How to Not Get Your Contract Extension

Kenny Rogers goes nuts on media …

Rogers' angry on-field tirade included shoving two cameramen.

Rogers also threw one camera to the ground and threatened to break others while walking to the field for pregame stretching.

The 40-year-old left-hander shoved the first cameraman, who was shooting video of Rogers, telling him: "I told you to get those cameras out of my face."

Rogers then approached a second cameraman. He wrestled the camera from Larry Rodriguez of KDFW-TV, threw it to the ground and kicked it.

Rogers saw two other cameramen who were recording from the Rangers dugout and walked toward them. He did not make contact with the men, who were backing away.

"I'll break every ... one of them," Rogers said before he was escorted to the Rangers clubhouse by catcher Rod Barajas.

What a class act. Make sure you lock him up, lest he gets away.

Some dude named Chris Martin posted on LoneStarball.com and hit the nail on the head:

What happened to all of the good guys and great chemistry from last year? Could it be that winning breeds good chemistry and not the other way around?

This thing is coming apart at the seams. Do you think my wife would be annoyed if I cut vacation short to get back for this?

Look for the media to get blamed for this, too, since it is the favorite Rangers spin these days.

Wednesday Morning on Michigan Avenue

My, Oh, My! Leave for a few days, and the Rangers eliminate themselves from contention. Wow. At least we are not missing any “easy talk show topics”. Kenny Rogers, what a guy.



Doug Davis pitched very well. Carlos Zambrano pitched much better . And Ned Yost decided to pinch hit Trent Durrington with 1st and 2nd in the 8th inning with nobody out instead of masher Prince Fielder. Durrington can’t lay down a bunt, and the only rally is gone. Cubs 2, Brew Crew 0. But, man, that was about as great a baseball experience that you will endure. I will be happy to expand on that when we get back.

And now, this email:

BEFORE YOU GO ON VACATION, CAN YOU POST ON YOUR BLOG SOME GOOD SPORTS BOOKS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND READING THIS SUMMER. ONE BOOK I REMEMBER YOU TALKING ABOUT WAS COTTON BOWL DAYS. ARE THERE ANY OTHER BOOKS YOU WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND?

THANKS,
BOB

I wrote about this on February 18th but here is a cheap reprint:

Cotton Bowl Days – John Eisenberg

I have said it before, and I will say it again. If you are a Cowboys fan who has not read this book, you might not be a Cowboys fan. This is gold! It is basically the story of the Dallas Cowboys from the time they were born in 1960 until the time they moved to Texas Stadium. This covers plenty of ground of course, as the Cowboys went on the historic run from being winless in 1960, to being “next year’s champion”, and finally to winning Super Bowl VI in New Orleans. During this entire story, the author weaves his own personal family history through the fabric of the Cowboys story. It is quite well done, and maybe the one book that I would recommend anyone who enjoys football history and is a Cowboys fan.

Going Long – Jeff Miller

Miller, who is actually a writer with the Dallas Morning News wrote a great historical account of the AFL. Perhaps you should make sure you care about this renegade league that changed so much of how football is played on and off the field, but if you do, he allows all of the main players to speak in his book. Much of it is written almost as a transcript of interviews with the hundreds of characters, allowing them to tell the stories, but from 1960-1969 the stories are amazing and intriguing, and another of my favorite books.

America’s Game – Michael MacCambridge

This book is only a few months old. It is maybe the best football book I have ever read. If you have any appreciation about how the NFL became the NFL, and how it caught and passed baseball in the race for America’s hearts, then read this book! It is amazing. I cannot recommend this book enough at it takes you from 1945 as the league was hanging on for dear life in the wake of World War II all the way until present day NFL. Every story is touched on, from how the revenue sharing came to pass, to the story of the 1963 gambling scandal that saw Paul Hornung and Alex Karras suspended, to the merger with the AFL, right to last season. This may be a book I read twice, I love it so much.

Seasons in Hell – Mike Shropshire

I honestly feel this is one of the most underrated sports books ever written. It was written about the early years of the Texas Rangers, 1972-75. To call it hilarious is an understatement, and again, as a fan of the Texas Rangers, check it out and get an entertaining look at how things used to be when the Rangers were really a joke.

A few others include: October 1964 – David Halberstam, the baseball book about the pennant race of 1964 (obviously), Raw Recruits – Armen Keteyian and Alexander Wolff, the basketball book that opened my eyes to recruiting and the cheating that goes with it (written in the early 1990’s), North Dallas Forty – Pete Gent, the fictional/non-fictional tale of life in the NFL in the 1960’s, The Boys of Summer – Roger Kahn, about the Brooklyn Dodgers of the 1950’s, Run to Daylight – Vince Lombardi, where Lombardi spends one week in 1963 explaining everything about everything for a game versus Detroit, and Of Ice and Men – Bruce Dowbiggin, a fine look at top players and the craft of hockey.

I am sure I am forgetting some, but a quick look at my bookshelf last night brought these to mind, and I will add more if they occur to me later. I imagine they are all available at Amazon.com …

Links:

Genius job by Meredith on the Man Hug …

JR speaks …I know it is old, and I know it has been over-played, but just in case…

Doc Ellis feature …

Kenny Rogers = sorry? …

So when the Rangers announced Monday that Rogers would miss his start tonight because he'd fractured the base of his fifth metacarpal -- below the pinkie finger --punching a dugout water cooler in his start against Washington here 10 days ago, I was admittedly a little surprised.

My first thought: At 41, and with his old running buddy Kevin Brown as the perfect example, Kenny should have known better than to punch anything with his pitching hand.

Then manager Buck Showalter stopped me cold.

The fracture, Showalter continued, is in Rogers' right, and non-pitching, hand.

Kapler to return before long ….And I won’t tell Gabe I told him so…

Andy Dougherty throws them high and tight to Chuck Howley …

10 best bargains in the NBA Draft History …

10 biggest busts in the NBA Draft …

Wow, this dude needs help …Warning! Big Language problems….

And this email came in last week when we complained about the Rangers lack of commitment to spending and winning:

once again, spending money wins, I mean, the yanks are the champs,
right?

Brent
Irving, TX

Only if you consider 26 Championships does money win. You are right, the Yankees don’t win every year, but guess what, they win plenty because they spend plenty. If you don’t spend big bucks, everything must go PERFECT. See the 2005 Texas Rangers.

Border War

Doug Davis, Bob Sturm, and the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Tonight. Finally, it is time to unleash the fury of Brewtown on this place. No prisoners. Robin Yount T-Shirt is pressed and ready to roll.

Sweet Home, Chicago

Monday, 6/27: Sally and I dropped the kids off at the parents and have gone to Chicago. I thought it would be funny to try to get a table as Abe Froeman, The Sausage King of Chicago , but Sally just rolled her eyes… Talk amongst yourselves about how our marriage is doomed…

Link of the Week:

Badger, Badger, Badger …

So far, I trust you don’t miss me too much. But I do miss you much…

2005 NBA Champion Spurs

In the end, there was no match for San Antonio. Say what you want about the thrills and the excitement of a Spurs domination, but the effect is indisputable. They are Champions of the NBA for the 2nd time in 3 years. They are the first organization to seize the international scene and cash it in for rings.

And prepare for much, much more from the young and talented Spurs. There is no sign of them changing for the worse anytime soon.

Duncan steps up in the 4th Quarter …

Duncan deserves credit for some of that. Criticized for not being aggressive enough the past four games, he opened Thursday by immediately driving to the rim.
Duncan struggled to find his rhythm, missing seven consecutive shots to start the second half. He finally plucked one of his errant attempts out of the air and followed with a short hook. Continuing to attack, he put all three of his defenders — Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace and Antonio McDyess — in foul trouble.

With the Pistons forced to go small, Duncan took advantage, scoring 12 points in the third quarter to lead the Spurs back from their nine-point deficit.

"I felt like the game was going bad for me," Duncan said. "But it was about just kind of pushing through it and just the perseverance. My teammates just continued to throw the ball to me. They were more confident in me than I was."

With the Spurs clinging to a four-point lead in the final quarter, Duncan buried a baseline 17-footer at the shot-clock buzzer. Ginobili followed with a 3-pointer, also at the end of the clock. The pass came from Duncan.

"We only go as far as Tim takes us," Horry said. "And today he took us to the top."

