will be replacing “Life on Mars” on ABC –probably just another reality show or mushy drama about lawyers in love. That is one less season pass on my TIVO – however, the good news this week is that “Friday Nights Lights” has been renewed for two more short (thirteen) episode seasons. Thankfully, NBC is allowing just a little bit of innovation: the high school kids (Tyra, Riggins, Lyla and Matt) have all graduated – and new cast of characters will populate the Dillon High Schools next season with Eric and Tami Taylor.

I don’t spend all my time watching television: I occasionally spend time a book or find few things to read online too. Just finished “The Yankee Years” by Tom Verducci and Joe Torre – it wasn’t as good as I had hoped. Instead of being a true autobiography, it was Tom Verducci gushing on about the Yankees with commentary by Torre. I will say that Joe has secured his spot in heaven after enduring George Stienbrenner – and Torre was really very evenhanded with his reminiscences of “the boss”. The book I did like- it was long but worth it was Arthur Schlesinger’s"Journals: 1952 – 2000" – for a geeky history nut like me it was a great read. I am now starting on some Japanese travel books in preparation for my trip next month to Sapporo – the home of Ramen noodles. You might also want to read this very nice piece and make a contribution in the comments section (it won't be difficult to figure out which one is mine).

Opening day is almost here.


88 hours and 30 minutes until the first pitch --- Marla Hooch

.

Marla's 2009 Rangers Wish List

"Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true."

-- Jiminy Cricket

With a little more than two weeks until Opening Day and less than five days until my trip to Surprise I've started thinking, wishing and dreaming about the season ahead which means it's time for: Marla’s Wish List For The 2009 Ranger Season.

1. A healthy and productive Brandon McCarthy. Keeping my fingers crossed since he’s been relatively healthy and pitching well this spring. Keeping all available digits crossed that he becomes a solid – maybe even better than that – part of the rotation this season. Nothing would please me more than to have to apologize to Jon Daniels for all the snide remarks about I’ve written about McCarthy

2. The Vincente Padilla we saw in 2006 (15 wins, ERA under 5) It’s the “walk” year of his contract, and let’s remember that he was pretty good the last time he was in this position with the Rangers.

3. A surprise in the 5th spot in the rotation. I’d like to see someone seize the opportunity and stop the revolving door at the back end of the rotation. My original pick for that spot was Jason Jennings – but it appears he’s headed to the bullpen as the “swing man” . Maybe Kris Benson? Might be Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland or Tommy Hunter – but let’s hope that doesn’t happen until after the All-Star break – as much as I like all three of them – I firmly believe that they need at least half a season in the minors to continue to refine their talent.

4. Nelson Cruz to prove me wrong.

5. A long term Josh Hamilton contract. Be realistic Mr. Hicks and JD – a player with this much talent and charisma is rare. I mean think about it – after everything he’s done to himself – look at what a terrific player he still has become. While there will always be questions in back of everyone’s mind about the potential for a relapse, he’s proven the last three years that he’s not a Roy Tarpley type personality. Lock him up – you already let one team icon walk away (Pudge) – learn from your mistakes and don’t do it again.

6. Another visit to Texas from our idol and friend Lisa Winston.

7. The Bill James prediction for Chris Davis to come true: .302 average, 39 HR, 115 RBI I know many of my minor league pals have switched their allegiance to Justin Smoak. But I’m not going to do that. Granted, Smoak probably has a few more tools than Davis – and use the word probably because Smoak has a grand total of 23 official AB’s in the organization. Let’s see what he does over a long minor league season first – the plaudits for Smoak remind me of this old Eagles song. Anyway – back to Davis. I’m letting my feelings rather than baseball sense rule: Davis is a personal favorite. He grew up a Ranger fan between that and Davis’s magnetic personality as well as his considerable talent – I can’t think of a better example of player who is destined to be a franchise-type-hometown- favorite...or at least this blogger’s favorite.

8. Going to Frisco and meeting up with my friends the Schillers and the Hindmans.

9. A breakout year from 3B John Whittleman. I know third base on the major league team will be occupied for a while – but Whittleman is young enough (22) that he still has time to develop and follow Michael into that position.

10. More trips to Oklahoma City to see Thomas Diamond pitch (and lower gas prices so I can afford a few more trips this season). By the way, I’ll amend this wish and hope that Thomas pitches his way into the major league bullpen. I’ve always been the one that thinks Thomas could be the next John Wetteland (although I know he and the player development types would prefer him to be a starter).

