After losing two of three to the Yankees, the Rangers continued a disturbing trend: they can't beat good teams.
During the first two months of 2009, Texas has played 31 of 46 games against teams with a losing record. In other words, the Rangers have benefited by playing 2/3 of their games against poor competition. To their credit, Texas has taken care of business and beaten the teams that they should beat.
In 31 games against teams with a losing record, the Rangers have produced:
* Record: 22-9 (.710 winning%)
* Team ERA: 4.22
* Runs/Game: 5.44
* Run Differential: 1.22
In 15 games against teams with a winning record, they have produced:
* Record: 5-10 (.333 winning%)
* Team ERA: 5.38
* Runs/Game: 3.80
* Run Differential: - 1.58
The splits are somewhat understandable: most teams will have better numbers against weaker competition than they do against upper-echelon teams. Having said that, the next month looms large for the Rangers' 2009 campaign: Texas faces winning teams in 13 of their next 17 games (Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers).
If this trend continues, Texas may find itself in a familiar place: hovering near the .500 mark. But if the Rangers can find a way to raise their game to the next level and post some wins against the big boys, they will solidify their spot as a legitimate contender.
The next month should be fun!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Random Ranger Thoughts
Yesterday, after Texas was destroyed by the Yanks, my dad sent me an email that pretty well summed up the afternoon. It wasn't a fun game to watch:
That pretty much sums it up.
On a day when 7 of the major league teams scored in double digits (23% of the teams) and 4 of the games were decided by at least 10 runs (26% of the games) the Rangers were not quite as noticeable by their ineptness as they normally might have been. The game against the Yankees did reveal a concerning trend and no, it's not that Matt Harrison has been exposed as having only average major league stuff or that he might not be the real deal after all, it's the Ranger batting order showing an inconsistency that has almost reached the alarming point.
In a lineup full of bashers but very few "professional" hitters, once again the inability to make good contact and to know the strike zone was evident. A four hitter? Are you serious?? Against Phil Hughes? The ability to compete at the plate on a consistent basis requires hitters who know the strike zone, are able to hit the ball where it's pitched (see Michael Young) and hitters that can make good contact on a regular basis. This lineup is filled with too many 230 hitters at this point. Even Kinsler, who we can all agree is a star, is in a big slump mainly because of his insistence on pulling every pitch. There are not many major-leaguers that can swing at the pitches the Ranger swing at and get any better results than the Rangers do. Even Josh Hamilton is going to be prone to droughts of low power production and hitless nights if he doesn't become more selective at the plate.
I know we're going to stay with Davis even during his struggles but do we need to really stay with the Blalocks of the world? Is his flailing worth his once a week dinger? I know they've come at opportune times, but that won't always be the case. Let's start filling some of these holes in our batting order and work on the approach of our young stars. Staying in a slump for months (Davis) can irreparably harm a young players psyche forever. We have the best hitting coach in baseball so maybe it's time to lay down the law: learn the strike zone or grab a seat. Look in the farm system for a DH that has the potential to hit 300...we don't need more power we need more base runners. Just some random thoughts
That pretty much sums it up.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What's That Sound?
As I sat in the stands, watching the Texas Ranger move nine games over .500, I turned to my dad and said, "Do you hear that sound?"
He asked, "What sound?"
"That's the sound of the metroplex jumping on the bandwagon!"
35,000 fans at the ballpark in May means one of two things: it's $1 hot-dog day or...DFW is hopping on the front-running train...at least until Texas loses three in a row.
(Side Note - does it bother anyone else that the Rangers see their attendance double on $1 hot-dog night? Idiocracy Warning: the only things that people will show up for in drones: release of the new i-phone, Jonas Brother concert and $1 hot-dog night. Very, very troubling)
We all know what bandwagon fans are - but you may not have realized that there are many different types of bandwagon fans. This two-part series will help identify and describe the ten different types of bandwagon fans:
1) Old-Timer
The old-timer is a “guy-that-used-to-follow-the-team…then-disappeared…but-has-returned-now-that-the-team-is-winning” guy. He watched Texas suck in the 70’s and 80’s, gave up on the team, came back in the late 90’s, and then disappeared along with Rick Helling.