A Global Win …

Finley to be bought out? …

Two sources said Thursday that Finley, who has been with the Mavericks longer than any other current player, would be targeted if the Mavericks exercise this cost-cutting option.

The new one-time loophole allows a team to waive a player and be relieved of any luxury-tax responsibility attached to that player's contract. Finley is owed $51,796,875 over the next three seasons. Cuban would still have to pay that in salary.

But because the Mavericks' payroll is so high, Cuban also has to pay a dollar for every dollar that they are over the luxury tax. By jettisoning Finley, he could knock $15 million off his luxury tax next season. The Mavericks were well over the $61 million luxury-tax threshold last season. Essentially, the remainder of Finley's $51 million contract could cost Cuban $102 million if they remain over the luxury-tax threshold, which is probable if Finley is retained.

Could Cuban cut Finley loose? It would save $51 million dollars, but he is so loyal, that I don't think he has it in him.



Gay or Not Gay?

Lyle, from Napoleon Dynamite, was on the show yesterday, and mentioned he was about to appear in a movie called ChurchBall , and check out who is in it: Gary Coleman???

Dusty Dvoracek’s resume …

See Mike Tyson back in the day …

On the right side of the blog, I list message boards for each team. For some reason, I was linked to a Mavericks board that I never used nor cared for. I have changed it to Dallas-mavs.com which is the one I do use. You must register, but I think it is worth it. Enjoy.

I got a few emails along these lines yesterday:

Bob,

You hammered Bradley mercilessly today. I, too, am glad that he has left the NBA, but I do not wish to whip him over the lack of talent, and maybe heart, that he has displayed in his career. There are too many embarrassing Sportscenter moments that we, as Mavs fans, would like to forget.

I am just your generic business guy who is a huge fan of Dallas sports. I do not think, however, hammering a retiring, underachieving athlete is just in this case. Shawn was Shawn from day one. He never held a gun to anyone's head to play for the Mavs and sign that $41mm contract. Whip Cuban mercilessly if you are angered by the contract--it was Mark's doing. If anything, Bradley was consistent--consitently bad--and that was from day one. Was it his fault?? I am not sure.

You bring a direct approach to your job. In listening to you, I have come to the conclusion that you bring direct, well thought out, HSOs to your listeners.

I think you went overboard on this one in whipping a down, retired, Mav, in the name of creating buzz and reaction on the Ticket. Maybe I am wrong, but it sure sounded like your enjoyment of hammering Bradley was more important than his retirement.

I think we should all leave Bradley alone and let him become a productive member of the Dallas community as he distributes Cuban's money around town.

I tune into you to hear the sports facts, and your HSOs. I just think we could have tapped the brakes on the hammering of Bradley as he properly retires from the NBA.

Matt

My Response:
Matt-

I don't deny that I might have gone over-board, as this is clearly subjective (and for you to decide)-

But, it was 8 years of me begging the Mavs to change this problem- It was a long time coming, and as you realize, I concede easily he is a good man- But a horrible member of this basketball team that I openly cheer for-

Thanks for listening to BaD Radio!

Bob

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Vacation Starts At 3:00 today. I plan on some blogging while on vacation, but I cannot promise daily, prompt entries. My wife might kill me if I get too carried away, and we can’t have that. We will be back on July 5th for new episodes of BaD Radio, and at that point, you can expect daily entries in the blog, too. Have a happy summer.

Buh-Bye

Bradley to Retire …

The Mavericks are working on a long-term buyout of center Shawn Bradley's contract that would facilitate the retirement of the 12-year veteran.

A Mavericks source said Wednesday that the buyout would pay Bradley all of the money he is owed under terms of his contract, but would be spread out over numerous years. His deal calls for him to earn $14.5 million over the next three seasons, including $4.5 million in 2005-06.

I know today there is a lot to discuss; Game 7 in the NBA Finals, Kenny Rogers getting beat in Anaheim to get the Rangers swept, Blake Sloan’s pension. But, I have decided to not bury the lead. The lead today is the only story we will touch in today’s blog. Shawn Bradley is set to retire.

Now, perhaps on this day of Shawn leaving the Mavericks, you thought I would soften up and tell you what a good guy he is, and thanks for the memories big fella, didn’t you?

Sorry.

Instead, I thought I would reprint my blog entry from April 27th, a few days after the famous T-Mac facial:

I am coming under a fair amount of fire for appearing to blame the plight of the Mavericks on poor Shawn Bradley. Well, allow me to clarify. There is no way that the Mavericks are down 2-0 because of Shawn Bradley. That is absurd, partly because he doesn’t play enough minutes to affect the outcome of these two games. Dirk, Finley, Avery, Van Horn all should receive blame for this thing long before big Shawn.



With that being said, if we can agree that he is not to blame for this series, could we at least agree that he is certainly responsible for the national image of the Mavericks being soft, white boys who can’t get it done? That seems fair. He has been dunked on more than anyone in the history of the league (I am estimating), and has never offered a hard foul on anyone. He is polite, meek, and a perfect gentleman, which is the complete and total opposite of what you want a big man to be in the NBA.



I am sure he is a great guy, in fact, when Dan and I had him on our show, I almost felt guilty because I did find out what a nice dude he is. But there are all sorts of nice guys in this world. Nice guys do not make great basketball players. And my blame of Shawn is not about one isolated dunk from Monday night, although admittedly, that might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Think of it as more of a lifetime achievement award for years of shameless dunk receiving, and years of soft fouls as the other team celebrated while standing over a meek Shawn.



Enough is Enough in my book.

I make no apologies for my feelings. Sure he is a good guy. So is Jimmy Christopher. I don’t want either of them playing Center for the Mavericks. I realize Pavel might be a younger more awkward version of Shawn, but I am willing to take my chances.

Happy Retirement.

Detroit Will Not Go Quietly

Pistons shock me, and most of the world; force game 7 …

If you are a hockey fan, you are very angry this morning for your sport, as basketball can sort through their problems behind closed doors in a way that keeps their fans out of it and their product on the court. I swear, despite the fact that I am told an agreement is imminent, I want Bettman and Goodenow fired immediately after this is settled. They need to pay for what they have done to this sport. Anyway, great job to David Stern again… NBA arrives at CBA agreement ….


Chan Ho Park Gets shelled …it is suggested that it was the worst start of his career. Ponder that for a moment. I have a perfect solution, just call up Ricardo Rodriguez to take his place…oh wait…

He entered the game with a 7-1 record checkered by: a) his allowing an AL-most average of 15.46 baserunners per nine innings and b) his receiving a major league-leading 8.71 runs per start. And since May 1, he has a 7.57 ERA in nine starts, and opponents are hitting .371 against him. His ERA is now 6.05, higher than that of the since-released Astacio (6.04)

The pictures of the tattoo …

This site claims the Bible strictly forbids the tattoo …

This site claims the Bible does NOT forbid the tattoo…

You make the call.

The Blackhawks fire a coach, despite not playing a game in 14 months …I swear, the Blackhawks could screw up a pre-game skate…

Myron Cope is retiring …And Homer Call of the Week may never be the same…

Jerry Narron is a manager again …

Ninjas attack …



In case you forgot, Shawn Bradley needs to go...

Meet My Right Shoulder

In other news…

Vlad the Terrible keeps it going …

Guerrero's outburst isn't surprising. He will swing at any pitch at any time, but he seems to particularly enjoy those thrown by Rangers.

Guerrero, a .412 lifetime hitter against the Rangers, extended his hitting streak against Texas to 25 games.

In his first three at-bats, Guerrero saw six pitches, swung at five and connected on three.

In the first, he flogged Young's first pitch, a knee-high fastball, into the Angels bullpen in left field. In the third, he lofted a first-pitch sacrifice fly that scored Chone Figgins. And in the fifth, he actually took a pitch between two swinging strikes before banging an opposite-field RBI double.

"For me, he's [Guerrero] by far the toughest guy to put fingers down against," said catcher Rod Barajas. "With Vlad, you just throw your hands up."

95-year old Japanese Man breaks 100m record …

Bob Lilly faces off with Andy Dougherty …Very tense…

Big Weekend in Idaho …

Darth Vader Soundboard …

Slump Busting 101 …

One of the many revelations in Jose Canseco's recent book was a discussion of "slump-busters," a massively insensitive yet time-honored practice. As Canseco so quaintly described it, "Players who are struggling start talking about how they need to go out and find something to break their slump. And often enough it comes out something like this: "Oh my God, I'm 0 for 20. I'm going to get the ugliest girl I can find and have sex with her."

