MLB FanHouse

Josh Hamilton to Take on 71-Year Old Man

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB All-Star Game

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton may have taken the former #1 pick with all the potential in the world but got involved with drugs before dropping out of baseball and re-emerging with the Reds before being traded to the Rangers and becoming a Triple Crown and MVP candidate road that we've all seen a million times before (holy run-on sentences, Batman), but that doesn't mean he doesn't do anything out of the ordinary from time to time.

Hamilton made it official yesterday when he announced that he would be participating in the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium over the All-Star break, but in a touching twist, he'll be bringing along an old friend with him.

Hamilton said he's asked Clay Council, a 71-year-old longtime American Legion and high school coach from North Carolina, to pitch to him.

"He's hit me hard over the years, but he's done that with most people," Council said. "He told me he'd bring me years ago if he was in the derby. I'm excited to do this."

Council said he's been to Yankee Stadium one other time, to see Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

You know, the more I read about Hamilton, the more I root for him. How Hallmark hasn't made a movie of the week about his life yet, I have no idea.

Josh Hamilton to Take on 71-Year Old Man originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sidney Ponson: Too Crazy For Milton Bradley

Eamonn Brennan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL Central, MLB Gossip

Milton Bradley is crazy, but in a sympathetic way. Like, he just has a temper. Lots of us have tempers. Not all of us have to restrain ourselves because we do our jobs in front of thousands of people every night. Still, the fact remains: Milton Bradley is kind of crazy.

But even he scoffs at the ball of round mound of unbound (thank you!) that is Sidney Ponson (via BBTF):

Bradley was quoted last month as saying of Ponson: "Man, that dude has some issues." Bradley took issue with that yesterday, saying he'd said only that Ponson had issues while he was a Ranger and that the two said hello before Monday night's game at the Stadium.

Bradley sort of reversed that yesterday, saying he didn't think Ponson was a bad guy. Either way, the damage is done. If Milton Bradley thinks you need to figure some things out, something is seriously wrong.

Sidney Ponson: Too Crazy For Milton Bradley originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Josh Hamilton Has Knee Inflammation

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Injuries

Tuesday didn't start out very well for the Texas Rangers on the injury front. Early in the day they found out that Hank Blalock, who they'd been hoping to bring off of the disabled list to use on Tuesday, bruised his hand while diving for a ball at Triple-A Oklahoma and his return to the team will be delayed another day or two because of it. A couple of days isn't that big of a deal though, I mean, at least Hank's not going to be out another 4-6 weeks with a pulled hamstring like catcher Gerald Laird is going to be.

Now, the Rangers could have stopped with the injuries right there, but you know how things are down in Texas. Everything has to be bigger, or they have to have more, so on Tuesday night the Rangers didn't stop hurting themselves. Josh Hamilton had to leave the game in the fifth inning a couple of innings after making a diving catch, and now he's day-to-day with knee inflammation.

The Rangers aren't planning on putting Hamilton on the disabled list or anything, instead hoping that a couple of days off will take care of it, but it should be pointed out that it's the same knee Hamilton had arthroscopic surgery on back in 2006. This may be a good thing for Hamilton seeing as how his batting average has been on the decline in June, so maybe the rest will do him some good.

Though considering the latest injuries to Blalock and Laird, along with the fact Milton Bradley's missed the last six games with a sore quad, I don't think the Rangers will want Josh resting too long.

Josh Hamilton Has Knee Inflammation originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On Deck: Cream of the Crop

Mullet — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, Red Sox, Rangers, Mets, Phillies, Reds, Cardinals, Cincinnati, St. Louis

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Philadelphia Phillies (41-29) at St. Louis Cardinals (41-29) - 2:15 PM ET

Sometimes the best matchup of the day is so obvious that it smacks you in the face. The Phils and Cards are that matchup. Sure, it helps when it's at the top of the scoreboard because it's the only N.L. game of the bunch. But with both teams being 41-29 (the Phillies are four games in first place yet the Cardinals are three and a half behind first if you can believe that), and with the series going the way it is (the Phillies winning 20-2 the first game while the Cardinals come back to win a pitcher's duel one day later), this is definitely the game of the day. It's the game of the day even if today's starter Brett Myers has stunk up the joint this season.

Texas Rangers (34-35) at New York Mets (32-34) - 1:10 PM ET Doubleheader

Two games are always better than one, so this twinbill makes the cut. And it will be interesting to see how tired some of the Rangers will be after using the tarp as a slip n' slide during Saturday night's rainout. But the big question continues to be the day-to-day job status of Willie Randolph. If the Mets somehow get swept by the Rangers in today's DH, will Randolph even make the roadtrip to Anaheim and Colorado? As ridiculous as a day to day re-evaluation of someone's job seems, that's life in the big city.