11. A full season of Ian Kinsler putting up the kind of numbers and improved defense he showed in 2008.

12. More Frisco Wishes: Kasey Kiker showing up all the pundits who whine about his size by having a very successful season in Frisco...Omar Poveda putting himself back on the prospect watch list with a good season in Frisco too...A mid-season call up for Blake Beavan to Frisco.

13. Meaningful games in September. I don’t think the Rangers can win the division. The Angels are still good, but not quite a scary as last season. Oakland’s offense and bullpen are better tha last season – they will go as far as their starting pitching will carry them and I’m not dazzled by their current projected rotation. Seattle is improved – the question remains by how much – who knows if last season was just an outlier..or maybe not. The AL West is going to be a close race and I hope that this September is as exciting for us Ranger fans as it was in 2004.

14. Another trip to the Alki Tavern

Thanks to the incomparable Henry Chadwick for the suggestion for today's musing.

Wishing upon a star and packing my bags for Surprise -- Marla Hooch

P.S. Click on this link to see the excellent photo gallery from Spring Training courtesy of the always entertaining Scott Lucas

.

You Wear It Well

"I had nothing to do on this on this [cold] afternoon
But to sit down and write you a line
I've been meaning to phone you...
Hell, it's been a very long time
You wear it well,
A little old-fashioned but that's all right"

-- Stewart/Quitteron


The title of this week's blog came from the last song I heard on the radio this afternoon. I needed a title and an opening quote-even if it only tangentially has anything to do with baseball - which some might say is theme of this blog lately.

You know this has to be one of the dullest Spring Training sessions ever when the biggest breaking story to land in your inbox is the elimination of ugly helmets.

A few, and I do mean very few, baseball thoughts have taken up space in my brain lately:

I need better explanation: how in the world did Josh Hamilton break a tooth signing an autograph?

Although Andruw Jones has been hitting a little better of late, I still wonder if he isn’t continuing the legacy of another ex-Brave who had a few very spectacular years and burned out quickly – Dale Murphy anyone?

Did you read our role model and hero, Lisa Winston’s, superb article on Jason Hart? If you didn’t stop right now, click on this link and read it.

When you finish reading Lisa's piece - then you must read Part 1 of Grant Schiller's interview with former Ranger Jeff Zimmerman. I can't wait to read the rest of it - and some literary agents need to get themselves up to Canada and sign Zimmerman to write a book!

Maybe it’s because I recently finished a book by an admitted conspiracy theorist (Richard Belzer) but does it strike anyone besides me as just a little fishy that Alex Rodriguez all of the sudden has to have surgery on his hip that’s been bothering him since the end of last season? Very convenient don't you think? He’s avoiding all the fans who aren’t likely to cheering for him. Does he think fans, especially Yankee fans, have short memories and they’ll be sympathetic to his injuries when he comes back in May or June?

By the way – did you know that former Rangers President Tom Schieffer is supposedly running for Governor? Last year, I’d have said I’d rather he come back as President of the Rangers – but I think Mr. Ryan is doing a fairly good job, so far.

It was nice reading about Curtis Granderson donating his endorsement money community causes in Detroit – too bad those kind of random acts of kindness are on the back page while the antics of ARod, Manny and others grab all the headlines. Speaking of giving back to the community: kudos to the Rangers Blake Beavan who donated equipment to his hometown (Irving) baseball team.

No complaints about the Rangers switch to weekday games on 105.3 FM. The signal is strong, KRLD AM actually fades in and out at times at Hooch World HQ – which is only about 4 miles from the Ballpark. The added bonus is that I can get FM stations on the radio at work, which means listening to Spring Training games while filling in exceedingly boring Excel spreadsheets. The Nadel – Barnett pairing needs a few more games to get their chemistry and timing worked out – but it’s a team with some good potential. I’ve caught Eric’s former partner Victor on the new MLB Network. It was a little troubling to see the first Spring Training game on the MLB-Network was a Red Sox game, I couldn’t help thinking – okay it’s going to be just like ESPN – all Yankees and Red Sox all the time - but fortunately, they have been showing quite a few other teams (the Rangers will be on this Saturday March 14th at the White Sox) which eased my mind . In fact, is there really any reason to watch ESPN baseball coverage anymore? ( and I’m including Baseball Tonight in that sweeping statement). One more "media" note: welcome back to Evan Grant (with our pal Mike Hindman) on the D Magazine sports blog (now on our list).

A few true non-sequitors: I’m bummed that ABC has cancelled “Life on Mars” - however I’m glad the writers will give the show a real ending (and I hope Sam decides to stay in 1973 with Annie)… “Saving Grace” is back on TNT – Holly Hunter is an amazing actress and the only one who can get away with wearing a Janis Joplin like boa (see this week’s episode)...I’ve got Joe Torre’s new book – saving it for the plane ride to Spring Training at the end of the month – I’ll probably pontificate on it at some point.