This guy is usually rather crusty and almost seems unhappy to be back at the ballpark
2) Newcomer
The newcomer is a young guy that has never really been into baseball, but now that there isn’t anything else to do around town, has joined the crowd at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This is the guy that usually shows up in the 3rd inning, spends two innings going to and from the bathroom, concessions, etc…and leaves in the 7th of a 2-2 game citing “traffic” as the cause. He will only attend games if it fits perfectly within his schedule.
This is the guy that will walk .5 mile/hour through the grandstand looking at all of the "colors and decorations" as if he were touring the Guggenheim. Wow.
3) Chris-Chris
The Chris-Chris is “that guy.” You have known him for years and have never heard him discuss the Rangers (or baseball at all for that matter), but he now eats, drinks and sleeps Ranger baseball. He will constantly throw comments around like, “Man – HOW could you miss last night’s game?! Dude – The Milly was throwing some cheese and the Hambino totally destroyed hanger! It was totally insane, man! Can’t believe you missed it!”
This guy will only be seen when the team gets on a streak. As soon as the Rangers hit a bump in the road, he is out like Taylor Teagarden.
4) Owner-Hater
The Owner-Hater begrudgingly attends games to “support the players” despite hating the owner. You will see him cheering on his favorite team when they win, but will consistently throw-in comments suggesting that, “This team could really be something if we didn’t have a small-market payroll!” or “Sure would be nice to have Teixeira hitting cleanup (ignoring the fact that Salty, Andrus and Harrison have propelled this team into 1st place)!”
This guy wants Texas to finish last just to reiterate that Hicks’ “small-market payroll” has doomed the franchise.
5) Cougar
This term is self-explanatory…especially in Dallas. Anytime there is a new, trendy place to be seen (especially one that allows you to wear skimpy clothing), the cougars will come out. At the ballpark, most Cougars will be found in the Cuervo Club – but occasionally, they will sneak down to the lower level seats. With the Mavericks’ run now over – and the Ghost Bar slowing down on weekdays – Ranger games offer these women with a new hunting ground.
Most guys will mention how "trashy" she looks in an effort to provide himself with an excuse to keep looking. Well played, sir, well played.
He asked, "What sound?"
"That's the sound of the metroplex jumping on the bandwagon!"
35,000 fans at the ballpark in May means one of two things: it's $1 hot-dog day or...DFW is hopping on the front-running train...at least until Texas loses three in a row.
(Side Note - does it bother anyone else that the Rangers see their attendance double on $1 hot-dog night? Idiocracy Warning: the only things that people will show up for in drones: release of the new i-phone, Jonas Brother concert and $1 hot-dog night. Very, very troubling)
We all know what bandwagon fans are - but you may not have realized that there are many different types of bandwagon fans. This two-part series will help identify and describe the ten different types of bandwagon fans:
1) Old-Timer
The old-timer is a “guy-that-used-to-follow-the-team…then-disappeared…but-has-returned-now-that-the-team-is-winning” guy. He watched Texas suck in the 70’s and 80’s, gave up on the team, came back in the late 90’s, and then disappeared along with Rick Helling.
This guy is usually rather crusty and almost seems unhappy to be back at the ballpark
2) Newcomer
The newcomer is a young guy that has never really been into baseball, but now that there isn’t anything else to do around town, has joined the crowd at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This is the guy that usually shows up in the 3rd inning, spends two innings going to and from the bathroom, concessions, etc…and leaves in the 7th of a 2-2 game citing “traffic” as the cause. He will only attend games if it fits perfectly within his schedule.
This is the guy that will walk .5 mile/hour through the grandstand looking at all of the "colors and decorations" as if he were touring the Guggenheim. Wow.
3) Chris-Chris
The Chris-Chris is “that guy.” You have known him for years and have never heard him discuss the Rangers (or baseball at all for that matter), but he now eats, drinks and sleeps Ranger baseball. He will constantly throw comments around like, “Man – HOW could you miss last night’s game?! Dude – The Milly was throwing some cheese and the Hambino totally destroyed hanger! It was totally insane, man! Can’t believe you missed it!”
