Behind the lens

The roster set to music

2009 Rangers Highlights: April
The off-season, for most, is a time to look ahead to the next year.  The GMs moves are predicted, analyzed and scrutinized.  The more diehard fan keeps tabs on players who have taken the game south -- whether that's Arizona, Mexico or South America.  That's all fun, but a part of me also likes to look back on the season that has just ended.  The Rangers' season ended rather unceremoniously. They were on the road and out of the race. I wonder how many so-called fans watched those last few series.  Either way, with the sad end, it can be hard to remember the good times, and, trust me, there were plenty in this Rangers season.  There were so many good times, tha

Ouch, Omar
The Hot Stove is burning pretty hot.  Rumors are flying, and I'm doing my best not to let my heart sink or soar when I hear them.  Not unless they come from a reliable source and are practically done deals.  So far, my favorite rumors are Kevin Millwood to the Cubs for Milton Bradley and Javier Vazquez from the Braves for Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or Josh Hamilton.  Both of those had me squirming a bit, even though I never fully let them get to me. Have I mentioned lately that I don't want Milton Bradley back?  I'm not sure how to make it any clearer.  I know his offensive numbers were good in Arlington in 2008, but that doesn't make up for his poo

Byrd files for FA, Rangers waiting on Salty
Well, the Yankees became the 2009 World Series Champions Wednesday night, and the off-season officially started Thursday.  The Hot Stove is already firing off lots of rumors, rumblings and moves.  I'm shocked and confused by the Mark Teahen to the White Sox transaction, but my friend Minda has much more on that. Although I'm obviously interested in any moves that are made, I'll stick to worrying about what the Rangers are doing.

Go directly to hiring hitting coach, do not collect Milton Bradley
As the 2009 MLB season marches on in the northeast corner of the country, the Texas Rangers are not sitting and idly waiting for spring (although I believe many of their fans are).  At least one player has already resumed working out, and the front office has some major decisions ahead. The first is a critical one - the hiring of a hitting coach.  Rudy Jaramillo's shoes are going to be tough to fill.  Although this last season was one big offensive fail, Jaramillo was a solid piece of the coaching staff and a well-liked guy among the players. Jon Daniels and crew have their work cut out for them.  The finalists are said to be Rusty Greer, Thad Bosley, Gerald Perry and C

Phillies or Yankees? Where's my other choice?
The American League and National League pennants have been awarded.  The Philadelphia Phillies will return to the World Series for the second year in a row and face off against the New York Yankees.  This is quite possibly the worst case scenario I envisioned as the regular season ended.  Throughout the playoffs, I've shifted my cheering.  I really didn't care too much what happened in the National League, although the prospect of back-to-back rings in Philly bored me.  Come on.  Who wants to see the same team win all the time?  I mean, outside of that team's fans. I was much more invested in the American League progression. I had a sneaking suspicion