Gammons says Gabe looking to escape Japan …

This from Juggo, with Park pitching tonight, his concerns about the 7-1 pitcher:

Chan Ho's ranks among AL's starting pitchers:

ERA: 5.15 (44th of 53)
K/BB: 1.42 (43rd of 53)
WHIP: 1.66 (52nd of 53)
QS: 5 (T43rd)
BAA: .291 (41st of 53)
OBPA: .378 (52nd of 53)
OPSA: .811 (45th of 53)
BIPA: .320 (51st of 53)
ERC: 5.55 (48th of 53)
RS: 8.71 (1st of 53 -- 2nd is 7.6)
SLRY: $14,000,000 (1st among all non-Yankee SP's, 4th overall)

Glossary:
ERA: Earned Run Average
K/BB: Strikeouts to Walks ratio
WHIP: Walks + Hits per IP
GS: Quality Start (at least 6 IP no more than 3 ER)
BAA: Batting Average Against
OBPA: On-Base Percentage Against
OPSA: On-Base Plus Slugging Against
BIPA: Balls In Play Average. Batting Average Against, not including
home runs or strikeouts.
ERC: Component ERA. A pitcher's ERA based on the hits and walks he
allowed, rather than actual runs.
RS: Run support per game
SLRY: Salary

Yikes.

What a Father's Day of Sport

David Feherty was on with the Musers this morning, and said, “if they set the course up like this every week no one would watch golf. It was more morbid fascination this week”. I don’t disagree on both counts. I wouldn’t want to see golf like this every week, but this week, it was fascinating.

How can you even imagine the idea of the final group at a major (Goosen and Gore) shooting 25 over par? In one round! Impossible, right?

Michael Campbell wins the US Open with a final score of Even. Tiger Woods finished in 2nd at 2 over par. It will long be remembered as a tournament that Tiger should have won. I am not sure if the majority of people will suggest he choked, but he certainly made Campbell’s day easier, with bogeys on 16 and 17. Obviously, if those are just pars, we are preparing for a playoff today. But, I said all of that to say this. Campbell earned this one for sure. He was not handed anything. With his amazing mental ability to block everything out, this was as fine a final day performance as you might ever see in a major. Most crack under pressure, and Campbell never felt it.

Campbell is New Zealand’s biggest sports hero …

Dave Anderson says Tiger has his putter to thank …

Meanwhile, after 4 games of boring hoops, we finally got a great game. A real thriller. But thanks to Rasheed Wallace leaving Robert Horry for at least 2 back-breaking 3-pointers, the Spurs are on the brink of another title. What was Sheed doing? Did he really think he should leave Horry open?

Pistons crushed in defeat …

Big Shot Bob erases Duncan’s mistakes …

Nice D, Sheed …

"You can't go back on that stuff," Wallace said. "You can't say woulda, coulda, shoulda."

When asked why he double-teamed Ginobili, Wallace said, "He was in the coffin corner and I doubled him. Just playing defense."

Biffle wins again ….Smoke dominates most of race, but doesn’t close the deal…

Aftereffects of steroids? …

The great home-run hitters of this era are going, going and, in many cases, pretty close to gone. Forget about one man hitting 70 homers in 2005. It is a possibility that the Top 5 active long-ball men - Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Ken Griffey Jr. and Jeff Bagwell - will not account for 70 together.

Frank Thomas, Juan Gonzalez and Jim Thome, the next three men on the active homer list, will be hard-pressed to combine for 30 homers.

Skins sign the great Tony Dixon …

The Redskins signed free agent safety Tony Dixon after a workout yesterday. Dixon, who turned 26 yesterday, has played 56 games -- all with Dallas -- and started seven contests last season. He can also contribute on special teams.

Who are the richest athletes? …If you don’t think Tiger is richer than everyone but Oprah, you better read up…

Thomas Diamond fans 14! …

After all of the emails from people who think the media is too tough on the Rangers, here is one who thinks the media is not tough enough:

Bob and Dan,

I write this to you because of all Ticket hosts, you seem the most in tune with the truth.

I am tired of being lied to by the Rangers. They circle the wagons on every decision, close themselves off to the media and the few token questions that Buck or anyone else from the organization asks, they brush aside like the media is stupid for asking and a comment like, “You guys are just trying to make a big deal about this” and “Hey, why don’t you concentrate on all of the good things that are happening right now?” Then if they do answer the question, they just lie about the facts. This organization has been plagued with scandals like:

1. Drese-gate - Drese gets in a fight and then is assigned. Right after Drese was assigned, Buck told the media they were certain Drese would clear waivers. A day or two later with Norm it was 50/50. I would call this Drese-gate.

2. Captain-gate – Arod is named captain to dispel rumors he was being shopped and then traded before he ever wore a Rangers uniform again.

3. Grady-gate – John Hart was going to be replaced with Fuson until it is announced Hart is staying with no explanation of why things changed.

These are all situations where something happened, it was covered up and then never explained. The Rangers think they do not have to explain anything to anyone. They are dead wrong! Have they ever heard of stakeholders? Paying fans of this team are stakeholders in the organization. We help pay the bills and we deserve some f’n answers! Cuban is as secretive and as misleading as they come but at least the guy will come out after a decision is made and say here is what we were doing, here is why we made that decision.

Where is the media!!!! Are the Rangers playing Jedi mind tricks on everyone? If this was almost any other market, the Rangers would have been called to the mat by every media outlet two years ago. I respect the Ticket for ripping the Rangers but I even think you guys have just given up and said, “What can you do? They are like they are”. The print media and television has to step the F up and start torching the front office for their secrecy. The Rangers may not allow interviews or access to people who disagree with them but if the News and the Star-Telegram both stepped up then it would just hurt the Rangers since their coverage would reduce. You have to hit these rat -------- in the pocket book.

I have watched every Ranger game on television the last two years (thanks Tivo) but I will not set foot in that stadium until the Rangers are honest with the fans. I don’t care if they go 162-0 and win the World Series. I even feel guilty for watching their broadcast. I call on all “true” Rangers fans to cancel their season tickets next year, do not go to the ballpark, do not buy their merchandise until the attitude of the front office changes. Someone please use their influence to hold these guys accountable. That’s why the media is there. It is time to become a tough media market to protect stakeholders like me!

Brian - Arlington

I'm Sori

He currently leads the Rangers in Home Runs, 2nd in RBI’s, tied for the lead in Total Bases, 2nd in Slugging, and 1st in Runs Scored. He also has more errors than any player in baseball that doesn’t play shortstop, and for that matter, is 3rd in the big leagues in errors for anyone at any position. He, of course, is Alfonso Soriano.

He is the lightning rod of the Texas Rangers. Whether it is a talk show, a message board, or a conversation around the water cooler, he is the guy who Rangers fans share a love/hate relationship with. Is he the best 2nd baseman in baseball, or is he a dog who needs to be dealt?

Depends who you ask.

At the end of 2005, he will be eligible for arbitration. That means he will likely get a sizeable raise off of his $7.5 million salary. That means he may not be long for the Tom Hicks financially frugal plan. He isn’t home grown. He occasionally reminds people of Juan Gonzalez with his casual play and inconsistent concentration, and he also made it pretty clear he had no desire to play in the outfield here when the Rangers dealt for him last spring.

Can the Rangers invest the future in Soriano? Can they marry him to his beloved 2nd Base position? Many will say that this would not work long-term given his defensive liabilities, but if you don’t like his 11 errors, can you really be eager to give his job to Ian Kinsler who would be the next in line since he has 14 errors in Oklahoma City?

Does he get criticism from fans and media because he really has huge holes in his game? Or, is it perhaps a byproduct of him not being a home-grown son, like Blalock, Teixeira, and Young. Young of course was technically not home-grown, but he has never played an inning in another uniform. Soriano played for the hated Yankees, and seems to not be a stereotypical “Buck guy”. He has flare, he showboats a bit, and he blows the occasional routine play. These are not things his skipper cares for.

I write this today because I am not sure I know the answers. I watch him play, and I think he is a valuable middle-of-the-lineup guy who the Rangers should be discussing an extension with. I do concede that those conversations should include serious discussions about an Outfield or Designated Hitter assignment, and therefore should be held in the off-season so as to not rock the boat in mid-June. But, I read my email or the newspaper, and I am told that he is what is wrong with the Rangers. Is Fraley wrong? Is the Rangers Fan wrong? Or are my own eyes?