This guy will only be seen when the team gets on a streak. As soon as the Rangers hit a bump in the road, he is out like Taylor Teagarden.
4) Owner-Hater
The Owner-Hater begrudgingly attends games to “support the players” despite hating the owner. You will see him cheering on his favorite team when they win, but will consistently throw-in comments suggesting that, “This team could really be something if we didn’t have a small-market payroll!” or “Sure would be nice to have Teixeira hitting cleanup (ignoring the fact that Salty, Andrus and Harrison have propelled this team into 1st place)!”
This guy wants Texas to finish last just to reiterate that Hicks’ “small-market payroll” has doomed the franchise.
5) Cougar
This term is self-explanatory…especially in Dallas. Anytime there is a new, trendy place to be seen (especially one that allows you to wear skimpy clothing), the cougars will come out. At the ballpark, most Cougars will be found in the Cuervo Club – but occasionally, they will sneak down to the lower level seats. With the Mavericks’ run now over – and the Ghost Bar slowing down on weekdays – Ranger games offer these women with a new hunting ground.
Most guys will mention how "trashy" she looks in an effort to provide himself with an excuse to keep looking. Well played, sir, well played.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Podcast #3 - Mavs Win
Podcast #3 - Mavericks Playoff Win
I discuss the Mavericks playoff win, Mark Cuban and Dirk's bad wrap with my good buddy Mike Tennison.
I discuss the Mavericks playoff win, Mark Cuban and Dirk's bad wrap with my good buddy Mike Tennison.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hope is a Strategy
You can call them old. You can call them unathletic. You can call them pretenders.
But you cannot call the Mavericks quitters. After the gut-wrenching loss on Saturday, this team had every reason to tank Game 4 last night. The team faced the impossible task of attempting to overcome a 3-0 series deficit while facing a team that had beaten them seven straight times during the season.
After the meltdown on Saturday, I half-expected Dallas to not show up last night. But Dirk and Co. did show up. Despite trailing throughout the majority of the game, the Mavericks continued to fight. Every time they rallied to get within a couple of points, Denver would hit an off-balance three or get to the foul-line. But Dallas was relentless.
Dirk dominated (as he has all series long, despite his comments regarding Denver's defense). Barea added a spark off the bench. Overall - given the situation - it was a fun game to watch. Does Dallas have a chance of winning this series? Um...no. But in a sport where teams constantly fold when facing insurmountable odds, it was refreshing to see guys playing hard until the final seconds.
Dallas will now travel to Denver to face the Nuggets in Game 5. It's a long shot, but what if the Mavericks find a way to scratch out a Game 5 win in Denver? They haven't been blown out during any game in this series and they have been within striking distance during the 4th quarter of each road game.
Yes, it's unlikely that Dallas pulls another one out...but what if they do? What if Chauncy Billups rolls an ankle? What if Carmelo tweaks his back? Crazier things have happened.
And if Dallas could somehow squeak out a game on the road, this will suddenly be a series again. If nothing else, last night gave Mavericks fan hope - and that is all that we could ask for.
But you cannot call the Mavericks quitters. After the gut-wrenching loss on Saturday, this team had every reason to tank Game 4 last night. The team faced the impossible task of attempting to overcome a 3-0 series deficit while facing a team that had beaten them seven straight times during the season.
After the meltdown on Saturday, I half-expected Dallas to not show up last night. But Dirk and Co. did show up. Despite trailing throughout the majority of the game, the Mavericks continued to fight. Every time they rallied to get within a couple of points, Denver would hit an off-balance three or get to the foul-line. But Dallas was relentless.
Dirk dominated (as he has all series long, despite his comments regarding Denver's defense). Barea added a spark off the bench. Overall - given the situation - it was a fun game to watch. Does Dallas have a chance of winning this series? Um...no. But in a sport where teams constantly fold when facing insurmountable odds, it was refreshing to see guys playing hard until the final seconds.
Dallas will now travel to Denver to face the Nuggets in Game 5. It's a long shot, but what if the Mavericks find a way to scratch out a Game 5 win in Denver? They haven't been blown out during any game in this series and they have been within striking distance during the 4th quarter of each road game.
