Friday Foto: My Birthday Present

My birthday came and went recently, and I thought I'd share a "voucher" of sorts that my wife Regina gave me, which she designed herself:

I thought it was real at first.

Monday Movie / Former Ranger Great Update: Jason Botts Update

A little over a year ago, I made this post, an update of how our old buddy Jason Botts was doing over in Japan (I'm also somewhat proud of it, as the post was a hit over on Rangers mega-blog LoneStarBall). The highlight of the post was this video:

And until now, that was the last I had heard from him. In case anyone is still wondering, Botts had a stint with the White Sox in spring training this year, but was released on March 17th after going just 1 for 12. It will be interesting to see where he lands.

A Reason for Hope

The Rangers are now 6-9 -- not exactly the hot start for which we had hoped, and perhaps magnified by the expectations levied upon this team. There may, however, be some hope in the fact that the Rangers have scored more runs on the season (62) than they have allowed (61), giving a Pythagorean W-L (expected W-L) record of 8-7.

A two game difference this early in the season doesn't mean much, which perhaps is exactly the point . . . they are certainly better than their current record shows, even if it's just by two games.

What a Difference 4.5 Years Makes . . . .

In tonight's 3-0 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park, CJ Wilson recorded the win as a starting pitcher. His last win as a starter came ... never. Compare the statlines from CJ's last 3 starts in 2005 with the statlines from CJ's first three starts this season:

2005:

IP -- ER -- BB -- SO

6.0 -- 4 -- 4 -- 6
2.2 -- 8 -- 2 -- 0
2.2 -- 5 -- 1 -- 1

ERA in these starts: 13.50


2010:

IP -- ER -- BB -- SO

7.0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 9
6.0 -- 3 -- 3 -- 5
6.2 -- 0 -- 2 -- 2

ERA in these starts: 1.37

Former Ranger Great Update: Luis Mendoza

Everyone reading a blog like this remembers Luis Mendoza; mostly not for good reasons. His entrance into a game usually meant (1) a blowout situation, or (2) a game about to become a blowout situation. His parting from the Rangers was a joyous occasion, I imagine, for most Ranger fans (or at least for me). He's now giving up gopher balls for the Royals, and noted Royals blogger Rany Jazayerli offers this tidbit on what Mendoza brings to the table:

"Luis Mendoza has a career 8.32 ERA in the majors. He has a career 4.67 ERA IN TRIPLE-A. He has a career 5.06 ERA IN DOUBLE-A. I could pull out a host of more advanced statistics, but really, does anything more need to be said? He sucks. The Royals have nothing invested in him. Designate him for assignment, and if by some miracle another team claims him – count your blessings."

We Ranger fans are indeed counting our blessings in this regard.