A Letter To Bud Selig

I was working on a nice juicy post full "hot sports opinions" on everything that's going on with the Rangers (for example: no worries Jon Daniels - Chris Davis is Nelson Cruz - you'll trade him somewhere else and your lack patience will come back to haunt you). 

But then I got the Google alert about the Rangers Auction which made me delete the entire blog entry.  I hate that there is anything that puts a damper on this magical season - but there is.  So - here is my open letter to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Dear Bud,

I do not, under any circumstances, want Mark Cuban to become the owner of the Texas Rangers.

-- Marla Hooch

Words Of Wisdom From Revo

I am so glad Jim Reeves is still writing - even though he's technically retired.  Today's column on ESPN.com is a required reading for all Ranger fans - especially those with short memories.

Those of us who developed ulcers in September 1996 remember it well.

Click HERE to read.

-- Marla Hooch

Deep Sigh.....

I'm betting right now Cliff Lee is sitting in front of his locker wishing that trade with the Yankees hadn't fallen apart.

P.S. Could someone please give Vlad a few baserunning tips? -- Marla Hooch

Cringing While I Type

You will never see the following written on this blog again:


This morning I love Ozzie Guillen.

As a Ranger fan you have to feel that way today – Ozzie saved the day with his White Sox defeating the Angels last night. No shame for LAA losing to a resurgent Chicago, nothing but shame for Rangers losing to the team with the second worst record in the AL.

What to do? The pitching staff, which only 2 weeks ago where the wheels driving the bus has run into a tough stretch and now has 2 flat tires (Scott Feldman and “the pitcher du jour” for the fifth spot). I suppose the catching issue has been solved, for now, although it would be nice to have a catcher who could throw out a runner every once a while – for example Travis Hafner who hasn’t stolen a base in 2 years, but managed to do so (and score from 2nd) last night. What about 1B? In the last 20 games (since June 13th) the current 1B is 13 for 74 – .175 BA with 9 BB and 20 K – that was enough to get the previous 1B demoted. Since the end of the win streak on 6/25 this is a .500 team, it reminds me of that saying Baseball Mom loves to use: “Can’t stand prosperity.”

A few happier thoughts:

Speaking of 1B – our good friend Jason Botts playing with AAA Syracuse Chiefs (Washington) is hitting .486 in his last 10 games (.321 overall) with 3 HR, 13 RBI, 3 BB and 4K.

The Closer and White Collar start airing new episodes this month, and Mad Men will return late this month too. I love the fact that cable stations actually run new programs during the summer – although it does cut into my reading time.

From the bookshelf - quick reviews: The Bullpen Gospels – is a must read –  descrption on the dust jacket says a combination of  Ball Four and Bull Durham - right on target -  (thanks to the friend to recommended – you were so right). Let The Great World Spin – set on the day Phillipe Petite did his high wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974 - it won the National Book Award last year – not sure why – an interesting book but I didn’t think it was particularly outstanding. Shanghai Girls – couldn’t put it down - if you liked the Joy Luck Club you’ll like this book – I hope there is a sequel in the works.

Finally, the Marla Hooch Entourage is heading for Round Rock this Friday and Saturday for some Redhawks/Express baseball – just in time (we hope) to see the newly promoted Blake Beavan pitch!

I’m not pressing the panic button, but I did dust it off last night. -- Marla Hooch

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Dear Angel Fans:

Now you know how Ranger fans felt every time he stepped up to the plate against us the last 6 years.

Big Bad Vlad still has something left in the tank -- Marla Hooch
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My Friend Jamey Newberg

I've been sitting here most of the evening in front of an white screen trying to calm my irrational urge to write a blog entry that I'd probably wind up deleting, this is the result.

After TR Sullivan left and Jim Reeves retired the quality of the Star Telegram sports page took a giant step backwards, today Randy Galloway and Barry Schlacter took it to a new low

For 12 years I've worked on the Newberg Report with Jamey.  I admire his passion, intelligence and most of all his undying loyalty to our favorite baseball team. 

Whatever was said and written today doesn't matter and means absolutely nothing to me.  Jamey remains one of my most trusted friends and I am very proud to able to say that.

"Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had such friends." -- William Butler Yeats

-- Jamey Newberg's friend Eleanor Czajka (aka Marla Hooch)
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