Finally: Let's just turn it up to 11

I can't think of a clever tag line for this week - so I'll just finish up where I started with a few more lines from Mr Stewart's "You Wear It Well"

"Anyway, my coffee's cold and I'm gettin' told
That I gotta go back to work
So when the sun goes low and you're home all alone
Think of me and try not to laugh
And I wear it well..."

-- Marla Hooch
.

Baseball vs Hugh Jackman

I am faced with these questions: would I rather sit here at the computer and try to write up something on a pretty dull first week of Spring Training (Elvis Andrus wrist hurts, Marlon Byrd's knee hurt and the Kris Benson sideshow has come to town)? or would I rather watch Hugh Jackman host the Academy Awards?

Not a tough choice, especially after Hugh said this.

I'm all for drunk and nude, especially when it involves Hugh Jackman.

I'll be back with some baseball thoughts....later.



And the winner is... -- Marla Hooch

.

A New Season Begins....

"Little darlin, it's been long cold lonley winter.

Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been here.

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun

And I say it's allright"

--"Here Comes The Sun" by the immortal George Harrison

As anyone who reads this blog knows, I'll use any excuse to talk about, quote and use pictures of the Beatles. The start of Spring Training always reminds me of that verse from the lovely song by the "quiet" Beatle.

It has been a long, mostly quiet winter (that is until the last couple of weeks) This is the first time in several, no make that at least 10 years that I've actually been looking forward to a Rangers season with a little additional anticipation. According to the Chinese Zodiac 2009 is the year of the Ox, and fortuitously the sign of the Ox symbolizes " prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering".

At Hooch World Headquarters we've decided in a simlar way to delcare this 2009 Ranger season "The Year of The Answer". No, we are not expecting the Rangers to contend, we'll state that right away. What we are expecting are few answers about "the plan"- the one that has the earmarks of "persevering and stability" . Most of the younger players the Rangers are counting on had the opportunity to get some valuable major league experience last season. That's a direct result of the "the plan" - this season should show us if "the plan" is working, can these players build on that experience and take another step forward? Can the pitching staff keep the ERA under 5.00? Can Nelson Cruz prove me wrong and hit major league pitching consistently over an entire season? Can Brandon McCarthy finally contribute something - anything? (Tood Rundgren reference for Lisa W) Will the Rangers be added to the long list of Baseball America teams that went to post season play after having been crowned the best minor league system in MLB? Who will be the first local columnist to whine about the new scoreboards at the Ballpark (that one is for Chuck Morgan - you know that is going to happen). We are truly looking forward to finding out this and much more in 2009.

The good stuff from Suprise:

• Anthony Andro's videos on the Startlegram blog "Foul Territory"
• T.R. Sullivan blogging, more than once a day, at "Postcards From Elysian Fields" (and throwing the occastional You Tube video too).
• Names on the jerseys for all players including minor leaguers: Thank You Nolan Ryan- for that reason alone - I am so very pleased Mr. Hicks put you in charge
• Four, count 'em four televised games from Spring Training and the exhibition game at the Ballpark on April 4th.
• Weekday exhibition games on 105.3 (The Fan) -we can actually get an FM station on the radio at work - and how nice will it be to have a clear radio signal on weeknights during the regular season (in parts of Arlington KRLD's signal is weak - including around Hooch World HQ)

The not so good stuff:

• No Dallas Morning News contingent - we love Jeff Wilson, Anthony Andro and Mr. Sullivan - but it's never a good thing when the media outlets dwindle down to a small group. Competition brings out the best in everyone, a variety of stories as well as differing commentary are good for readers and for stirring up interest in the team. I fear the day when the only baseball news comes from wire reporters located half way across the country just reading boxscores (kind of like reading Baseball Prospectus). Or when fans have to depend on "news" from bloggers (like me) who write their mostly uninformed opinions as facts.
  
• No local TV station, except Channel 11, is sending reporters and camera crews to Spring Training this year. Want to bet all four stations send at least 3 reporters and camera crews to California to cover football training camp in July. The local media is truly devoting itself to all Cowboys all the time (sigh)

Finally: There seem to be quite a few celebrities (and use that term as damnation, not praise) admiting wrong doing, and asking for forgiveness lately. As a long suffering product of 16 years in Catholic Schools I certainly believe in power of confession (and by the way pennace too). But I do have a question in contrast to all these nortoriously contrite types: What about doing the right thing in the first place?

"Little darlin', the smiles returning to the faces
Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say
It's allright."