Boston Red Sox (43-28) at Cincinnati Reds (33-37) - 1:15 PM ET

Other than the pitching duel between Josh Beckett and Homer Bailey, I want to see if any players demand that any home run balls that Ken Griffey Jr. may hit today be returned to Griffey for free. Most likely, nobody will care about these baseballs, but some are suggesting the guy who caught Griffey's 600th "do the right thing" and give the ball to Griffey, including Marlins outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Because heaven forbid anybody else besides players and owners make money off baseball. Tell you what: when a player listens to a fan who asks him to fore go extra millions to stay in the city he's been playing in instead of going to a new town as a free agent, then I'll expect fans to give away milestone home run balls to the players who hit them. Until then ...

Everyone else:

Dodgers at Tigers 1:05 ET
Padres at Indians 1:05 ET
Cubs at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Pirates at Orioles 1:35 ET
Marlins at Rays 1:40 ET
Twins at Brewers 2:05 ET
Yankees at Astros 2:05 ET
Rockies at White Sox 2:05 ET
Athletics at Giants 4:05 ET
Royals at Diamondbacks 4:10 ET
Nationals at Mariners 4:10 ET
Braves at Angels 8:05 ET

On Deck: Cream of the Crop originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Astros Players Campaign for Sidney Ponson

Matt Watson — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Houston, Rangers, Astros, AL West, NL Central, MLB Rumors

Good pitching is hard to come by these days -- and if you're the Rangers, merely adequate pitching is just as rare. Nevertheless, GM Jon Daniels considered Sidney Ponson such a distraction that not even Ponson's 3.88 ERA could save him from being released. That should set off a few red flags, no? Apparently not in Houston. From Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle:

[A] few Astros players asked me to strongly encourage the Astros to sign Ponson. I don't usually like to do the players' bidding, but heck, I need a blog entry. So here we go.

"We need that guy," one friend of Ponson's said. "We could use him. He's a good teammate."

Would you mind if the Astros signed Ponson? Keep in mind that he must have really, really screwed up for the Rangers to designate him for assignment. [...] But if Ed Wade or Drayton McLane or Cecil Cooper polled their clubhouse, they'd find some guys who would offer huge endorsements for Ponson as a player, a competitor and even as a person.

Yes, that's right: "Ponson" and "good teammate" were used in the same sentence, and apparently not in an ironic manner. Is he worth the risk?

Considering Daniels was tight-lipped in regards to what specifically led to Ponson's dismissal -- the explanation that Ponson "had disrespectful and adverse reactions to situations that were unbecoming of a teammate" could mean just about anything -- all I can go by is Ponson's actual performance.

Hiding behind that 3.88 ERA are some unsightly indicators, namely, his 1.56 WHIP and .307 batting average allowed. The guy's been hit hard this year, he's just had some uncanny luck in keeping all those base-runners from crossing home plate. Daniels can say he let Ponson for being a bad teammate, but he probably also suspects that Ponson's been a ticking time bomb who's likely to explode any day know. It's like blackjack: the longer you play, the more likely the house takes your money. But cutting him loose after a nice run means walking away with a profit.

Astros Players Campaign for Sidney Ponson originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The Dugout: Sidney Ponson's Next Move

Jon Bois — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:17:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, The Dugout, MLB Transactions

Professional fat man Sidney Ponson somehow possesses a 4-1 record with a 3.88 ERA this season. So why did the Rangers, a team so desperate for pitching that it signed him in the first place, let him loose?

The team is citing chemistry issues. As Mr. Lackey pointed out, it was easy to see this coming, but it's just as easy for me to predict that he'll be on another major-league roster within a month.

Sidney Ponson is horrible.

