A few days ago, a friend made the comment that I seem to look forward to this time of year (spring training beginning) even more than the Christmas holiday.  Ha ha.  She’s probably not too far off. 

     In light of that, I was fully prepared to post a Spring Training wishlist this weekend.  But the Rangers granted one wish before I even made the wish, although I  had made the wish known in a previous post.  So, I decided to go ahead and post my Spring Training wishlist tonight.

     1) Rangers will sign Ian Kinsler to a long-term contract.  (This is the one they’ve already granted.  Ian Kinsler was officially signed to a five-year $22 million contract with an option for a sixth year. This announcement totally made my day!)

     2) Jason Botts needs to come out swinging and wielding a glove that proves that he belongs on a big league roster. The Rangers’ big league roster.

     3) Another team will decide to gamble on Vicente Padilla and take him off our hands.

     4) C.J. Wilson will retain his role as closer throughout spring training.

     5) Josh Hamilton is a fixture in daily game reports and is a fan favorite by Opening Day.

     6) Kevin Millwood, Kason Gabbard, Jason Jennings and Brandon McCarthy provide sparkling promise as the Rangers’ frontline. (I’m not sure at this point who the fifth starter may be.  I know Mark Conner says A.J. Murray is a contender, but I’d really like to see him have at least a few more months in Oklahoma.)

     7) Sammy Sosa finds a job somewhere. Anywhere.  I just feel like he deserves to be on someone’s roster.

     8) Kameron Loe (since he can’t be a starter) is a strong contributor in the bullpen and fans begin to view him as a weapon instead of a liability.

     9) Jon Daniels is able to stir up some kind of deal for another arm.

    10) The Rangers decide to change their Opening Day from April 8 to April 6 to accomodate their favorite fan from the north.  Ha ha.  I know this is the longest shot of them all.  I will be in the metroplex the entire weekend prior to Opening Day.  My plane departs from Dallas for a return to Iowa about 24 hours before Rangers Ballpark opens for batting practice.  I can’t tell you how much this saddens me!

     Spring is on the horizon, though I couldn’t tell that looking out my window.  All I see is white, with patches of brown where the snow has melted away or been driven over by cars.  We’re supposed to get a fresh blanket on Sunday though.  Meanwhile, temperatures have been hovering in the teens and single digits, and and probably won’t exceed the 20s for a few more weeks.

     Still, my heart is warmed by the knowledge that several of my favorite boys are in Arizona or are on their way.  Yes, it is pitchers and catchers report time.  And the Texas Rangers main page reminds us that the first spring training game is just 12 days away.

     Ahh … does it get any better than this?

     I hope so.

     I was disheartened, however, to read on T.R. Sullivan’s Thursday report that Kameron Loe will not be a contender for a rotation spot.  He and Robinson Tejeda have both been relegated to the ‘pen.  Maybe relegated isn’t a good word to use.  It’s not exactly a demotion, though it’s certainly not where I want to see Kam.

     You all know by now how strongly I feel about Kam’s position as a starter.  I believe that’s what he’s meant to be.  And hopefully he will be again one day.  Even if it’s not in 2008.  Perhaps this year he will be able to futher hone some of the pitches he’s struggled with and in the process build his confidence and the organization’s confidence in him. 

     I will never stop believing in him. 

     I’ll never stop believing in Jason Botts either, although I’m nervous about whether or not he’ll be with the Rangers club by opening day.  I’ve been nervous about this ever since the acquisitions of Milton Bradley and Kevin Mench.  Spring Training 08 only heightened my fears by listing Bottsie on a top ten most likely to be traded by opening day list.  Argh.  I don’t like uncertainty. 

     Speaking of uncertain and future with the Rangers, Ian Kinsler comes to mind as well.  The Rangers have twice tried and failed to negotiate a long-term contract with Kinsler in the past year.  According to MLBTR, the Rangers signed him to the league minimum for 2008 (which is just over $400K) and he is arbitration-eligible after the season is over.  I sure hope they can lock him up before then. I strongly believe that consistency in the infield (particularly the middle infield) will be key for this ballclub as they move forward.  And with Michael Young in Rangers 10 until 2014, Kinz needs to become his permanent double-play partner. 

      Only time will tell, I guess.  I don’t want to think about all this, however.  Right now is a time of optimism, so that’s what I’m going to embrace until I’m given reason not to — and I’ll need lots of reason, as you well know if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time.

     So, Kevin Mench is a Ranger again.