Happy 2009 Rangers Season Everyone! -- Marla Hooch

.

I Was Just Thinking About...

While we’re waiting for the First Holy Day on the 2009 Church of Baseball Calendar I had a few “random thoughts” about baseball and a few “random thoughts” about other things too.


I was just thinking about…seeing Pudge Rodriguez finish his career in a Rangers uniform – not likely to happen – but it would certainly right a very big wrong in the eyes of this fan. Don’t kid yourself – the Rangers let Pudge walk because of the hefty contract of a certain SS who didn’t stay in Texas anyway. This franchised lacks a “homegrown” HOF player - and I fear that we won’t see Pudge’s plaque with a T in Cooperstown if he goes back to the Marlins.

I was also thinking about…some “old” haunts in Dallas: the Granada Theatre – back when it showed old movies (like a Hitchcock double feature, or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Night) … the Lakewood Polo and Hunt Club (the night we met the Police’s Steward Copeland there) …Memphis up on Beltline near the Tollway (a tequila shot drinking contest - dancing on the table – that’s all I’m saying) …The Burlington Point in downtown Dallas – enormous and delicious hamburgers, the best cottage fries in town …"Fortnight" at Neiman Marcus…Sunday morning breakfasts at the Vickery Feed Store…and Dallas Alley (the Boiler Room, Alley Cats and the blues place whose name I can’t remember)


I then pondered... the fact that Ranger RHP pitching prospect Michael Main and the star of USA’s “Burn Notice” – Jeffrey Donovan were “separated at birth”.

I’m still thinking... that “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With…” has just been a spectacular show that's kept me occupied during the offseason on the Sundance Channel. I’m also thinking after watching the episode with the “Guitar Pull” featuring Norah Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Roseanne Cash and John Mellencamp that Mellencamp really needs to record an album of Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson songs. By the way there’s a link to the video of “Me and Bobby McGee” on the left side of the page and here’s a link to another video from that show of John Mellencamp’s “Longest Days”.

Then I started thinking about…Andruw Jones. I don’t have a problem with the kind of contract the Rangers gave him. But that’s because I’m still not convinced that Nelson Cruz is the “answer” in right field. If Rudy Jarmillo can have the same kind of success with Andruw that he did with Delluci, Matthews and DeRosa – not only will it make up for some of the offense the Rangers will miss from Milton Bradley – but also the Rangers OF defense will probably some of the best we’ve seen in a long,long time (somewhere Gary Pettis is smiling thinking about that).

My thoughts drifted back to… the old Bob Newhart Show – the Thanksgiving episode when Bob, Howard and Jerry were slightly inebriated and ordering Chinese food (“more Moo-Goo-Goo-Goo”!)…a certain Saturday morning show favorite of mine and Mrs. Schmenge’s featuring Chucky Margolis ("at least I broke up the double play")... how really good Steve Landesberg was on “Barney Miller” … Percy Dovetonsils and the Nairobi Trio – if you know what I’m talking about then you know the man who created them was a comedian who was far, far ahead of his time.


I can’t help thinking... of a few more Holy Days in the Church of Baseball calendar: my trip to Spring Training in late March …the Rangers home opener on April 6th… opening night for the Frisco Roughriders on April 16th …my first Oklahoma Redhawks series – April 18th and 19th … and a trip to Sapporo Japan this season to see the Ham Fighters baseball team and my ol’ pal Jason Botts.


Finally: I’m trying not to think about... ARod and the whole steroids imbroglio. I know I’m in the minority – but I really don’t care. Whether we like it or not – at the time it wasn’t illegal – that’s not a judgment call, that’s a fact. I’d bet a large sum of money there are players who are still using PED’s today, and that those who manufacture those drugs are five steps ahead of the current testing program. All the righteous outrage is a waste of oxygen and bandwidth – we’re all guilty here: fans loved the offense, baseball owners stuck their heads in the sand in name of butts in seats while the players union went right along with it – (too bad they can’t work together like this on all of their issues). The wailing and gnashing of teeth over what happened five years ago isn’t going to change one minute of the past. There’s a testing program, as weak as it may be, now – players and owners know the media will be somewhat vigilant looking for evidence of new steroid/PED use (at least until the first Steinbrenner meltdown, Dodgers trip to New York, or McCarthy stint on the DL). It’s a Pandora’s Box that has been opened and as in the myth – once opened its miserable contents cannot be caught and put back inside. We’ll live with the damage caused by this “scandal” but the great game will endure, as it always has and thank goodness for that.

Thinking about next Sunday when I wake up and read my favorite February phrase written by T.R. Sullivan on MLB.com “Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona today…” -- Marla Hooch

.