Today's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	OnlineHost Ron Washington and Nolan Ryan have entered the Rangers' clubhouse.
	NolanOnTheRiver: Ohhh Lordy.
	BoomBoomWashington: /examines severed leg It's Ponson. I know it.
	NolanOnTheRiver: I figured a severed Sidney Ponson leg would have more fat an' gristle droolin' out of it.
	BoomBoomWashington: No, no, this is Saltalamacchia's leg. I mean this is clearly the work of Sidney Ponson.
	NolanOnTheRiver: This ain't good for the team. We can't have fellas gnawin' at each other like this. We gotta cut him.
	BoomBoomWashington: But his ERA's under 4. We don't have any other starters with an ERA under 14. How are we going to explain this to the press?
	NolanOnTheRiver: They don't need to know. You don't tell them nothin'.
	NolanOnTheRiver: Just get that son of a bitch off my team. Make sure that hungry bastard never sees another human face s'long as he's suckin' air.
	BoomBoomWashington: I'm on it.
	OnlineHost The next day, somewhere in the remote American Midwest...
	OnlineHost A large crate, fastened to a helicopter, is released and sent falling to the ground.
	OnlineHost The crate crashes to the Earth amidst a dense wood. Birds scatter. For a moment, all is silent.
	Ponson1LegAtATime: /tears planks out of side of crate /staggers out /drops to all fours, sniffs ground
	Ponson1LegAtATime: /cocks head ROOOOOOOOOAAAAR
	OnlineHost The forest seems to tremble with fear. Birds and squirrels fall lifelessly from the trees, their corpses plopping against the Earth like a hellish rain.
	Ponson1LegAtATime: hisssss
	OnlineHost Sidney Ponson feasts.
	OnlineHost Weeks pass. Ponson wanders about, laying waste the land he traverses.
	OnlineHost Reports surface of ranchers and farmers spotting a large silhouette in the distance, shrieking, feasting upon raw flesh, alternating between two legs and four. Local authorities dismiss the reports as myth.
	OnlineHost Finally, in July...
	TreyHillMix: /drives town car through winding dirt road /stops in front of log cabin, steps out
	boy: /runs out to car Mr. Trey? Are you Mr. Trey?
	TreyHillMix: Yessir, young man. I got here as soon as I heard.
	boy: Ya want I should fetch Paw? Paw's out fixin' the thresher with Uncle Samuel.
	TreyHillMix: No, no. I'd prefer that we keep this a secret.
	boy: Okay then, c'mon! I'll show ya!
	OnlineHost The man and boy visit a well.
	boy: I found'm in here! Me an' Joey, m'cousin Joey, were playin', and we hear a powr'ful loud noise comin' from the well, and he says it's a monster but I don't believe'm!
	TreyHillMix: Oh, don't be silly. No such thing as monsters. /peers down well
	Ponson1LegAtATime: /gnashes teeth
	TreyHillMix: /pulls contract and pen out of jacket, places in bucket Lower the bucket down, will you, son?
	boy: Y-yessir! /slowly turns crank
	OnlineHost The rope slackens. All is silent for a moment.
	Ponson1LegAtATime: rrr rrrraaa
	Ponson1LegAtATime: rrrrraaaaa rraaaabbbb RRRABBBITTTTT RABBBIIIIIIIITTTTTTTT
	TreyHillMix: Rabbit. He's saying rabbit.
	boy: M'folks keep rabbits! We bring 'em to the fair each August!
	TreyHillMix: Please bring me one.
	boy: Yessir!
	boy: /returns with rabbit, places in bucket /slowly turns crank
	TreyHillMix: /waits It sure has gotten cloudy in a hurry.
	boy: M'maw always said to me that rain's th'Lord God's way a' cleansin' the Earth! Like a baptism or a footwashin'!
	TreyHillMix: The Lord will soon be angry with me. But once my pitching staff has a solid back-end, the Lord will once again call me a servant.
	OnlineHost A tug at the rope.
	TreyHillMix: Bring it up. Bring it up!
	boy: /turns crank
	TreyHillMix: /retrieves contract from bucket
	OnlineHost The paper is covered with a blood-red print of an outstretched hand, flecked with fur.
	TreyHillMix: /presses "notary public" stamp in corner
	TreyHillMix: Son, you've done well. How's about a dollar?
	boy: A dollar! Thanks mister! I'm gonna take this to Old Waldman's and buy some rope candy!
	TreyHillMix: /tips cap There's a good boy.
	OnlineHost The boy has left the chat room.
	TreyHillMix: /yells down well You have been reborn! Come up, you monster, you fool!
	Ponson1LegAtATime: /slowly clambers the rock walls of the well, human femur in mouth
	TreyHillMix: /grins

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty, Creative Commons

The Dugout: Sidney Ponson's Next Move originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On Deck: Angelic

Mullet — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia, Rays, Angels, Athletics, Rangers, Braves, Phillies, Anaheim, Tampa Bay

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (38-24) at Oakland Athletics (33-28) - 9:05 PM ET

Not that your L.A. Angels of A. were in any real trouble anyway with Vladimir Guerrero and Scot Shields suffering nagging injuries. But even through that, the Angels have won their last six games, and did so with Guerrero back in the lineup last night (Shields seems to be on his way back soon) in their 3-1 win over Oakland, who's now four and a half games back of the Halos in the A.L. West.

Oakland's been just as hot, following up a four game losing streak by winning four in a row before last night's loss. But the way the Angels have been going, the swingin' A's had better do some swinging before the Angels make a mockery of this division.

Tampa Bay Rays (36-25) at Texas Rangers (31-32) - 8:05 PM ET

The Rays dropped a 12 spot on the Rangers last night, meaning they dramatically dropped the amount of swings and misses that they had in the previous night's brawl against the Red Sox. The next few games will tell a bit about their character as they shuffle through some suspensions, but they'll be staggered so the Rays aren't going to lose everybody at once. As for the Rangers, they've only lost Sidney Ponson, who was designated for assignment for being a general pain in the posterior.