Look, I don’t like his defense, either, but I could live with one butcher in the infield, if he will occasionally make a spectacular play (see his throw on Friday night to the plate) and the rest of my infield is gold glove caliber. I could really live with him playing an outfield spot. His bat can carry you through many tough days even if his “Runners in Scoring Position” average is down this year. He can flat-out rake. If he would settle for a 4-year/$40 million dollar deal, I would sign it tomorrow morning.

But I sure get the feeling that I am on my own on this issue. I’ll be interested in your comments.

Links:

The Boys Blog tackles Witten’s place amongst TE’s …

Forsberg ready to get back to NHL …And of course, we will need hockey back first, Pete…

The Tattoo I am strongly considering for Tuesday …

Speaking of said tattoo, Did you ever wonder who had the “G” first? Grambling, Georgia, or Green Bay? …Your answer is obvious since it is on my blog…

And now, some humor:

Fun with Rangers Stats and the Minimum Wage

Here is the breakdown of the Rangers Quality Starts: -As of June 15th

* For those not up to speed, a quality start is 6 innings or more, and 3 Earned Runs allowed or less.

Rogers: 13 starts, 11 quality starts (4/6, 4/11, 4/21, 4/27, 5/2, 5/8, 5/14, 5/20, 5/26, 5/31, 6/5)
Drese: 12 starts, 4 quality starts (4/5, 4/15, 5/7, 5/24)
Young: 13 starts, 6 quality starts (4/28, 5/3, 5/9, 5/27, 6/2, 6/13)
Park: 13 starts, 5 quality starts (4/13, 4/23, 4/29, 5/22, 5/29)
Astacio: 12 starts, 6 quality starts (4/9, 4/14, 4/19, 5/11, 5/25, 6/3)
Rodriguez: 1 start, 0 quality starts

Quality Starts by Month:
April: 13 of 25 = 52%
May: 15 of 25 = 60%
June: 4 of 14 = 28%

Total: 32 of 64 = 50% Pace of 81 quality starts

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Mark Teixeira has something pretty interesting going this season that I was not aware of until I stumbled upon it earlier in the week looking at the stats. As you know, he is a switch hitter, and over the course of his career, has demonstrated the ability to hit for power from both sides:

Teixeira’s Career Slugging Percentage:

As RHB (345 AB) .559 Slugging – 22 HR’s 67 RBI
As LHB (729 AB) .502 Slugging – 42 HR’s 129 RBI

Now, take a look at 2005:

As RHB (69 AB) .362 Slugging – 0 HR’s 4 RBI
As LHB (197 AB) .614 Slugging – 17 HR’s 46 RBI

That’s right, he has 17 HR’s and 50 RBI’s this season, and almost every single last one of them has come as a Lefty. So why even bother as a Righty? Because, he has shown in his first few years in the bigs that he is actually a BETTER hitter from the right side. So, is this just a 266 AB fluke? I have no idea, but I thought you might like to see it.

Links:

Buck Harvey asks where Duncan went? …

Rob Parker says Pistons play better when they are down …

Galloway on the Rangers potential moves …

Mr. Hicks eyeballed the most winnable AL West in a decade and declared that no trades would be made involving any minor league prospects.

Consider that statement.

If you have the foundation in place of major league players (thank you again, Doug Melvin) who can win the division, and also win the weakest American League since the last time Cleveland prevailed, then obviously you don't want to tamper with any of that.

So if your team needs help, then the only way to obtain proven players is to deal your prospects.

But if the owner says you aren't going to deal your prospects, that must mean you aren't going to do a damn thing.

DC United versus Chelsea? …Yikes…

Showtime pleased with final numbers of McBride – Tyson …

Speaking of McBride, He cracks Tyson pretty hard back in Ireland ...

The Nextel Boys head to Michigan for hopefully a more exciting weekend than the snore in Pocono…

Q&A with MLS Commissioner …

Sun Prairie wins the Wisconsin State Baseball Title …Well!

Phatballers straight out of Colleyville …

Bloated Areola …

Longhorns get a top recruit …surprise…

Mike Tyson’s greatest quotes …

Prank Call with Napoleon Dynamite …



And one with Lumbergh …

Here is a Fantasy Football site you can use: Pigskinsanity.com ….Enjoy

If you heard yesterday’s segments about the FX show 30 Days, and the ensuing discussion about poverty and the minimum wage, you might be interested in a sampling of the feedback. I received 100 emails about this, so I thought I would pick several from both sides of the discussion and let you read them if you care to do so. Otherwise, skip it. By the way, FX reruns this show tonight at 11pm.

People seem to think in terms of what should happen. Especially if they've been part of the have's and not the have not's. THe caller said you should get a raise. THe truth is you don't get a $5 dollar raise in one year. Plus there are only so many supervisor positions. It's not like they make them up every month. Many people in this country can work very hard and not be able to make any headway. And the way the system is set up, once your in that rut you cannot get out without a very significant raise in salary. Your credit is bad and you have to pay interest so high that you can't afford anything.

I worked for Bank of America back in 1996 and the head guy at CompUSA brought in his bonus check for the year. Guess how much it was. $1 million. I do not lie. THe person under him got $750K, then $500k, then $250K for the top 4 execs at CompUSA 8 years ago. They spent $2mil in bonuses so that 4 people could live high on the hog. The $$$ is being put in the big wigs pockets while the poor continue to struggle. They should do that show for a year so that people can get a full scope of what the have not's have to go thru in this country.

Dion
------------------------
You are so off the path here that it is crazy. We have been trying to cure these problems with welfare since the New Deal back with FDR and then we gave it another go with the Great Society 40 years ago and have been paying for this for the last 70 years and it hasn't gotten better. Taxing the hell out of me is not the answer. Let me keep more of my money and I will increase my giving to places that can help or I can create more jobs.

There is a reason why people from the socialized medicine countries come here for treatment. Take the profit out of medicine and you will lose the good people that are in it to make money.

tired head...

Wally Steidley
----------------------------
As an economist, I feel the need to point out the fact that poverty rates rise dramatically just after the minimum wage rises. To paraphrase the great Milton Friedman: It has always been a mystery to me why a youngster is better off unemployed at $5.15 an hour than employed at $4.25 an hour.

P1-Jim
-----------------------------
Bob,

Hate to add to the thousand e-mails you probably are going to get, but I'm guessing those two callers haven't been in the situation where they were relying on a minimum wage job to get by. They probably didn't have to walk 12 blocks to go to the grocery store and carry thirty dollars worth of groceries through the ghetto. And my mom was an intelligent woman who was working at a job a little over min. wage, but when the job exodus to India started and she was laid of her job at At&t of 18 years and didn't get a dime, min wage crap was all she could get. I was a lucky guy because I was smart enough to go to college, but even after I graduated from college, the job industry was so bad I was working a min. wage job at Waffle House and almost got evicted if I didn't pawn my computer.

Some people are really smart and cannot go to college and get a better job because they may have kids or have to drop out to support their family or whatever. And to say the government hasn't stepped in to save businesses is a crock because they saved the airline industry twice. I agree you shouldn't just give money away because it will not give people an incentive to want to get out of that type of situation, but it's easy to say the things people say when they get a head start. I want to see them try to start where some of those people started off. Study by candlelight like I had to do, and catch a hour long bus to and from high-school. I don't have all the answers because I'm just a guy in the next cubicle over, but I know that something needs to be done.

Kojo Taylor
-----------------------------
Bob speaking as someone who grew up in the middle of some of the worst poverty in central West Virginia , people who really want to succeed will find a way to do so. The biggest problem with modern american society is the false sense of entitlement people have. The misguided belief that "I deserve better". If you are not willing to help yourself why should society give you anything. Let's face it, I feel no pity for someone who says they can't afford health insurance yet they have a cell phone and their kids have the latest nikes, x-box games, and cars I couldn't afford to drive.
-------------------------------
good discussion on minimum wage, i will take one issue with you. i put myself through college and got a business degree while working minimum wage, i don't feel like i'm "lucky" not to be working for minimum wage or i'm "lucky" not to have to wait for the bus. its not a matter of luck, everyone has opportunity to move up. most people who make mimum wage will qualify for medical aid, the ones who get it in the a$$ is the middle class without health insurance because they do not qualify for goverment aid. also, and again i haven't watched the show you were referring to but i would think that the illegal immigrants who are working for less than minimum wage also hurt efforts to raise the minimum wage.

i think much of the talk of minimum wage is a smoke screen, minimum wage is not the big problem, its lack of quality education by people making minimum wage.
p.
---------------------------
BAD Radio,

How to break the cycle:
DONT HAVE KIDS AT AN EARLY AGE.
Look at the mass majority of those who struggle and those who don't. What you will see is that the overwhelmingly majority of those who struggle to make it do so b/c they had kids at an early age (before age 21).