     I’m honestly not sure how to feel about this move.

     On one hand, I really like Kevin.  He’s very likeable guy.  He’s a fan favorite and really reaches out in the community.  On the field, he’s shown he can contribute at times, and can be a lot of fun to watch.

     On the other hand, I can’t help wondering how he fits into the Rangers’ plans.  We traded him 18 months ago because we believed we had a surplus of outfielders and Kevin was a bit streaky.  What has changed since then?  Why did Milwaukee release him?  Why didn’t anyone else pick him up?

     As a not-so-secret supporter of Jason Botts, I agree with Jamey Newberg that this creates a new hurdle for Botts to clear before he earns a roster spot.  Then again, a little competition isn’t a bad thing.  Perhaps the best of all the outfield contestants will come out during spring training. 

     Honestly, I only want the guys out there who can give us the best chance of winning.  I wouldn’t be a true fan of the team if I didn’t.  I think Jason Botts can be one of those guys, and I hope he will be.

     The team also recently welcomed back another face from the past — Nolan Ryan — as team president.  It was a nice announcement, and I think Ryan can only help with marketing and reputation of the organization.

     Nolan is one of the many former Rangers I wish I’d gotten to see play.  Unfortunately, I came into my baseball fandom too late. 

      Sometimes I could smack myself for waiting so long to really take an interest in the sport, but I guess it is what it is. That said, I don’t think the best players of baseball are all in the past.  The present has some stars, and the future has some potential too, so I think I still have a shot at seeing some greats.

     Pitchers and catchers report in just 11 days.  That knowledge alone will get me through the elitist holiday that occurs in 10 days. 

     Obviously, I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day.  Far from it, actually. I haven’t always been this way.  I loved it in elementary school, when everyone went home with a bag full of candy and cards.  I’ve come to despise it as I grew older and learned that only special people are showered with love and gifts on that day.  Yeah, I’m bitter because I’ve never been one of those people.  Maybe someone someday will change my mind about Singles Awareness Day (the acronym is SAD…appropriate, no?), but for now, it’s just Pitchers and Catchers Report Eve (PCRE…not as cool).

*****

      I watched the Superbowl on Sunday, but not with a vested interest (other than getting my money back in our office pool).  I didn’t really care who won, but I was quite pleased that the underdogs prevailed.  I’ve always been a fan of the underdogs, which should be evident by my choice of sport allegiances.  I’m actually not sure how I would handle it if one of them suddenly became a powerhouse.  I don’t think I’d know what to do. 

*****

      I am saddened that I had to miss the Rangers Sluggers of the West Banquet and Fan Fest for the second straight year.  (If we could only remove Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri…or maybe just rearrange the states, my visits to Rangers Ballpark would be much more frequent).  Both events hold such great memories for me.  I attended the 2006 festivities with my friend, Amy, on a whim.  We both decided about two weeks out that we were going.  So, we splurged with our Christmas bonus funds and went shopping for new digs for the banquet — we had to look good for our boys, afterall. 

      Josh Lewin was seated at our table, and he remembered Amy and I from our many blonde brownie deliveries the previous season.  Once he realized who we were, he asked us, "which player do you want to meet, I’ll go get him for you."  Amy had already met her favorite player that evening — David Dellucci — and gotten a photo with him, so she went to bat for me.  A few moments later, Josh pulled Kameron Loe from his salad and brought him over meet us.  I honestly don’t know what transpired over the next few moments…they’re a blur to me.  If I didn’t have a photo (Josh had to take it vertically because Amy and I were considerably shorter than Kam), I’d probably believe none of it happened. 

      For the rest of the evening, Amy and I made conversation with the other people at our table and enjoyed the speeches and Q and A.  After the dinner, we managed to get photos with Thomas Diamond and Gary Matthews Jr. before they left.  All in all, it was a very successful and obviously memorable evening.  I will never forget it.  Of course, part of that is that it was one of the last things I did with Amy before she passed away, which makes me extra glad we spoiled ourselves with those tickets even if they weren’t really in our budget.

*****

      As Opening Day draws nearer, I am trying to come up with a way to count down the days.  And post more.  I’ve thought about doing a post about each player on the 40-man roster once the 40-day mark hits, but that doesn’t fire me up.  So, I’ll keep thinking and let you know what I’ve decided.  Feel free to offer suggestions of things you’d like me to write about. 