Philadelphia Phillies (37-26) at Atlanta Braves (32-30) - 7:10 PM ET

Teams that hope to have successful seasons need wins like the Phillies had last night ... wins where they take advantage of ninth inning errors to tie the game, take the lead in the tenth inning thanks to guys like Shane Victorino, and then come up with defensive plays that may or may not be made by Victorino where the tying run gets thrown out at the plate by mere inches. Yeah, that's what potential champions do. And the Phillies who are proving themselves to be potential champions, get another crack at the Atlanta Braves tonight.

Everyone else:

Royals at Yankees 1:05 ET
Orioles at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Cubs at Dodgers 3:55 ET
Mariners at Red Sox 3:55 ET
Indians at Tigers 3:55 ET
Diamondbacks at Pirates 7:05 ET
Cardinals at Astros 7:05 ET
Twins at White Sox 7:05 ET
Giants at Nationals 7:10 ET
Reds at Marlins 7:10 ET
Brewers at Rockies 8:05 ET
Mets at Padres 10:05 ET

On Deck: Angelic originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sidney Ponson Cut by the Rangers for Nebulous Reasons

Pat Lackey — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:12:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West

Through nine starts this year, Sidney Ponson was cruising with a 3.88 ERA and a nice little 4-1 record. I'm not a Rangers fan, but I can imagine that they probably considered that start to be way too good to be true. That's exactly what it was. Today the Rangers cut Ponson, despite his great start with the team. This is what John Daniels had to tell the Dallas Morning News:

"He had disrespectful and adverse reactions to situations that were unbecoming of a teammate," Daniels said. "We want guys who want to be here. We're trying to put together a team here, and based on some comments and reactions, he didn't want to be part of that. That's not something we're going to tolerate."

Wait ... the guy who once punched an Aruban judge and has a history of DUIs isn't a great teammate? What did Jon Daniels expect? Apparently this dispute is over his pitching schedule, though the situation has been boiling for a while. It all seems mindlessly inane for everyone involved but since we're talking about both Sidney Ponson and the Texas Rangers, I guess mindlessly inane is par for the course. The official roster move here is a DFA, which means the Rangers have ten days to trade or release him. I'm guessing there won't be a lot of willing trade partners for this one.

Tip o' the cap to fellow 'Hauser Bruce Ciskie on this one.

Sidney Ponson Cut by the Rangers for Nebulous Reasons originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Josh Hamilton Will Get His Money Eventually

Mullet — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Biz

We've been wondering where all the long term contracts have gone lately. After Hanley Ramirez signed on the dotted line, there didn't seem to be a lot left to go around. But one guy who may hit that jackpot is Josh Hamilton. It seemed like an impossible dream just a few short years ago with Hamilton's career and life in a downward spiral, so his turnaround and the start to his season culminating in a huge deal is one of baseball's great stories.

But according to SI.com's Jon Heyman, it may not happen so quickly:

Josh Hamilton's negotiations for a long-term deal may be held up a little by his decision to switch agents during negotiations that appeared to be progressing. Hamilton, a born-again Christian after returning from bouts with his drug addiction, explained to friends that he wanted to be with a Christian stable, so he switched agents from Matt Sosnick to Michael Moye as he seemed to be closing in on a long contract.

Unless Hamilton ruptures an achilles or tears an ACL in the week or so that it takes for the logistics of switching agents, this shouldn't make too much of a big deal. But the interesting tidbit is that Moye also represents Josh Beckett ... and Beckett was being dangled to the Rangers right before his trade to Boston, so if there's a feeling from the Rangers that Moye used the Rangers to drive up the price of a trade before turning to Boston, then there could be a problem. But that was two and a half years ago, and surely I'm reaching ... and just as surely the Rangers must understand that these kind of things happen all the time, right?

So yeah, smart money's on this thing getting done.

Josh Hamilton Will Get His Money Eventually originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Vicente Padilla Returns to Nicaragua Due to a 'Personal Family Matter'

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Gossip

As I mentioned earlier this morning, the Rangers had a very strong month of May and are starting to look like a team that the Angels should start paying attention to out west. The problem in Arlington right now is that though May went very well, June is already off to a bad start.

First the team finds out that they're going to be without Hank Blalock for a month thanks to wrist surgery, and now they've learned they're going to be without the ace of their staff for at least one start.

Texas right-hander Vicente Padilla left the team on Sunday, returning to his native Nicaragua to attend to what manager Ron Washington termed "a family personal matter."

Padilla was scheduled to start Monday night for the Rangers against the Cleveland Indians. Washington said rookie Doug Mathis will be moved up a day in the rotation to replace Padilla.