Stop this part of the cycle and you will not have to struggle as hard to make it in life.

Shawn R. Stewart
-------------------------------
Bob

You dishearten greatly with your inane liberal banter. You are making the same mistake that thousands of people who are uninformed to the economic repercussions of the minimum wage make. This issue is more than a political one. It transcends conservatism and liberalism (even though liberals are wrong). The reason that minimum wage is unchanged is because policy makers (conservatives) see the futility of it. The market sets the proper wage relative to the economy. Therefore any artificial wage set by the government creates inefficiency. Subsequently, the market forces will right the ship. When you increase the price of any commodity, in this case labor, you decrease the amount demanded. In other words, if you increase the amount someone must pay for an employee then you reduce the amount of employees that they can and will hire. It is a law of economics. Secondly, the issue must be looked at from a societal standpoint. It is correct that if you raise the minimum wage you increase the costs of business. This explains why the Philippines and Malaysia produce more and more products and America is becoming a service based economy. Labor. The cost is rarely passed on to the people at the product price point level. It is passed on in the form of unemployment.
------------------------------
Hi Bob

Dan hit it on the head man.

These folks need to STOP squirting out kids BEFORE they get their education AND career.

Now let's keep in mind the numbers now. For every 100,000 black folks, there are 800,000 white folks. So if 10% white folks are in poverty and 50% of black folks are in poverty, you STILL have more broke white folks than black folks.

The % may be skewed with certain ethnic groups; however, the media does not report the positive examples of ethnic groups. I have a degree as does my dad and late-grandmother. I have 3 sisters and 2 of them have MBAs. My wife will complete her masters degree this December.

The issue to stop poverty is this: minimize the symptons that causes people to stay "in the cycle".

From K to 12 grade, kids should say the National Anthem and them repeat this:

Say NO to DRUGS
Say NO to ALCOHOL
Say NO to TOBACCO
Say NO to SEX

Now if you prevent minors from getting involved with the 4 evil topics above, you will minimize unwanted pregnancies and people will get ahead quicker BEFORE they start squirting out a bunch of kids.

Dave from Arlington
(AKA Cornbread)
------------------------------------


Hey Bob-
I heard the segment on 30 Days today. I wanted to extend an invitation to you, Dan, or anyone from BaD Radio to get involved in one small way to help some people who really need it. This summer, I’m going to Mexico City with five other people to help homeless children there. We’ll take them some clothes, toiletries, and things. Then we’ll round them up and drive them out of the city to summer camp for a week. You guys are welcome to come with us, send money, or give us a shout-out on your show or blog.

I’m right there with you on the Republican/minimum wage thing. The thing that gets me, though, is social conservatives who insist that the government shouldn’t get involved b/c of the reasons you stated on air today, but then they don’t get involved themselves. Conservatives and religious folks look like hypocrites when they don’t want to pay more taxes for social programs, but then they don’t support private organizations that help the poor. Part of it could be that those private organizations aren’t much publicized. I guess there could be millions flowing out of churches and Republican clubs all over the country, but I kinda doubt it.

Welfare baby arm.
-ryan
---------------------------------

There, does everyone have a headache? Hope to see you at Summer Bash today!

Tiger looks for Another Major Win

Tiger Woods feeling over-looked …

"This entire year, from what people have said and what I've read so far, looks like I haven't won a tournament this year," said Woods, who has won three times. "If I read some of the stuff, it looks like I have no game left. So I might as well quit and retire. I won a major this year. That's pretty good."

Stop me if this is familiar: Park unimpressive but wins again …I have no idea how he is doing it, but this is the flimsiest 7-1 in baseball history...

Park allowed 12 base runners in five innings on eight hits, three walks and a hit batter, but only one run scored because the Braves were 0-for-7 against him with runners in scoring position. Opponents were hitting .292 against him with runners in scoring position coming into the game.

"I just kept pitching and keeping the ball down," Park said. "I used my [sinker] to get ground balls. I just kept pitching and tried to keep my focus."

Park also had a 6.63 ERA in his last seven starts coming into the game and a 5.40 ERA overall, but his run support of 8.43 runs per nine innings is the highest in the American League.

Which means that Park has now won six straight decisions and overall is 7-1 with a 5.15 ERA for the season.

From the "You can't write this stuff" department: Drese fabulous in Anaheim …Sorry, but that start doesn't make me feel any better about his quick exit in Arlington...

Fraley sizes up pitching staff …

Adam Morris looks at Rangers Arm Problems …

FSU QB flips out …

Sexton, who will be a junior in the fall, took over the starting job for the Seminoles at midseason last year. He was expected to compete for the spot this year with Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee, who were redshirted as freshmen last year.

An incident report by Tallahassee police officer Zachary Lyne said he was called to a residential neighborhood about reports of a man doing push-ups in the street and jumping on a car.

Lyne said he found Sexton in the middle of the road wearing only a wet pair of shorts. The officer asked Sexton several times to identify himself, and eventually he said he was God.

Sexton later got on his hands and knees, yelled obscenities at the officer and stared at him. He was doused with pepper spray and handcuffed, and identified himself as Sexton.

You might be aware of this cool time-killer, but check out What If Sports.com and see a cool simulator for sports scenarios…

Since I have been in a habit of this lately, here is another Rangers Blog: Scott Lucas’ Rangers Blog …

Scott has a great organizational depth chart Here that I plan to print and keep with me…Nice job, Scott…

First, Dale Hansen took an hour on Mondays, Now Keith Olbermann joins Dan Patrick on Fridays …How are we ever going to overcome this?

Coming soon to Speed Channel: Texas Hard Tails …

Remember about a week ago I blogged the story of the 80-year wedding anniversary couple? Well, 81 isn’t going to happen: Husband Percy Dead at 105 …

Has Everyone Seen Enough?

I wrote about Pedro Astacio at some length in the April 20th Entry . At the time, you may recall he had an ERA of 1.64, and was maybe the surprise of the first 3 weeks of the season in the entire American League. Since then, he has seen his ERA soar to over 6, and now appears to be near the end of his Rangers tenure.

Astacio ERA’s by Month:
April: 4.50 (1-3 record)
May: 7.32 (1-2)
June: 7.63 (0-3)

Despite the fact that his record is impacted by low run-support, It is perfectly clear that he is the weak link in the rotation, and you could make the case that his performance was as bad or worse than even Ryan Drese’s, who of course the Rangers gave up on last week. In fact, many of us assumed (unwisely) that Ricardo Rodriguez was being groomed for Astacio’s spot in the rotation. Now that Drese is gone, what do we do with Astacio’s spot? Your guess is as good as John Hart’s.

The 5th inning bites Pedro …

Astacio was steady through the first four innings, twice setting Atlanta down in order. He displayed mastery of the 23-to-45-year-old demographic but had severe difficulties retiring anyone else.

Shortly after Astacio hit Ryan Langerhans on an 0-2 pitch, 22-year-old Kelly Johnson blasted his first major league homer, a three-run shot. Two batters later, Julio Franco, who is allegedly 46, ripped a two-run homer to center. They combined to go 4-for-6 against Astacio with six RBIs.

Hicks says spend away …That was sarcastically typed…

"I've given our people the green light on financial parameters to do something, but we won't do anything stupid from a baseball perspective," Hicks said. "We've got great young players. We're not going to give them up prematurely."

Julio Franco still going strong at 46+ ...

Mayberry signed and in the fold …

Phil back in Los Angeles …

T J Simers is not buying it …

I'M NOT buying it. Too many unanswered questions and a move that is out of character for Jackson, who is normally the final piece to the championship puzzle.

Where was Kobe Bryant on Tuesday? Instead of delivering a crafted, politically correct statement via fax to the media, why wasn't he standing beside Jackson — a statement that would have really cleared the air.