Yes, it's unlikely that Dallas pulls another one out...but what if they do? What if Chauncy Billups rolls an ankle? What if Carmelo tweaks his back? Crazier things have happened.
And if Dallas could somehow squeak out a game on the road, this will suddenly be a series again. If nothing else, last night gave Mavericks fan hope - and that is all that we could ask for.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Worst 30 Seconds of the Year
Hopefully you Mavericks' fans have had time to wipe away the tears. The missed foul call will continue to garner the most attention around the Dallas area (the league has announced that the game officials did "miss" the foul call), but that isn't the story - at least not to me. I hate to twist the knife, but let's look at the last 31 seconds of Saturday's game:
Take a look:
Dallas took a 4-point lead with 31.1 seconds remaining in the game. Denver proceeded to take a timeout. Dallas simply needed to play good, solid defense and, if nothing else, force the Nuggets to use some clock. That didn't happen.
Denver inbounded the ball and Carmelo Anthony scored in 2.6 seconds. Seriously? 2.6 seconds of defense? In the biggest game of the season - coming out of a timeout - that's all the Mavs had to offer? If they would have played - I don't know - seven seconds of defense, that would have probably been enough. If the Mavericks could have held Denver scoreless for seven freaking seconds, even if they scored, the Nuggets would have then faced the uphill battle of fouling Dallas in an attempt to get the ball back.
Allowing Denver to score in 2.6 seconds left 28.5 seconds on the game-clock, resulting in a 4.5-second difference between the game-clock and the shot-clock. instead of having to foul, Denver just needed a defensive stand. This leads us to the next Dallas miscue...
As mentioned above, there was a 4.5-second difference between the game-clock and shot-clock (28.5 to 24). If Dallas could have simply run clock and gotten a shot off with 1-2 seconds left on the shot-clock, Denver - at best - would have gotten the ball back with 2-3 seconds remaining. That didn't happen.
With 10 seconds remaining on the shot-clock, Dirk began his offensive approach. After spinning and adding a pump-fake, Dirk implausibly took a shot with 5 seconds remaining on the shot-clock. Denver rebounded the miss with 6.5 seconds left in the game.
I love Dirk, but that is simply unacceptable. Think about it: Dirk shot with 5 seconds remaining on the shot-clock and Denver rebounded with 6.5 seconds. Had Dirk used the remaining 5 seconds before shooting, Denver maybe gets the ball back with 2 seconds left. Two seconds on the clock limits the offensive team to a catch-and-shoot situation. Six seconds provides an offense with all kinds of options...as we had the pleasure of seeing.
All that matters now is that Dallas trails 3-0. Was a foul-call missed? Sure...it sucks, but let's not pretend that the missed-call cost the Mavericks the game. When you have a 4-point lead...at home...with 31 seconds remaining...you don't lose without making significant mistakes. The Mavericks need only look in the mirror should they want to see the Game 3 culprits.
* Terry 3pt Shot - [DAL 105-101] - 00:31.1
* Denver Timout - 00:31.1
* Anthony Driving Dunk Shot - [DEN 103-105] - 00:28.5
* Dallas Timeout - 00:21.1
* Nowitzki Jump Shot - Billups Rebound - 00:06.5
* Anthony 3pt Shot - [DEN 106-105] - 00:01.0
* Dallas Timeout - 00:01.0
* Nowitzki 3pt Shot - [DEN 106-105] - Final
Take a look:
Dallas took a 4-point lead with 31.1 seconds remaining in the game. Denver proceeded to take a timeout. Dallas simply needed to play good, solid defense and, if nothing else, force the Nuggets to use some clock. That didn't happen.
Denver inbounded the ball and Carmelo Anthony scored in 2.6 seconds. Seriously? 2.6 seconds of defense? In the biggest game of the season - coming out of a timeout - that's all the Mavs had to offer? If they would have played - I don't know - seven seconds of defense, that would have probably been enough. If the Mavericks could have held Denver scoreless for seven freaking seconds, even if they scored, the Nuggets would have then faced the uphill battle of fouling Dallas in an attempt to get the ball back.
Allowing Denver to score in 2.6 seconds left 28.5 seconds on the game-clock, resulting in a 4.5-second difference between the game-clock and the shot-clock. instead of having to foul, Denver just needed a defensive stand. This leads us to the next Dallas miscue...