     Ok, so my title is probably a bit exaggerated.  The Rangers haven’t exactly had a flurry of big moves.  No teams have, really.  The Winter Meetings were fairly anti-climactic.  The subsequent weeks have been fairly innocuous as well.

     Don’t confuse quiet for inactivity. The folks in the Rangers front office has made some decisions already and are no doubt working through several others.  It will be interesting to see who is on the 25-man roster on Opening Day.  There will certainly be new faces.  And some familiar ones missing. 

     The addition of Josh Hamilton is intriguing.  I don’t know much about the guy, but I’ve heard/read snippets about his career. From everything I can gather, this has the makings of a good move.  It was certainly a big one.  Trading Edison Volquez (and Danny Herrera), who has long been touted as a key piece in the Rangers’ pitching future, for a young outfielder whose off-field activities have garnered more attention than his stats.  But Volquez, who proved a lot by working his way back from A ball this past season, obviously didn’t fit the Rangers’ plans anymore.  At least not when they had the potential to get a run-producing outfielder, which Hamilton is billed as.  As for his off-field activities, I’m a firm believer in second chances.  And I hope Hamilton’s second chance pays off for my team.

     Akinori Otsuka was a major piece in the controversial and infamous trade of 2005.  The Rangers shipped Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez and Termel Sledge to San Diego for Otsuka, Adam Eaton and Billy Killian.  Fans were outraged, especially when Eaton didn’t pan out as a front-end starter.  (I haven’t heard a bit about Killian.)  Any chances the Rangers had of salvaging respect rested on Otsuka.  For awhile, Aki was a true gem.  And I truly believe he will be one again. Someday.  But his immediate future will be spent recovering from elbow surgery.  Non-tendering him doesn’t look like such a bad move. 

     The Rangers have also added Eddie Guardado and Kazuo Fukumori.  Guardado’s also coming back from elbow surgery, and failed to make a full recovery while with the Reds in 2007.  I think this move is a big gamble on the Rangers’ part.  But, it could pay off in a good way.  Admittedly, I don’t know much about Fukumori.  I just know that the duo is being rumored to be the future set-up and closer team.  I’m not really happy with these rumblings.  I understand the organization is not ready to "give" the job to the "young kids."  No job should be given.  It should always be earned.  However, I think C.J. Wilson and Joaquin Benoit deserve a few extra points to their totals for their performances in 2007.  I’ve gushed about both pitchers in previous entries, but, succinctly, they both stepped in and did the job — well — last season.  I don’t know what more they need to do to "earn" the closer and set-up roles, but I suspect they’ll begin to figure it out in 32 days (that’s when pitchers and catchers report to Surprise).

       Many Rangers who were on the 2007 roster are currently floating without a real "home" — Brad Wilkerson and Sammy Sosa are the first two who come to mind.  I know some fans are saying, "good riddance."  But I don’t find it that easy to wave "goodbye" to two guys who came into the organization with much bias already against them.  True, neither turned into an all-star, but they each contributed quite a bit.  Sammys 600th homer and Wilkerson’s three-homer night vs. the Angels provided shining moments in an otherwise lackluster season.

     I’m sure I could think of more to say, but it’s late and I just finished a 12-hour work day. 

     Before I go, though, I want to congratulate my friend Minda, who is about to embark on a dream! She has been selected as a research assistant for a book on the 1975 Cincinnati Reds.  So, even though she’s a Royals fan, it’s safe to say she’ll be buried in crimson for the next several months.  And enjoying every minute, no doubt.  Way to go, Minda!

EDITED because lonestar pointed out a big error on my part about where Guardado played during 07.  Also, everyone should definitely check out the link to the Hamilton article he posted in the comments.  Thanks Jon!

I know this sounds strange, but New Year’s is my favorite holiday.  I know it’s an odd one to have as a favorite.  Most people prefer Christmas or Halloween or even 4th of July.  But not me.  There’s just something about even the mere illusion of a fresh start with the turning of the calendar that I am drawn to. 

My (baseball-related) highlights of 2007

- My BIG trip to California, where I got to spend some time with Jennifer and Mayra.  We enjoyed Disneyland, Medieval Times, the beach (briefly), people watching in a hotel (ha ha) and, of course, baseball.  It was a fabulous trip!! I only wish I could have stayed longer!

- Getting to eight Rangers games.  That’s quite a feat, considering I live 900 miles away from their home park and more than 200 miles from the closest opponent’s park.  I saw my boys in Anaheim (obviously), Kansas City and Minneapolis.  Their record with me in attendance was not great — 2-6.  Then again, their record on the whole season wasn’t great, so I’ll try not to take it personally.