The Rangers wouldn't comment on what the family matter was, so I've no idea how serious the situation is or how long Padilla will be gone. There could have been a death in the family, someone may be sick, or perhaps somebody has been kidnapped. Whatever's going on, I hope everybody in Padilla's family is safe.

If Vicente is gone for a while, the Rangers plan on calling up A.J. Murray from Oklahoma to take his spot in the rotation.

Vicente Padilla Returns to Nicaragua Due to a 'Personal Family Matter' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Hank Blalock Out Four More Weeks

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Injuries

The Texas Rangers put the finishing touches on a strong month of May by beating Oakland 8-4 on Saturday. The victory gave the Rangers a record of 19-10 in May (after going 10-18 in April), moved them over .500, and they're now only a half-game out of second place and four behind the Angels for the division lead.

They had also been hoping to get Hank Blalock back soon, and they were planning to have him play first base, which would have been a nice boost for the American League's most potent offense. Unfortunately, they're going to have to wait until July for Hank's return after he had wrist surgery this weekend.

Former All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock had surgery Friday on his right wrist and will be sidelined for at least another month.

Blalock has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 29 due to a torn hamstring. He recovered from that injury, then experienced wrist soreness due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

A cortisone injection earlier in the week failed to reduce swelling in the wrist. Hand specialist Dr. Tom Diliberti then operated.

While being without Blalock for another month isn't great news for Texas, it's not the worst thing in the world either. After all, Hank didn't play in a single game during the month of May, and the Rangers played pretty well without him.

Hank Blalock Out Four More Weeks originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Josh Hamilton and Rangers Talking Long-Term

Tom Fornelli — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Rumors

This has been a season of surprises so far in Major League Baseball. From the first place Marlins all the way to the last place Padres. There are also a few players off to unexpected starts to the season, and one of them would be the Rangers Josh Hamilton. By now you all know the story of Hamiltion. A #1 pick by Tampa Bay that failed to reach his potential due to a battle with drugs, who was then traded to Cincinnati last season where he rejuvenated his career before getting hurt.

Then during this offseason, the Reds traded Hamilton to the Rangers for Edinson Volquez. Hamilton picked up right where he left off last season, and if the season were to end right now, he may be named AL MVP (though if I had a vote, and I don't, I'd give it to Carlos Quentin because the White Sox are in first and I'm an unrepentant homer). He's hitting .335/.377/.611 and leads the AL with 12 home runs and all of baseball with 53 RBI, and looks like a real threat to win the Triple Crown. It's the kind of season that would make a team want to sign a guy to a long-term deal, as is all the rage these days for young stars, and that's exactly what the Rangers are hoping to do with Josh.

In the wake of several recent deals, the Rangers have started exploring the possibility with Josh Hamilton. Hamilton, who has one year and nearly two months of major league service time, is at the forefront of the AL Triple Crown chase.

"What's meant to happen is going to happen," Hamilton said after acknowledging some conversation. "The more I read the Bible, the more I realize it doesn't make any sense to worry. I'm not going to be able to add one day to my life by worrying. I know God will provide for my family."

I'm not sure if Josh will get a deal as large as the one Ryan Braun just got, not because he doesn't deserve it, but because he's older (27) and there is that whole issue of his past. While it appears that Josh has worked through the addictions that cost him a few years of his career, addicts are always addicts, and there will always be the possibility he may relapse. It might not seem fair, but it's something the Rangers need to keep in mind before investing a lot of money in him.

Josh Hamilton and Rangers Talking Long-Term originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 24 May 2008 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Hank Blalock Will be Crossing the Diamond

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Gossip

When Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock went on the disabled list back on April 29th, not much was going right in Arlington. The Rangers were 9-18 in last place of the AL West, there were rumors beginning to swirl that manager Ron Washington was on the verge of losing his job, and Blalock's injury was just another indicator that it was going to be a long season for the Rangers.

Then the Rangers won 13 of their next 18 games without Blalock to improve to 22-23, and are now only 3.5 games out of first place. Having a front row seat for those games, Hank saw first hand the improved play and chemistry his team was showing, and he doesn't want to mess it up. That's why when he returns from the DL, he'll be playing first base.

The two-time All-Star third baseman figured the best way to help a lineup that has clicked in his absence was to switch to first base, where production has been a problem for the Rangers since Mark Teixeira's departure last July. So Blalock made the suggestion to Ron Washington on Friday, and general manager Jon Daniels agreed it was a good idea.

"I'm not doing anything to benefit myself here," Blalock said. "It's a new position for me, so I'm not sure how I'll do over there. Just watching the guys and how well we were playing, it crossed my mind."

In all likelihood, this is a move that should work out for the Rangers. The production the team has gotten from it's first baseman this season, after trading Mark Teixeira last year, has been pretty non-existent. Meanwhile, Ramon Vazquez and German Duran have done a pretty good job filling in for Blalock at third.