There is no question this is going to play well with the folks who sit courtside and pay $2,100 a ticket, but how smart are the people who sit courtside and pay $2,100 a ticket to watch an NBA game?

Pistons back in series, dominate 4th Quarter of game 3 …and yes, that is right: No losing team has scored 80 YET in this series! N-B-A, IT’S FANTASTIC!



Psycho allowed past borders with chain saw …

Lang Whitaker on the Spurs and Duncan …

Happy Birthday to Us!

That’s right. On June 14, 1999, Bob and Dan were launched into the waters of DFW Radio. Somehow, we have lived to see Birthday #6 for this show, and we are tickled. Thanks those of you that support our product day in and day out. We may annoy you occasionally, but you keep coming back for more. Thanks.

Young dominates Atlanta …

Speaking of All-Star matters, at some point somebody might notice that Young is 6-3 with a 2.78 ERA that is third in the American League behind Kenny Rogers and Roy
Halladay.

"If you go by a pitcher's performance and he's in the top five or 10 in ERA, I see no reason why he shouldn't be considered for the All-Star Game," catcher Rod Barajas said. "If he keeps pitching the way he is, I see no reason why he shouldn't make the team."

Young wasn't ready for such talk.

"You guys are getting way ahead of me," Young said. "I try to go out every time and build on my last start. I've had some games where I didn't pitch as well, but tonight was one of my better games."

From today’s NEWBERG REPORT :

Pitcher A: 6-5, 4.48 in 18 starts; .278 opponents' average; 3.2 walks and
7.6 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pitcher B: 9-5, 3.39 in 20 starts; .257 opponents' average; 2.2 walks and
7.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pitcher A was Chris Young as a Frisco RoughRider.

Pitcher B is Chris Young as a Texas Ranger.

I don't know about you, but I'm realizing I've been too absorbed in
following this team to step back and comprehend what a ridiculously amazing
phenomenon this is. The command and composure Young shows may be filthier
than his stuff. And his stuff is pretty good.

Revo on the bullpen …

"We need to get lucky again," Showalter said.

Precisely. That's exactly what happened to the Rangers last season when two big power arms, Francisco and Almanzar, came out of nowhere to bridge the gap between the seventh inning and Francisco Cordero in the ninth.

This time, though, it's going to take more than luck. It's going to take precision timing, good scouting and a willingness in the Rangers' front office to pull the trigger on the right deal.

No waiting for next year. No building for the future, though certainly it's always wise to keep an eye in that direction.

But every indication is that the AL West is there for the taking for a team willing to be both bold and clever.

As recommended by Jamey Newberg today, Here is the feature on Juan Dominguez from Texas Rangers.com …



Poor Junior. It almost isn't fun to cheer against his fans anymore. Although it sure has gotten quiet from the #8 camp. Somewhere, that #15 crew that got blamed for Dale's trouble last year are giggling...

Here is a new (to me) Rangers blog that I have stumbled across: Joe Siegler’s Texas Rangers Site ….looks promising...

Holmgren tried to get Rice to retire …Rice ignored him, and signed in Denver…



Glazer takes over Manchester United …

And now, the reward for reading all the way to the end: Triumph strikes again, this time with Michael Jackson Fans ...

Tonight, Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Braves and Rangers, and other stuff. What do I care most about? Yes, that's right. The Season Finale of the Shield ...Go get em, Vic.

If you thought Game 1 was boring...

Spurs make Pistons look silly …

They would be a great football team: Rangers win every Sunday …

Injuries catch up, FC Dallas smoked in Chicago …

Pocono, hard on tires, easy on Carl Edwards …Video Games credited for win…

I checked my email on Sunday Morning, and saw this one from Jason:

I hope you learned your lesson tonight. Quit paying money to see this clown. I know his sound bites are great for the show you do, but why do you keep giving this convicted rapist, clown your hard earned money? He is a freaking joke. He couldn’t beat McBride, he basically quit, and is a loser. An F-ing bum. He needs to give it up and you and all the other morons need to quit lining his pockets with the 50 bucks you throw down for PPV. Its ridiculous. I mean its your cash and you earned it so you can spend however you want, but come on. How can you look at yourself in the morning? You just gave this spare 50 dollars. You wouldn’t roll up to the stoplight and hand the homeless man at the corner a fifty would you? Then why give it to Tyson? Go take that 50 bucks and buy your wife something nice.

Jason.

Sorry, Jason, but to me this was worth every stinking penny. I am not here claim to that Tyson’s fight on Saturday is for everyone, but for me, it was the end of 20 years of that dude entertaining me. At one point, there was no bigger fan of his than me, and then I think I found him so tragic that I could not look away. But I look at it like this: You wouldn’t watch a long movie, and then turn it off before the end, would you? I invested lots of cash in this guy over the year, buying probably every Pay-per-View he ever had. I was not going to stop now. He never disappointed. I never bought a Tyson Pay-per-View and felt ripped off. Either you had a dynamic performance like a quick knock out of Michael Spinks, or you had him biting off the ear of Evander Holyfield, or you had him losing to someone many thought impossible to lose to. And that says nothing about the post fight interviews.

Sorry, but in this business, Tyson is manna from heaven. Even Saturday, he offered hours of conversation possibilities. He has always left you amazed and at times, speechless. Saturday, against a total spare, Tyson got frustrated like usual, and like usual then tried to break his arm, head butt him, and cheat to win. Then, when that didn’t work, he quit like the dog he has become. It is sad, but hardly a waste of money. Anything but. I have wasted plenty of money on boring fights, and while it might be reprehensible, this was not boring.

So, while I appreciate you keeping my expenditures in your thoughts, forget about talking me out of spending money to see Mike Tyson. I said it before, and I still stand behind it; if he is fighting, I am watching.

More Links:

Story of a 32-year old rookie …

All A-Hole Team in Baseball …

What is this? A new project from Borchardt and Schank? …

Rockingham sits empty …

Buccaneers fans flock to ManU …

I smell a segment: Top 50 players in NFL ….

I spent 4 minutes here, I think you can, too Total Eclipse of the Heart performed oddly …

Another brilliant Star Wars review …

Jim Greene is back! Here, he attended another sporting event as he waits for hockey to return:

Bob,

I attended the Bombardier Learjet 500 and had a blast as Tomas Scheckter dominated the race from start to finish.

Scheckter's second IRL win was impressive as a Chevrolet powered car easily moved through the field and held off the competition for the victory.

The fact the a Chevy power car won the race is an impressive one considering that Chevrolet will be ending their open wheel engine program with the IRL after this season.

Also, After a 13th place finish for Danica Patrick at TMS, one thing became crystal clear as the fans cheered her on until it was clear that she would not be winning the race....

The IRL has Sam Hornish Jr, who finished second in last night's race, currently is third in the IRL Standings after last night race but he's the only American that has consistently won on the circuit....

Dan Wheldon, an Englishman, won the Indy 500 and currently leads the IRL Points Standings.

Tomas Scheckter, Born in Cape Town, South Africa (Free Nelson Mandela!), won the Bombardier Learjet 500 last night.

Other then Hornish Jr, name another American Driver on the circuit other then Danica Patrick......

I can't either, and that's a problem for the IRL, especially when 14 Americans were in the 33 car field at the Indianapolis 500.

Now, switch our focus to NASCAR, where an American is guaranteed to win every week.

The story lines involve drivers that the public possesses a common knowledge.

For example, Hate it of love it, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a last name that will follow him no matter what he does in NASCAR.

Roush Racing has dominated the circuit with Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch winning the last two Nextel Cups.

Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon continue to position themselves to win the Nextel Cup every year.

Clearly, the American motor sports fan can identify their own in NASCAR.

Yet in the IRL, it's a challenge for any of the fans to identify American drivers who aren't Danica Patrick and Sam Hornish Jr.

It's a challenge that should only become more difficult when Hornish Jr. makes his debut in NASCAR in the near future.....

Until Next Time,
Jim Greene

P.S.: Did you guys send Tom Gribble to cover the race?...... It would have been funny for the Monday show to have One South African interview another one....
Also, See if you can spot the 50 Cent reference in this e-mail..... SCOREBOARD!

I did watch this race, and I am sad to report that after further review, I still don’t get open-wheel racing. Too hard to tell which car is which, too hard to pass, too few wrecks, too boring. Sorry.

Now, this from our friend Jeff Bowerman at the Brahmas:

Hi Sports Bob--

Hope things are going well for you at the mighty KTCK.