- I started this blog, which has not only been a great outlet for me, but has opened the door for some new friendships.  After losing my closest friend in Rangers fandom nearly two years ago, this blog is filling a huge void.

- Collecting quite a few autographs from Rangers players (in the majors and minors), including Gerald Laird, Brad Wilkerson, Wes Littleton, Sammy Sosa, John Rheinecker, Kameron Loe (yes, again), C.J. Wilson, A.J. Murray, Mike Wood, Jason Botts, Tug Hulett (*sniff* now property of the Mariners *sniff*), Nate Gold, Freddy Guzman, Kevin Mahar, Chris Baker and Chris Stewart.

Miscellaneous highlights (non-baseball related)

- Seeing Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers four times.  I loved each show for a different reason, and I’m so glad I was introduced to this band. 

- 2nd row at John Mayer in Des Moines.  Enough said.

- Concert trips to Oklahoma City and Omaha to see the aforementioned Mayer with some fabulous friends.  My trip to OKC also included some baseball, with a brief trip to the Ballpark.

- Seeing/meeting several presidential candidates including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Mitt Romney and Tom Tancredo. Regardless of whether they get my vote or not, it was still impressive to be in their presence.

- My first season as an Iowa State football season ticket holder.  Okay, so it wasn’t the most successful start, but the wins I saw were pretty fun!!

- My involvement with the Relay for Life, which raised more than $30K.

Things I’m looking forward to in 2008

- Catching 11 Rangers games…in Minnesota, KC and hopefully Baltimore (if this works out, I can also add another ballpark to my collection).

- Hopefully getting some more autographs from my favorite players.  And maybe a photo or two.

- A trip to DFW in April for a wedding.  Sadly, I will miss Opening Day by two days.  Grrr!

- The first ever 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines.  I’ve also jumped on board the planning committee, so my spring and summer are going to be VERY busy.

- Another successful Relay For Life.

Santa baby
Slip a pitcher under the tree, for me
I’ve been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa, baby
A run-producing outfielder too, in blue
I’ll wait up for you, dear
Santa, baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the wins we missed
Think of all the times that we got dissed
Next year, we could be oh so good
If you’ll check off my Christmas list

Santa baby, I want the West and really that’s not a lot
If we can beat the Angels this year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa honey, there’s one more thing I really prefer
Kinsler to be a Ranger for life
Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my christmas tree,
With some decorations from the MLB
I really do believe in you
Let’s see if you believe in me

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
And I don’t mean on the phone
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Merry Christmas everyone!!
And happy birthday to Kevin Millwood & Jamey Wright!

      Happy 27th birthday, C.J. Wilson!

      A year ago, C.J. Wilson was viewed as little more than a situational lefty. His name evoked little enthusiasm from the average fan and most probably thought he was expendable. Still, a few people believed in his ability, and their faith was rewarded this season when C.J. became not only a fan favorite but a powerful weapon in the bullpen as well.

     When Eric Gagne came on board in 2007, it seemed the Rangers had found their closer.  By late July, he was 16 for 17 in save opportunities and it appeared he was on track to remain in Ranger blue for a little while.  Then, Jon Daniels shipped him off to Boston in exchange for LHP Kason Gabbard and a pair of minor leaguers — David Murphy and Engel Beltre. 

     Some may have thought our late-inning pitching threat was gone.  But a few people knew better.  Including C.J. Wilson.  He stepped in and finished the season with a 3.03 ERA and was 12 for 14 in save opportunities.  You can’t really ask for more from a guy who came into the majors as a starting prospect.

      But C.J. is clearly meant to be a closer.  He has the right stuff and the right mentality for the job.  I think he said it best — "I feel like a closer when I brush my teeth."

      As the Rangers discuss the possibility of bringing Eric Gagne back, I’m wary.  Yes, a veteran presence is good.  Yes, he might possibly be able to mentor C.J. 

      But…

      Why spend the money on the end of the bullpen when you really need to be spending it on the front line?

      Our bullpen certainly wasn’t perfect last year, but they were also extremely overworked due to a shaky (at best) rotation.

      If JD were asking for my opinion (and he’s not), I’d tell him to forget about Gagne, unless he comes at an incredible bargain and doesn’t demand to be named the official closer.   Wilson and Benoit have proven to be a legitimate late-inning threat and deserve another season to grow into those roles.