There's some question as to how Blalock will adjust to first base after never playing there in his career, but if you can play third base in the Majors, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to play first. A week or so down in extended spring training should be enough for Hank to feel somewhat comfortable.

I don't think he's going to be a gold glover like Teixeira was, but he'll be good enough.

Hank Blalock Will be Crossing the Diamond originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tony Romo Gets Booed, Shows He Can't Sing

Michael David Smith — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:50:00 EST

Filed under: Bears, Chicago, Dallas, Cubs, NL Central

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field Sunday before the Cubs-Diamondbacks game, and he was roundly booed. Then he sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and got booed some more.

The combination of his horrendous singing and the fact that he's not very popular in Chicago after his 329-yard game against the Bears last year got him booed as loudly as any visiting player at Wrigley Field.

Romo grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, 75 miles from Chicago, and he played at Eastern Illinois, and he's apparently a Cubs fan. But really, it's probably not the best idea to bring in football players for teams other than the Bears. Was there any doubt that they'd boo him?

Also: His singing voice is terrible. Jessica Simpson might want to work with him on that.

Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson

See photos of Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson

Tony and Jessica

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo throws out the first pitch before a Chicago Cubs game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 11. Romo also sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

Nam Y. Huh, AP

Romo and girlfriend Jessica Simpson celebrate Romo's 28th birthday with a kiss at a Dallas nightclub in April.

Robert Hart, ZUMA Press

The NFL quarterback and singer, seen here enjoying Romo's birthday cake, first started dating in November.

Robert Hart/ZUMA Press

Romo and Simpson cheer a three-point shot by the Dallas Mavericks in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in March.

Ron Jenkins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT

Simpson and Romo clown around at a wedding party for Dallas teammate Bobby Carpenter in March.

X17online.com

Photographers catch a shy Romo and smiling Simpson in New York City in March.

James Devaney, WireImage.com

Simpson and Romo make their way through Los Angeles International Airport in March.

X17online.com

Jessica Simpson with Tony Romo arrive at a Hollywood restaurant a few weeks after Romo's Cowboys were bounced from the NFL Playoffs in January.

X17online.com

Simpson was widely criticized when the Cowboys season fell apart. Many felt the entertainer distracted the quarterback from his duties.

Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News/ZUMA Press

Tony Romo Gets Booed, Shows He Can't Sing originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 May 2008 22:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Mountain Sized Richie Sexson Makes Molehill Out of Kason Gabbard

Mullet — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Seattle, Mariners, Rangers, AL West, MLB Video

Let's set the scene for those who don't stay up all hours watching west coast baseball: Felix Hernandez comes inside and plunks Ian Kinsler on the shoulder in the fourth inning of the Rangers' tilt with the Mariners. This came after Kinsler took King Felix deep in the second inning, so of course, tensions are going to be a little high after that.

Bottom of the frame, Kason Gabbard takes the mound for the Rangers and retires the first two hitters he faces. Then he throws a pitch eye-high, but not so tight at Richie Sexson. Sexson then immediately charges Gabbard, throws his helmet right at his back, and triggers an all out melee:

Sexson said he fully expected to get hit, given what had transpired and the fact that there were two out with the bases empty, but it was the location that angered him.

"I know the situation there, and he should throw below the shoulder," Sexson said. "But the face? No one should do that ... Throwing the helmet was not good. I know that's not the right way to do it, but at that time I lost it."

Texas manager Ron Washington, not surprisingly, was not happy.

"We got two hitters hit, and if you go look at that replay, Gabbard was nowhere near Sexson's head," Washington said. "I guess he was just frustrated and things got out of control. ... Sexson overreacted. If we'd have wanted to hit him, we'd have hit him ... I thought (throwing the helmet) was (expletive). How tall is he, 6-feet-13? And you go run out there on a little guy and throw a helmet. That's just frustration. The guy is a competitor and he got frustrated."

Rangers broadcaster Tom Grieve proceeded to unload on Sexson during the Rangers broadcast ... highlights of which come after the jump:

Tom Grieve, who is a Rangers homer but calls 'em like he sees 'em, just unloaded on Sexson after the umps restored order. Grieve pointed out that: 1) the pitch was nowhere close to Sexson; 2) the helmet throw is bad form; 3) Seattle's Felix Hernandez had drilled two Rangers; 4) the Mariners are clearly a frustrated team getting their butts kicked by the Rangers (my words: another bad team); 5) Gabbard could have thrown at two good hitters this inning if he wanted revenge for Laird and Ian Kinsler getting plunked.

Grieve called for Sexson to be suspended for at least a week and summed up his feelings with this gem: "That is a gutless, 6-foot-7, .200-hitting, formerly good player. What a joke!"