Our team, the Fort Worth Brahmas, are hosting a series of free summer inline hockey clinics called Blacktop Brahmas. We are conducting 34 free clinics all across Tarrant County this summer.

Here's a link to the schedule of these clinics:

Brahmas Blacktop

I was hoping that perhaps you could post this on your Blog and possibly even mention them in an upcoming Five Minute Major segment on BAD Radio.

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Take care--

Jeff Bowerman
Fort Worth Brahmas

Go Brahmas.

Sad, Pathetic, and Over

Talk about no stomach for the fight. Rest in Peace, Career of Mike Tyson.

Short and Sweet on a Friday

I have very little time this morning, but here is my effort in 10 minutes or less...

Daily Dime Report on Game 1 …

Rangers get swept, look horrible in Philadelphia …But who looks good in Philly, really…

Revo thought Drese decision was easy …

Hold the Ryan Drese conspiracy theories, Sherlock. Quit digging for the "real story" behind the Rangers suddenly dumping their Opening Day starter.

It's really not as complicated as it seems. All you have to do is look closely at the numbers.

Here's your conspiracy theory in a nutshell: 6.46 ERA; 96 hits in 69 2/3 innings; 24 walks, 20 strikeouts.

Absolutely putrid.

Hart said bullpen not an option for Drese …

Dwain Price in San Antonio for the NBA Finals …

With Pocono is this weekend, This writer is taken to task by the legions of Junior Fans ….

Feature on Eklund by ESPN.com …

Liverpool will be allowed to defend its crown! …Yeeeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!

And now, a feature E-Mail about the Rangers Brass:

I could care less if John Hart talks to the Media as long as 162 times a year i can hear from an Important Ranger I'll be happy. I'm tired of the personal feud that's going between the media and the Rangers . As a fan I would rather have the winning / media unfriendly rangers than the media friendly bunch that was losing with zero prospects of winning. Take a poll and ask the real fans do they care more about the winter carnival or the fall classic? It makes you and the rest of the media look bad when you cry about the Rangers’ brass not giving you enough attention. I know you have a job to do, so do they. But can't you wait until they start losing before you get down on them? Business first, fun later.

Reemmy

I hardly believe it to be a personal feud when so many people feel that they are not accountable for their actions to their fans- If the president decided not to speak to the media or public, would people mind? Not to compare World Peace to Baseball, but the president speaks every time there is an event because he must, not because he thinks it is fun- When the Rangers fans pay the bills, hearing from their leader is not too much to ask- He is obligated to be front and center to explain the team’s rulings.

Another Day in Sports Town, USA

I swear, this city never has a dull moment. So, he is your opening day pitcher, and before Father's Day, you basically cut him? Not even a bogus 15 day stint on the Disabled List? I am confused and amazed.

Evan Grant on the Ryan Drese Story …

Fraley confused by it all …

Drese was inconsistent for 12 starts. Poof. The organiza- tion changed its opinion.

The Rangers would be thrilled if another team claims Drese on waivers. If Drese were in the plans, the Rangers would have moved him into a mop-up role. That would give Hershiser more time to get Drese back on track.

If Drese remains in the organization, he will go to the minors on an outright assignment. The Rangers have superb pitching coaches in the system, but they cannot fix a pitcher who knows his team does not want him.

The Rangers have been busy this week with the draft and significant roster moves, but general manager John Hart has been invisible. Is Hart attending to personal business, or is another power struggle under way in Arlington? Those questions arise when the organization's leader remains out of view.

Galloway says its all Buck, all the time …

John Hart speaks (although obviously not to Fraley) …

The Rangers stressed that the move had nothing to do with Drese's dugout altercation with catcher Rod Barajas two weeks ago.

"This had nothing to do with anything but performance," Hart said. "I love Ryan Drese. He's a good kid. He helped us last year. But at some point performance has to come into play. This was unacceptable. He's been in a slump most of the season. There was no other way to make a move."

The news caught Drese's teammates by surprise.

"I had no idea this would happen," Barajas said. "I don't think anybody knew. I'm very surprised."

Added shortstop Michael Young, "We're all kind of caught off guard right now. I don't know what to think. It's probably in our best interests to focus on the game tonight, but at the same time, Ryan has been a teammate for two years. He always worked hard and was extremely competitive. In that sense there is some disappointment."

Arod hits 399 and 400 last night as the Yankees defeat the mighty Brew Crew… Jayson Stark ponders 756 for him …

Oh yeah, the NBA Finals are tonight! Mark Stein is ready to roll …

With Cap agreement, now the big market teams must figure out how to make it work …

If, as now appears increasingly likely, the NHL's club owners and players reach a collective labour agreement that includes a salary cap, teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche would not be expected to be happy with the damage this would inflict on their lineups.

Several sources told The Globe and Mail yesterday that the owners and the National Hockey League Players' Association have agreed to a formula for a salary cap and salary floor based on a percentage of club-by-club revenue.

The cap is said to be $36-million (all figures U.S.) for the 2005-06 season and the floor $22-million to $24-million.

The Leafs, with big-ticket players such as Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan and Ed Belfour, are on the hook next season for a total of $27.1-million for just eight players.

Unless a transitional period or some other relief is negotiated for large-payroll clubs, the Leafs would be looking at having only $9-million left to fill out their 20-man roster. That might mean signing marginal players or persuading the eight players they have under contract to take hefty pay cuts.

Similarly, the Red Wings, with highly paid Nicklas Lidstrom and Curtis Joseph, are committed to $38.2-million for 16 players. They, too, would have to dump payroll or sign low-paid players. Likewise, the Flyers, with John LeClair, Jeremy Roenick and Tony Amonte, have to pay $33.8-million for 13 players.

All of those numbers include the 24-per-cent pay cut offered by the union last December and which is believed to be part of the agreement reached on the salary cap.

Sea Bass into the Hall of Fame …

USA 3, Panama 0 …Despite being denied live TV….

The latest NFL Jersey Sales numbers are in …

Here is the list of the top player jersey sales on NFLshop.com from April 1, 2005 through May 31, 2005:

1. Randy Moss, Oakland
2. Michael Vick, Atlanta
3. Tom Brady, New England
4. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
7. Byron Leftwich, Jacksonville
8. Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay
9. Jeremy Shockey, NY Giants
10. Tiki Barber, NY Giants
11. Mike Alstott, Tampa Bay
12. Alex Smith, San Francisco
13. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland
14. Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota
15. Ronnie Brown, Miami
16. Brett Favre, Green Bay
17. Jake Plummer, Denver
18. Roy Williams, Dallas
19. Curtis Martin, NY Jets
20. Brian Urlacher, Chicago
21. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
22. Ray Lewis, Baltimore
23. Cedric Benson, Chicago
24. Kurt Warner, Arizona
25. David Carr, Houston

Do you know these Tivo Cheats? …

As I approach my 10th wedding anniversary, I ponder the 80th Wedding Anniversary of UK couple …

The Force’s Blog …

Talking Actual Hockey Again?

It has been one year since hockey was last played. But, Perhaps we can now reasonably discuss the sport of hockey, as most involved agree we are on the verge of an agreement it seems. With that in mind, we can ponder the new rules that are being approved to rejuvenate the sport of hockey:

New Rules in Hockey are virtually assured …

''It sounds like most people want a definite outcome - a win or loss - one way or the other,'' Tambellini said during a break on the second day of the three-day NHL research camp Tuesday.

Shootouts would be used to decide a game if it remained tied after a five-minute overtime period.

After watching free-agent junior and college players test on Monday a radical plan by Boston Bruins president Harry Sinden that allows passing from the top of the faceoff circles to anywhere on the ice, and the use of nets four inches (6.5 centimetres) taller and eight inches (20 centimetres) wider than normal, club representatives took in scrimmages Tuesday to test zero tolerance on obstruction fouls and weird-looking nets with arced posts.

The most likely changes in NHL play for the next season are shootouts, smaller goalie equipment and tag-up offsides. Some of the radical stuff being tested is too over the top for many GMs.

I completely agree with the final paragraph. Before we go and completely trick up the game, let’s just add the common sense ideas like the smaller goalie equipment. I really detest the idea of bigger nets. It just seems like adding 20 yards to a football field or 1 foot to the basketball rim. I don’t like it. Don’t do it.