As mentioned above, there was a 4.5-second difference between the game-clock and shot-clock (28.5 to 24). If Dallas could have simply run clock and gotten a shot off with 1-2 seconds left on the shot-clock, Denver - at best - would have gotten the ball back with 2-3 seconds remaining. That didn't happen.
With 10 seconds remaining on the shot-clock, Dirk began his offensive approach. After spinning and adding a pump-fake, Dirk implausibly took a shot with 5 seconds remaining on the shot-clock. Denver rebounded the miss with 6.5 seconds left in the game.
I love Dirk, but that is simply unacceptable. Think about it: Dirk shot with 5 seconds remaining on the shot-clock and Denver rebounded with 6.5 seconds. Had Dirk used the remaining 5 seconds before shooting, Denver maybe gets the ball back with 2 seconds left. Two seconds on the clock limits the offensive team to a catch-and-shoot situation. Six seconds provides an offense with all kinds of options...as we had the pleasure of seeing.
All that matters now is that Dallas trails 3-0. Was a foul-call missed? Sure...it sucks, but let's not pretend that the missed-call cost the Mavericks the game. When you have a 4-point lead...at home...with 31 seconds remaining...you don't lose without making significant mistakes. The Mavericks need only look in the mirror should they want to see the Game 3 culprits.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Brett Shipp is a Sad, Little Man
Dirk Nowitzki comments, from the Dallas Morning News:
Why does Brett Shipp suck so bad?
"It's pretty obvious that I'm going through a tough time in my personal life right now," Dirk said. "Like I always have, I want to kind of keep my private life private...I'm more than happy to answer basketball questions, but I think at this point, I just can't talk about it."
Dirk's session with the media horde ended abruptly when WFAA Ch. 8's Brett Shipp attempted to ask about claims by Cristal Taylor, the 37-year-old woman arrested, that she is engaged to Dirk and pregnant with his child.
"I'm not commenting on that," Dirk said repeatedly.
Why does Brett Shipp suck so bad?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Getting a Raw Deal
Take a look at these playoff numbers:
25.1 points/game
11.0 rebounds/game
45% shooting
87.6% free-throw shooter
37% three-point shooter
Pretty impressive, right? You would think that someone who produces these type of post-season numbers would deserve the most utmost respect from players and former players around the league. He doesn't.
Dirk Nowitzki has become one of the best playoff producers in the history of the NBA. Every year, he takes his game to another level when the playoffs begin. He scores more. He drives more. He rebounds more. And yes, he is criticized more.
After the first game of the Denver series, Dirk was asked about the three different defenders that the Nuggets threw at him and what they each do to make his life difficult. He responded by saying:
TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber took this opportunity to blast Nowitzki. Webber suggested that Dirk was "soft" because,
Barkley dogpiled by adding,
Kenny then claimed,
I love Kenny and Charles, but what the hell are they talking about? Seriously. Dirk was asked about each defender and what each does differently. He answered the question. He said that Birdman was long and challenged shots while Kenyon Martin and Nene were more physical.
He didn't say that they 'could stop him.'
He didn't say that he hated playing them.
He didn't say that he couldn't score against them.
He simply described their defensive styles.
I just don't get it. If Dirk had scored 10 points in each game and then said that Denver's defense was just 'too good to overcome,' I could understand the criticism. But Dirk isn't struggling. In actuality, he is dominating.
For the series, Dirk is shooting 54% (23 of 42), has averaged 31.5 points/game and has pulled down 19 rebounds. Last night, the day after "giving props" to Denver's defense, Dirk put a 35 spot on the Nuggets. If Dirk hadn't said anything, would he have scored 50?
Dirk is just a guy that can't win. Despite having better numbers in the playoffs than he does in the regular season, Dirk still deals with accusations that he can't produce in the clutch (I guess haters missed Game 7 in San Antonio during the Finals' run). Despite refining his game and driving to the rim (something that he was accused of being afraid to do early in his career), Dirk still doesn't get the calls that Wade, Kobe, Lebron and company get.
