OPENING DAY
Monday the Sox and Yankees begin another season. And just as I was getting ready to start wearing a NY cap with my Red Sox hoodie the organization gets a new Steinbrenner who it seems is going to be an even more meddlesome owner than his dad in his prime. Maybe I can ignore Hal for a few years just as I ignored George.
But what the Boss really accomplished was for me to look closely at the Rangers while I was in Texas. And I found a new team. And it looks like their ship is righted and is no longer floundering in heavy seas. They remind me a lot of the Twins in the late 90's. Stockpiling talent in the minors, developing players who'll compete with each other for roster spots, pushing everyone to get better. And keeping a solid professional veteran presence in the clubhouse of the big club. Even .500 may be too much to ask for this year, but next year or the year after the Angels are going to be looking up at the Rangers backsides.
But what the Boss really accomplished was for me to look closely at the Rangers while I was in Texas. And I found a new team. And it looks like their ship is righted and is no longer floundering in heavy seas. They remind me a lot of the Twins in the late 90's. Stockpiling talent in the minors, developing players who'll compete with each other for roster spots, pushing everyone to get better. And keeping a solid professional veteran presence in the clubhouse of the big club. Even .500 may be too much to ask for this year, but next year or the year after the Angels are going to be looking up at the Rangers backsides.
Labels: la angels, mlb, Red Sox, texas rangers, Yankees
posted by Wake of the Flood at 9:12 AM
2 Comments:
It was Rangers Opening Day today as well. We had it on the radio. Nolan Ryan is the team president and did an interview before the game. He was asked what he would do if he could grant a specific player something in today's game. His answer? "Kevin Millwood to pitch 7 scoreless innings." Wish nearly granted - one unearned run.
Nolan also spoke about how please he was with the attitude of the pitchers over the past offseason. He had previously expressed desire for more professionalism, higher fitness levels and an aggressive attitude on the hill. He feels all of the pitchers on the roster have stepped up and responded to this challenge.
Ryan was a no b.s. player and i bet he hasn't changed much in his executive roll. Listening to him lament the state of pitchers and their approach to the game last summer, one got the sense change was going to come to Arlington. Pitch counts? over used. Specialized pitchers for every inning from the 7th on? a waste of good talent.
He also wanted them to concentrate on their fitness and being able to finish games. leg strength especially.
i hope it is a good year for them
oops. the run was earned and he was charged with it. but still, a 1.29 ERA is pretty good.
Millwood also spoke about how strong he felt after going 7 innings, compared to before.
Nolan will never buy into 6 innings being a "quality start"
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