…but I am. Why? Well, you know it has SOMETHING to do with the Rangers already. More specifically, it has something to do with where they’ll be the weekend of my 28th birthday —- MINNEAPOLIS!! Needless to say, I know how I’m spending my birthday next year.
I regret not blogging sooner with some end-of-the season thoughts, but I was just so worn down by the time it was over. And disappointed. Yes, I knew the boys would end their season in Seattle. I just didn’t expect them to end it on a skid. It was just a bummer and I didn’t have the desire to put my thoughts up.

I do, however, have some thoughts on the latest news and rumors surrounding the ball club.

Joaquin Benoit’s two-year contract – I’m so glad the Rangers signed him to a two-year contract. He earned it this year. And, in my mind, he earned it even before then by coping with the tumultuous years of his career known as the Buck Showalter era. Buck didn’t seem to have much confidence in Joaquin and he never gave Jack a chance to build that confidence. Thank goodness Wash didn’t seem to look at any of Buck’s notes. Jack was a different pitcher out there this season. The good kind.

Rudy Jaramillo’s contract extension – Another good move by the Rangers to renew his contract. He’s likely the best hitting coach in the business. On top of that, the players love him. They trust him. Even the most stubborn/established/seasoned player has something to learn from him.

A-Rod opts out of contract – Hooray!!!! $21 million more to shop for pitching!!

Centerfield dilemma – It seems the team isn’t 100 percent comfortable with marching Marlon Byrd or David Murphy or any other in-house options out to centerfield. So, their options on the market are the pricey Torii Hunter or the cheaper Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron. I heart Torii Hunter and would love to see him roaming centerfield in Arlington. But. But, he has an awfully high price tag, and I think there are more pressing needs in the club (pitching, anyone?). Rowand would be a good viable option, but I’m not sold on Cameron, especially given his latest suspension.

Pitching – As far as pitchers, I have no idea where the team’s best options lie. At the same time, the rotation makes me nervous. Millwood’s going to be better. He has to be. Gabbard has earned a spot too, I think. McCarthy has to be in (it’s the only way we’ll ever really see if the Danks deal was worth it…so fans can stop complaining). Volquez could work himself in there in spring training. I don’t want to see Padilla back, but I think that’s inevitable. Of course I want to see Kam back in there. I am going to stick to my guns about him.

105 days until pitchers and catchers report. The countdown will continue.

      I can’t help but have a little homestate pride when I see Jeff Clement having such a great month with the Mariners. But I sort of wish he hadn’t been the hero of a game against my beloved Rangers.

      As I mentioned before, Clement is a Marshalltown, Iowa native.  He grew up just half an hour from me, and in his senior year of high school, he set the national home run record, with 75 in one season.  He is a phenomenal hitter, and though he was 0-3 with a walk going into the 9th, he showed his power at just the right time.  A deep drive over Marlon Byrd’s head.  I’m proud of the Iowa boy, but sad for my Rangers.

      Edinson Volquez, once again, got a no decision.  But in this case (unlike the past few) that was a blessing for him.  He has missed out on a few wins, but tonight, he escaped a loss.  Overall, I see some promise in Volquez’ stuff.  Mark Connor seems to think Volquez is likely to be a 4th or 5th starter next year.  Can’t say I would mind that scenario.  We shall see how things shape up in the off-season in spring training though.

       Jarrod Saltalamacchia STILL makes me nervous behind the plate.  I know he has a better bat than Gerald Laird (who according to many fans, will soon be shown the door), but I’m not at all thrilled about the prospect of giving up Gerald’s arm.   

       KISS: Travis Metcalf, who had an outstanding night at the plate. He went 3 for 4 with a homer and two RBI.

       MISS: Marlon Byrd, who went 0 for 4 and left three on base.

       The highlight of the day, however, was watching two former Rangers in a champagne shower as the Cubs clinched the NL Central.  And they did it on the 28th birthday of my friend, Eli, who is a HUGE Cubs fan.  Coincidentally, he informed me that the Cubs clinched the NL Wild Card on his birthday in 1998.  Quite the cosmic connection.  As I’ve mentioned before, the Rangers are first in my heart, but I’m also a part-time Cubs fan.  I grew up watching them and cheering for them, and I like them even more now that they have Mark DeRosa (I’m kinda eh about Soriano).  I absolutely adore him and miss him as a Ranger.  But I’m glad he found a good home in Chicago.  They love him there.