And despite constantly saying/doing the right things, he can't avoid criticism. It's just idiotic. Dirk gets less respect than any other NBA Superstar that I can remember. The guy has transformed into one of the greatest post-season scorers of all time, and instead of hearing, I don't know - about the fact that he is torching Denver in this series, we only hear that Dirk is "soft" and said something that Kobe would "never" say.
It's really sickening. Maybe on Saturday, when Dirk lights up the scoreboard for another 35 points, he will cheap-shot Kenyon Martin in the back of the head...you know, to gain some street-cred. Apparently, that's what it's all about.
25.1 points/game
11.0 rebounds/game
45% shooting
87.6% free-throw shooter
37% three-point shooter
Pretty impressive, right? You would think that someone who produces these type of post-season numbers would deserve the most utmost respect from players and former players around the league. He doesn't.
Dirk Nowitzki has become one of the best playoff producers in the history of the NBA. Every year, he takes his game to another level when the playoffs begin. He scores more. He drives more. He rebounds more. And yes, he is criticized more.
After the first game of the Denver series, Dirk was asked about the three different defenders that the Nuggets threw at him and what they each do to make his life difficult. He responded by saying:
I think Birdman does a good job because he’s so long. He contests my shot. Martin and Nene are stronger and they try to body me more and Birdman’s just long and when I shoot he can still jump up there and contest the shot. So, yeah, they’ve got three very good defenders.
TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber took this opportunity to blast Nowitzki. Webber suggested that Dirk was "soft" because,
I’ve never heard a scorer, I’ve never heard a true warrior, a dog, say 'this guy can check me.'[Dirk didn't say that]
Barkley dogpiled by adding,
One of the keys to being a great player is having so much confidence in yourself…for Dirk to say that guys can stop him, that’s just not cool.[He didn't say that, either]
Kenny then claimed,
It feeds the stereotype that this guy is playing a little soft.[No it doesn't..it just feeds the stereotype that Dirk can understand and speak English]
I love Kenny and Charles, but what the hell are they talking about? Seriously. Dirk was asked about each defender and what each does differently. He answered the question. He said that Birdman was long and challenged shots while Kenyon Martin and Nene were more physical.
He didn't say that they 'could stop him.'
He didn't say that he hated playing them.
He didn't say that he couldn't score against them.
He simply described their defensive styles.
I just don't get it. If Dirk had scored 10 points in each game and then said that Denver's defense was just 'too good to overcome,' I could understand the criticism. But Dirk isn't struggling. In actuality, he is dominating.
For the series, Dirk is shooting 54% (23 of 42), has averaged 31.5 points/game and has pulled down 19 rebounds. Last night, the day after "giving props" to Denver's defense, Dirk put a 35 spot on the Nuggets. If Dirk hadn't said anything, would he have scored 50?
Dirk is just a guy that can't win. Despite having better numbers in the playoffs than he does in the regular season, Dirk still deals with accusations that he can't produce in the clutch (I guess haters missed Game 7 in San Antonio during the Finals' run). Despite refining his game and driving to the rim (something that he was accused of being afraid to do early in his career), Dirk still doesn't get the calls that Wade, Kobe, Lebron and company get.
And despite constantly saying/doing the right things, he can't avoid criticism. It's just idiotic. Dirk gets less respect than any other NBA Superstar that I can remember. The guy has transformed into one of the greatest post-season scorers of all time, and instead of hearing, I don't know - about the fact that he is torching Denver in this series, we only hear that Dirk is "soft" and said something that Kobe would "never" say.
It's really sickening. Maybe on Saturday, when Dirk lights up the scoreboard for another 35 points, he will cheap-shot Kenyon Martin in the back of the head...you know, to gain some street-cred. Apparently, that's what it's all about.
Friday, May 1, 2009
DSK Podcast - Number One!
Guys,
My apologies once again for the slowdown in recent activity; however, I have completed the first DSK Podcast. We took some emails from a few readers and answered questions regarding Ron Washington, the Rangers and Alex Rodriguez.
Podcast #1
My apologies once again for the slowdown in recent activity; however, I have completed the first DSK Podcast. We took some emails from a few readers and answered questions regarding Ron Washington, the Rangers and Alex Rodriguez.
Podcast #1
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