The best point of the bunch was the last one: If Gabbard was really throwing at Sexson, why not take his shots at ~~Gerald Laird~~ Raul Ibanez (whoops) or Adrian Beltre to start the inning? Why would Sexson believe that Gabbard was waiting for a .209 hitter like himself? Someone obviously has a high opinion of himself. And not to mention that Sexson was crowding the plate, pretty much daring to get hit. And while no, nobody should throw at another man's head in a baseball game, the pitch that Sexson had a problem with was over the plane of the plate! But Richie had it in his mind before the at-bat that Gabbard was going to come after him ... how else could you explain the immediate reaction of Sexson to charge the mound?

Not to mention that Sexson didn't justify his cause very well when he admitted that there was some peripheral frustration going on:

"I'm sure it all came to a head right there," Sexson said. "It's no secret we haven't scored any runs for a while. It's no secret we haven't lived up to our potential for a while."

Sounds like someone could not only use more BP, but perhaps some therapy too. Poor baby.

Here's some video of the brawl, which includes some of Grieve's comments. Judge for yourself ... but hurry before MLB takes it down.

Mountain Sized Richie Sexson Makes Molehill Out of Kason Gabbard originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sir Sidney Is Here To Save The Rangers

Tom Fornelli — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West

When the Rangers signed Sidney Ponson to a minor-league deal in the spring, I thought it was a good fit for the organization and for Ponson. The Rangers are forever in need of pitching, and Ponson fit the mold of mediocre starter that the team seems to covet so much.

While I figured it would only be a matter of time before Ponson was pitching in a Rangers uniform, I sure as hell wasn't expecting him to pitch as well as he has been (though apparently not well enough for Getty to have a picture of him as a Ranger). After holding the Mariners to one run in seven innings on Tuesday, Ponson improved to 2-0 in three starts this season, and has an ERA of 1.33. In fact, he hasn't allowed more than one run in any of this three starts.

So far Sir Sidney is using all his pitches well, and locating them, which is leading to a lot of ground balls and easy outs. He even seems to be having a positive effect on the Rangers pitching staff as a whole, as the team has gone 7-4 in the eleven games since he joined them. Eleven games in which Texas has allowed four or fewer runs seven times, and have two shutouts.

The Rangers have also gotten out of last place in the AL West. Now three starts does not exactly a season make, and Sidney may give up 8 runs in his next start, and the Rangers may lose their next five, but if they are going to turn the corner, they have to start somewhere. Who would have thought it would be Ponson getting them started?

Sir Sidney Is Here To Save The Rangers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

On Deck: Yovani Faces a Firestorm

Mullet — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Dallas, Orioles, Rays, Royals, Rangers, Cubs, Brewers, Baltimore, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Milwaukee Brewers (15-12) at Chicago Cubs (17-10) - 2:20 PM ET

So I'm flipping around my MLB extra innings package late last night and I see that they're still playing baseball in Chicago ... and I have to squint because the number on the screen can't be right: 19 runs? Really? The Cubs put up 19 against the Brewers? Alas, it was true. It shouldn't be that surprising. The Cubs were 13th in baseball in batting average last season and 18th in runs. This season, thanks in part to the acquisition of Kosuke Fukudome, and in part to the Cubs dedication to taking more pitches, they were second in both categories before last night's 19 run shenanigans.

The Brewers haven't been hitting as well this season, but they did win the first game of this series in Wrigley 10-7. So who better to calm down all this offense than Yovani Gallardo, who was injured to start the season but has a 0.64 ERA in his first two starts this season, and Carlos Zambrano, who's 4-1 so far with a 2.21 ERA? Maybe the wind will blow in too.

Kansas City Royals (12-15) at Texas Rangers (10-18) - 2:05 PM ET

The records may not tell you that this is one of the most intriguing matchups of the day, but the pitching matchup sure intrigues me. First off, it can't be overstated what a great story Zack Greinke is. Greinke missed pretty much all of 2006 season because of a bout with social anxiety disorder. My guess is that for someone who is in a profession where as many as 60,000 people could be watching him live, that's one of the worst things you could have. But not only has he seemingly worked through these issues (or is at least managing it well), he's having a great start to the '08 season at 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA.

And the other side of the pitching matchup intrigues me as well ... I will be interested to see how many runs Sidney Ponson can give up in the hitters haven known as Ameriquest Field.

Tampa Bay Rays (15-12) at Baltimore Orioles (15-12) - 12:35 PM ET

Matt Garza was the big fish that the Rays got back in the Delmon Young trade over the offseason. Garza, Scott Kazmir, and James Shields were supposed to be Tampa's big three ... finally, a fireballing pitching staff to go along with a nice lineup. Shields has been great this season, but for the other two, not so much. Garza has had to deal with getting bombed to start the season, and then a nerve injury to his pitching arm. With Kazmir coming back from his own injury this Sunday, today's start for Garza could be an audition to remain in the rotation.