In other random hockey rules talk, I am watching the Dallas Stars Playoff Collection each Saturday on Fox Sports Net . I just got done with Game 3 of the Edmonton series, and if you recall, the Stars won 3-2, with Edmonton getting 2 goals disallowed. One of them was just with Pat Falloon interfering with Ed Belfour, but the other was absurd. Todd Marchant scored from Belfour’s left, and on the far right of the crease, an Edmonton player, who had nothing to do with the play, had his left small toe in the blue. Goal Disallowed. I realize at the time it was the proper call, but that gets my vote as the dumbest rule in the history of sports. Oh well, watching that hockey makes me bitter and miss the good sport of hockey.

Bullpen pours gas on Drese’s fire…Rangers lose …

Drese soon to be in bullpen? …

There are those within the Rangers organization who in recent weeks have broached the possibility of flipping Joaquin Benoit and Ryan Drese.

It has been a topic of discussion within organizational meetings even before Tuesday night. What happened at Citizens Bank Park only served to renew discussions of making Benoit a starter and Drese a reliever -- at least temporarily.

Drese, a 14-game winner last year, may have deserved his Opening Day start against the Los Angeles Angels, but his spot in the rotation is growing tenuous after an 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Eddie Gossage rejoices Danica’s arrival …

FWST Soccer Insider …World Cup Qualifier Tonight:

UNITED STATES AT PANAMA
7:30 tonight, Panama City, Panama
TV: Tape delay: 10:30 p.m. Telemundo; midnight on ESPN2
Records: USA 3-1-0, Panama 0-2-2

Tape Delay? For a World Cup Qualifier????

Rosenhaus – Hero or Villain? …I have an idea…

Heika has fun with hypothetical hockey season …

You didn’t ask for it, but here it is: The NFL Cheerleader Blog …

A very cynical review of Star Wars 3 …

The Popcorn Trick Explained …Now, no more questions…

Gen. Burkhalter, Dead at 97 …

Gay or Not Gay

The Tuesday Blog Without Swagger

I will never feel the same about Efren Herrera. I have no explanation as to why my sports brain failed me so badly yesterday. Today will be better. Please forgive me, sports gods…

Peter Kings gives his Super Bowl …

Sherrington wants Hicks to extend Kenny Rogers …

Question: Who'd have thought Kenny Rogers had another season like last year's in him?

Answer: Not me. Not the Rangers, either, and the difference is that it's not costing me anything.

Of course, it didn't have to come to this. Had Hicks acquiesced, he'd have probably gotten Rogers for another $3 million or so for next year.

And now? He's probably good for twice that, and it'll take a two-year deal to get him signed.

Even a fat contract is no guarantee. As you may know, Rogers is mad at the Rangers for pushing a story that he threatened to retire if he didn't get an extension.

A matter of semantics, probably. You imagine Rogers indicating his options include hanging it up and Hicks taking it as a threat.

Revo on Cordero v. Royals …



Queer Eye Red Sox episode tonight …I am sure the tolerant people of Boston enjoyed the visit to Fenway the other day…

Gosselin Ranks the NFL Teams …Cowboys at #20…

Portis pays 18k for his number finally …

If you love Liverpool, This may bring a tear to your eye …



Cowboys settle lawsuit, ban photographer …

Under terms of the settlement, submitted to a federal district court in Dallas, the Cowboys agreed to pay Walter Smith $275,000 and to cease using the image in any promotion or advertising. Also included in the settlement is a clause that bars Walter Smith from returning to Texas Stadium to take photographs in the future. The team also tried, but failed, to bar him from Dallas Desperados games.

"For the Cowboys to add insult to injury by closing their gates on Walt tarnishes the very star Emmitt Smith was trying to defend," Mr. Davis says. "It's just plain vindictive. If anyone should be angry about what happened, it should be Walt Smith. He's the one whose property was taken and used without permission."

The Winslows vs. Cleveland Media …

How does this happen??? Chicago Marathon measured a mile too long! ...

Rachel encourages you to make sure you don’t have testicular problems…

E-mail:

Bob,

Sorry for the inbox bombardment today, I'm the P1 that played the national anthem at the Rough Riders game on trumpet on Memorial Day.

I also invented this: Skaterski.com …

If you guys wanted to do some whacky Napoleon Dynamite shtick, I'd send you one for free.

Thanks,
Chris Roberts
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I am asking you a favor on behalf of my cousin's son. Please post the following links on BobandDan.net, and see if you can get Cat to post the "Treat Any Soldier" and calling card links on the Ticket home page.

42id.army.mil - official Web site for the 42nd ID

Treatanysoldier.com - send a soldier (or marine, sailor or airman) a care packge.

Click Here to send a soldier (or marine, sailor or airman) a prepaid phone card.

Stay BaD,

Kevbo

Before I say goodbye on this Tuesday, I encourage you to visit a new blog in this world. It is the blog of Ty Walker , (above)…Ticket Ticker dude at night, and a guy who I consider a role model…And girls, he is single…

Fun with Crotch Grabbing

Rogers continues to dominate, Rangers pound the Royals …

Cordero’s gesture excites the Royals bench …

And the Royals pledged to hold a grudge. McEwing told reporters that Cordero's actions were "unprofessional." Kansas City third base coach Luis Silverio said the actions "disrespected the uniform and the game of baseball."

"We will remember this," catcher John Buck said. "We sure will."

Well, I guess now we all have to figure out who John Buck is…

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51 pitchers in the American League have enough starts to qualify for the league lead in Run Support , and before I looked I imagined that Chan Ho Park had to be #1. Well, I was not disappointed. He is easily #1, as #2 (Sidney Ponson is 7.08, almost 2 full runs less per start!) Here are the Rangers Starters in Run Support:

AL Rank/ Name/ Runs Per Start
#1 Chan Ho Park 8.91
#7 Chris Young 6.89
#8 Kenny Rogers 6.59
#16 Ryan Drese 5.78
#46 Pedro Astacio 3.22

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Links:

Larry Allen for Right Tackle? …I feel very cynical about any idea that involves placing more responsibility on the aging legs of LA, but I will reserve the right to wait until Oxnard on this one…

That mysterious Plan B that Cowboys coach Bill Parcells has at right tackle could be a nine-time Pro Bowler already on the roster.

Guard Larry Allen spent a portion of last week's practices, which were closed to the media, working at right tackle, according to several club sources.

Greg Biffle wins again, Gordon bounced early, wars with Tony Stewart during an eventful weekend in Dover...

USA 3, Costa Rica 0 …Landon Donovan was superb…

Don’t look now, but FC Dallas is great. Without Eddie Johnson, Carlos Ruiz, Mulrooney, and a few others, they pound RSL on the road with many reserves …by the way, I might buy stock in Arturo Alvarez who appears to be quite a talent…


Tyson says life has been a waste …I disagree, he has really been entertaining, and that is not a waste…

"I'll never be happy," he says. "I believe I'll die alone. I would want it that way. I've been a loner all my life with my secrets and my pain. I'm really lost, but I'm trying to find myself.

"I'm really a sad, pathetic case."

The divorced father of six is blunt, gregarious, funny, vulgar, outrageous, sad, angry, bitter and, at times, introspective about the opportunities he squandered over the last two decades. He discusses his drug use ("The weed got me"), lack of self-esteem and sexual addiction.

"My whole life has been a waste — I've been a failure," he says.

"I just want to escape. I'm really embarrassed with myself and my life. I want to be a missionary. I think I could do that while keeping my dignity without letting people know they chased me out of the country. I want to get this part of my life over as soon as possible. In this country, nothing good is going to come of me. I'm so stigmatized, there is no way I can elevate myself.

Speaking of boxing, Kendall Gill is now a boxer …I kid you not…

Kris Jenkins with a word or two on Warren Sapp …

“I hate him. Everybody says I’m supposed to be polite when I talk to you all, but I hate him,” Jenkins said. “He talks too much, he doesn’t make sense, he’s fat, he’s sloppy, he acts like he’s the best thing since sliced bread. He’s ugly, he stinks, his mouth stinks, his breath stinks, and basically his soul stinks, too.

“Not too many people have personalities like that and survive in life. I don’t know how he does it.”

Do you think John Danks and Thomas Diamond are untouchable? Adam Morris breaks down the issue very well …

Anna Benson back at it again …

Raul to Liverpool? …

Celebrities Eating …Oddly addicting…

Look who Stetson signed …Alright, Alright, Alright…