Everyone Else:

Dodgers at Marlins 12:10 ET
Padres at Phillies 7:05 ET
Mariners at Indians 7:05 ET
Tigers at Yankees 7:05 ET
Blue Jays at Red Sox 7:05 ET
Pirates at Nationals 7:10 ET
Athletics at Angels 10:05 ET

On Deck: Yovani Faces a Firestorm originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Royals Players Might Be Beefing with Radio Hosts that Called Wives 'Stupid B-----s'

Will Brinson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Royals, Rangers, AL Central, AL West, MLB Gossip, MLB Media Watch, Kansas City

Apparently Alex Gordon has some serious beef with a pair of Texas radio show hosts, according to the KC Star; Brooks postulates that the two gentlemen in question are "afternoon hosts Mike Rhyner and Corby Davidson (though we might be wrong, Flanagan doesn't name them)".

Apparently, the two radio show hosts in question crossed the line in Spring Training when interviewing the wives of Gordon and Luke Hochevar. And because no direct apology has been issued, Gordon could still a little fired up about the possibility of running into the hosts.

The seemingly harmless interview took a nasty turn when Jamie was asked whether she knew who Yoko Ono was. When she said she did not, someone back in the booth or at the station hit a "drop" button that spewed the words "stupid b...." over the air. The same drop button was hit again moments later after Jamie answered another question.

Then later in the interview, one of the show's hosts made crude innuendos about Jamie and Ashley, urging his interviewer to "try and get them to kiss."
Royals upper management got wind of the interview and was furious, as was Gordon. Royals vice president of communications Mike Swanson demanded an apology from the station and the hosts.

Now, technically, that's not anyone actually calling the ladies in question the b-word. But it might actually be worse when you think about it -- instead of some Imus-like gut reaction to something, this was a premeditated load of a clip with the intention of it being used as "humorous" commentary.

Now the Royals are apparently more concerned about Gordon not running into the pair of hosts while in Texas. And frankly, I don't blame them. He still hasn't gotten a direct apology from the hosts, and he's got a pretty good reason to be fired up.

Royals Players Might Be Beefing with Radio Hosts that Called Wives 'Stupid B-----s' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Hank Blalock Hits the DL With Hamstring Tear

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Injuries

I wrote yesterday that Hank Blalock would be undergoing an MRI on Monday to take a look at his hamstring. I also said that no matter what the results of the MRI were, Blalock would probably end up spending some time on the disabled list because teams generally prefer to take the cautious route when it comes to hamstring injuries, and want to ensure the injury has time to heal.

Well, Blalock has been placed on the disabled list, but not just for cautionary reasons as the MRI results showed a small tear in the hamstring.

Blalock is expected to miss three to four weeks with a small tear in his left hamstring muscle. Blalock, who was hitting .299 with two home runs and seven RBIs, injured himself running out a double in the 10th inning of Friday's 6-5 victory over the Twins.

"Tough to replace his bat right now, but it's an opportunity for someone else to make an impact," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "He was having consistent ABs."

The team called up outfielder Jason Boggs from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Hank's place on the roster.

Blalock missed the vast majority of last season, playing in only 58 games, thanks to having a rib removed that was causing nerve damage in his shoulder. Thankfully this injury shouldn't keep Hank off the field nearly as long, because at the rate the Rangers pitching staff is giving up runs this season, the team can't afford to lose one of it's bigger offensive threats for too long a period of time.

Hank Blalock Hits the DL With Hamstring Tear originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Hank Blalock to Have an MRI

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Dallas, Rangers, AL West, MLB Injuries

The Rangers have been without third baseman Hank Blalock since Friday when he pulled his hamstring during the 10th inning of a 6-5 Rangers victory over the Twins. He sat out both Saturday and Sunday's contests, and is now slated to undergo an MRI today with team orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister.

"I don't know what to think," Blalock said. "My mind is optimistic, but I'm confused. I've never had a hamstring injury. The soreness died down a little today. It had to after I iced it down about six times yesterday."

Wow, that's pretty impressive actually. All the injuries Hank has suffered in his career, and not once has he tweaked a hammy?

Regardless of what the MRI says, I'm guessing that Blalock is going to end up doing some time on the disabled list because of it. Teams generally take the cautious route when it comes to hamstrings because rushing a player back before he's ready usually leads to a lot of long term problems.

The problem for the Rangers is that, if they do put Blalock on the disabled list, they don't have many options to call up and fill in for Blalock. The only extra infielder they currently have on their 40-man roster is Joaquin Arias, and he's still recovering from shoulder surgery that basically makes it impossible to play on the left side of the infield right now. So it's more likely they'll call up another pitcher, and use Ramon Vazquez and German Duran to fill in for the time being.

Hank Blalock to Have an MRI originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments