Monday Morning Manager....April showers mean...

1) Tex: they don't have two or three months to wait for him this time;

3) Again, if the theory of the season is that the Rangers are poised to contend for the AL West, and that McCarthy > Danks / Masset because he can hold down a rotation slot right now and Danks wouldn't be ready for a few more months, then don't you have to compare them now? The truly worrisome thing for me is that this is looking like yet another example of extremely poor judgment when it comes to pitching talent. McCarthy will be just fine, I'm sure. I've never thought he was anything special, but he'll be OK. But the fact that the Rangers couldn't see where Danks was headed (and when he was headed there) is scary.

Highlights from 6 years of really bad pitching evaluations:

LHP Castro for LHP Haigwood (downgrade); LHP Haigwood for RHP Rosterfiller Whatshisname (another downgrade); waiving LHP Doug Davis; drafting Drew Meyer over LHP Scott Kazmir; trading Justin Duchscherer for Luis Vizcaino (who was flipped for the great Jesus Pena); trading Aaron Harang for Randy Velarde; trading Chris Young for Adam Eaton; drafting Thomas Diamond over Jered Weaver; drafting TD over Phil Hughes; drafting TD over Scott Elbert; making CHoP a very rich man; opening day starter RA Dickey; Mickey Callaway; Tony Mounce; Pedro Astacio; adroit handling of Juan Dominguez & Edinson Volquez.... and now, I fear, they've dramatically underestimated John Danks.

4) Them's four pretty ugly ballclubs.

5) Yeah; it'll be fascinating watching MLB deal with it. In 40 years, someone will make a movie about how Bud sat around a table with Peter Gammons, Ken Rosenthal, Bob Costas, Tim McCarver, etc. and kicked around the idea of putting an asterisk next to BB's name in the record book.

1.It’s easier to list the players whose performance isn’t worrisome: Ian Kinsler, Matt Kata and Jerry Hariston Jr. The rest of the positions players need to take Debi's (Minnie Driver’s) advice to Martin (John Cusak) in “Grosse Point Blank” - they need some “chakabuku” - spiritual kick to the head that alters reality – this offense needs something to “kick” in.

2.Yes I’m satisfied they are trying – but trying is certainly different from actually being successful at it – with as moribund as the Rangers offense has been – getting anyone on base to manufacture said runs is difficult, so far.

3.Is it fair? Probably not. But for those of us who questioned the trade in the first place – it’s valdition of our position: McCarthy 15 IP 10.20 ERA vs Danks 16 IP 5.06 ERA

4.Welcome to the Mild, Mild West – injuries and inconsistency are the best description of this division.

5.No and I like Henry Aaron’s response to everyone, including Bud Selig, on the situation.

1. Tex: because of the money he is paid and wants to be paid and he has blocked several players that we have traded because we had Big Tex.

2. I am satisfied with Mr Washington's direction. No, I don't think he needs some player changes. He needs a few more contact hitters over the sluggers he has now.

3. see mjhindman's post on this. Michael always words it better than I do.

4. Again this year, last hot streak wins.

5. Like the Great Hank Aaron, I don't care, will not watch or listen, and will leave when it is brought up.

Gee, you've gotta get up pretty early to beat those Newberg guys...right Mike?

2. I'm seeiing more stolen bases, but I'm not satisfied...If he wanted to manufacture runs he wouldn't tolerate Sammy's ridiculous homerun hop / trot on every ball he hits within 20 feet of the outfield wall. It's pretty sorry when the ball hits off the base of the wall and Sammy is grandstanding on his way to first.

PS - Chris Young won't hold up over an entire season...Adam Eaton, on the other hand...

1) I am not worried about the hitting,Young and Tex will come aroung and hit well.
2) It is allway good to see small ball, to me it is more exciting. Ron said he would do that and he has. I like the way Ron handles the team. They just have had bad breaks. I still think this team is good for 88 wins.

3) I looked at Danks numbers and McCarthy numbers yesterday, and I will say there almost even except ERA and strike outs. The thing about it is, Danails needed a pitcher this year and did not know if Danks was ready. Personally I would stick with who I have, but you can not blame the guy for tring. He did give the Rangers alot of pitchers. And they tried to get big name pitchers to. Just some had no intentions of comming here. In a couple years when it all comes togehter for theRangers they will be lining up to play for them.

4) I still think the A's will win it this year and Rangers will be second. Will be close. I would love it for the Rangers to win.

5) Considering that Bonds use to be one of my Fav. untill all of the speculations, the greenies exucse and blaming his teamate was terrable. He will break the record, I do not care, but another person I do not like will break Bonds, That will be A-Rod. Then hopfully somebody good to the game will break it, like Pujols.

Also regarding Chris Young, Buck told Danils he would not make it in Texas, so you can not say it was a bad trade, and they got a closer out of it!

1. Young sure is swinging and missing much more this year...
2. Lofton gets on base, steals second, Cat grounds out, Young pops out, Tex strikes out looking... where exactly are the runs being manufactured?

3. They are both starting pitchers aren't they?

4. It will be tight! I'm optomistic.

5. I hope he does it on the road and they boo him the entire trip around the bases.

1. I'm worried about Tex and Mike, but their track record tells me I don't need to worry long. They will come around. Hopefully sooner than later.

2. I feel like they are certainly trying. They're stealing more bases and attempting more bunts and hit/runs than in the past. They haven't been completely successful yet, but the promise is there.

3. Not yet. Not until each has at least seven starts under his belt.

4. It's going to be pretty tight until about August. Whoever's hot then will probably take it.

5. I really don't care one way or the other about Barry Bonds.

1: Half the line up is batting below .220 - it's difficult to win games with that...
2: They are much more aggresive base runners this year. That's good baseball.

3: Are we REALLY SURE that McCarthy is right handed?

4: LAA looks like the team to beat. If we can stay close until our lineup starts hitting, it could lead to some drama.

5: Bonds: It's very "clear" that he never "creamed" any record.

1. Laird was great against lefties last year. Time to revive the platoon and go with Stewart against the righties.
2. They are stealing more, that's a good sign. God forbid they take the bat out of Teixeira, Sosa and Blalock's hands.

3. Maybe they can make another trade with the Phillies.

4. Completely winnable.

5. Sitting on pins and needles

1. Baseball is a streaky business and right now some of the guys are cold...no big problem
2. 4 steals and a bunt yesterday...you bet! Keep it up Ron!

3. I never liked the McCarthy pickup...I think when the season started we were two starters short if not 3...Hard to compare him to Danks at all.

4. Early times is not just a liquor...lots of games to go in this division for 4 fairly matched teams

5. I have no respect for Barry Bonds and I grew up in Wisconsin as a fan of the Hammer. If he surpasses he gets an asterisk from me...I just ignore news that day.

1.) Tex, Young, Laird, Cat and Sosa

I think the guys will get it going but we must stay close while they figure it out. That means Milwood must breakthrough being a 500 pitcher and Padilla get a win for heavens sake. Bench McCarthy please and let K Loe have the spot. Put him in the bullpen where OZZIE knew he belonged.

2.) Keep trying and maybe they will figure it out. Let Sosa sit more on the bench and get CRUZ in the field and DH everyday. I know you guys will boo me but I think Wilkerson might have a good year if he can mange to stay healthy.

3.)Not a fair comparrison

Danks = Future Star

McCarthey = Future Minor league journeyman

4.)I will always believe we will win eventhough my buddies at work say I am insane

5.) Getting pumped for it to be over

1. Which offensive player has you the most concerned about his performance?
-I never thought that I would say this but i'm pretty concerned about michael young. History tells me that he will be fine and will end up putting up great numbers. However, so far this season when he is up to the plate in a clutch situation the confidence hasn't been there like it usually is.

2. The Rangers talked about manufacturing more runs this season. Are you satisfied that manager Ron Washington is trying to do that and the Rangers have the ability to do that.

-So far in the season I'm not satisfied. We get men into scoring position and then we can't find a way to get them home. Laird hasn't been what he was last year in the bunting department and you can't force it to much. I question the decision that had laird bunting on a full count.

3. Do you think it's fair to compare Brandon McCarthy and John Danks at this point of the season?

-They will be compared for as long as it takes to have a decisive winner in the trade. You would figure that McCarthy would have the upperhand and a good head start b/c he has more experience but so far he has been outpitched by danks. I'm a huge McCarthy fan and I think he will bounce back and that it is still a fine trade for us.

4. What's your early take on the American League West?

-It's anybody's game. The race will be tight throughout the season and I still believe that we have what it takes to win it. The way i see it we are playing AWFUL and are still only a game out. Imagine what it will be like when we start scoring runs and Tex and Young get hot.

5. Are you getting pumped up about Barry Bonds' closing in on Hank Aaron's home run record?

-No

1.) Michael Young has me the most concerned; it appears to me that he is not picking up the spin on the ball like he has in the past. I think that is why he is whiffing so many sliders down and away. He is not known for slow starts like Tex - another reason I think MY might have a physical problem, possibly with his eyes.

2.) yes

3.) Of course it is fair to make that comparison. I wonder how many more chances McCarthy will get?

4.) I like LAA's pitching, if healthy. Down to the wire and no wild card out of the West.

5.) No

1.) I am concerned there is something wrong with Michael Young. Contract? injury? Something is up. He just doesn't look like himself.

2.) I like that the Rangers are stealing bases attempting to make things happen. Now, if their big guns will just help the cause.

3.) John Danks gives up homeruns. This was a knock on him before the deal. He is living up to it. The whitesox hadn't given him any run support. He hasn't looked that bad.

The book on McCarthy was homerun prone. Well, guess what Ranger fans? He is living up to that and more. The deal is a failure as of now. End discussion until McCarthy proves otherwise, Daniels blew it.

4.) Boring! The Angels have beat up on 2 teams. The Rangers and the Mariners. They can win a division that way. The Rangers need to do something about the way they play the Angels. They can beat the A's, but the Angels are their nemesis. Heck, let's just have them start with beating up Seattle.

5.) NO! I don't support cheaters. Anyone who does has no respect for the game.

1. I only get to pick one? Tough call. I guess Tex has me the most concerned simply because I have more faith in Michael. I never know what to make of Hank anymore, never expected much from Sosa and think Cat will eventually get right. Tex also is the guy you look to to drive in runs and when that's not happening it magnifies everone elses shortcomings.
2. The base stealing has been fine. I'd like to see more hit and runs especially with the big bats struggling.

3. Fair or not, it's going to happen. Friday night was just ugly

4. It's anybody's race to win. I'll like our chances a whole lot better if and when the middle of the lineup starts producing up to potential. Every team in this division has question marks and holes. I don't anticipate any one asserting themselves like some were predicting the Angels to after the first series of the season.

5. No. It makes me feel like I accidentally drank out of someone's spit cup.

1. Which offensive player has you the most concerned about his performance?
Probably Tex, I guess I will jump on that bandwagon. I expect Tex do do fine, and have solid numbers as the season draws to an end, I just want to see him put up MVP-type numbers through the entire season. That could be such a boost to our lineup, but first you have to give him a little more protection out of the No. 5 hole.

2. The Rangers talked about manufacturing more runs this season. Are you satisfied that manager Ron Washington is trying to do that and the Rangers have the ability to do that.

Yes, actually, I think they have done fine in that area. We are stealing more – as would be expected with Lofton. I think as the hitters start to gain form, we will be good for another couple runs per game.

3. Do you think it's fair to compare Brandon McCarthy and John Danks at this point of the season?

I think anytime you trade your top pitching prospect, the trade will be scrutinized from day 1, and probably fairly so. Still, I think you have to give it a season and see where the two players finish up at that point. To be fair, McCarthy has more pressure to perform on his shoulders than does Danks, but we will see. I still like the trade.

4. What's your early take on the American League West?

In the postseason, there is always one team hovering around the .500 mark that nobody wants to face. I can see that happening with the AL West winner this year. No team will race out to a gaudy record, but all four teams are scary in their own way. Better division than people think who just look at W-L.

5. Are you getting pumped up about Barry Bonds' closing in on Hank Aaron's home run record?

Realistically, Barry Bonds is the greatest player of my generation. That said, no, I am not escited because of his shady steroid past and his personality.

Quick Question: People say the Rangers set Volquez back by rushing him to the majors. What? Look at the entire Detroit staff. If you do rush a player to the majors, stick with him through 20 losses in a season and let him work it out. Isn't that better than yo-yoing him up and down levels? Just my little rant, but one I would welcome comments on.

1) Gerald Laird. I know he's a down-in-the-order guy anyway, but sheeeeesh, he's almost hitting .090!!! I think Stevie Wonder or Brad Wilkerson can hit that..well, I know Stevie Wonder can make contact some. C'mon, Gerald. Bunt, move runners, sacrifice fly, for crying out loud--otherwise, I wonder what Duke Sims is doing nowadays? I think it's time for a left-handed catcher anyway. I hope you know I'm kidding. I know Tex, Cat, Michael, and even Sammy are going to be fine, but good golly, Laird is hitting like he'd never climbed above the Tulsa Drillers level.

2) Strangely, I am confident that we are trying to run more, move runners more, etc...as evidenced by Hank stealing second last night, Ian moving runners to 2nd and 3rd, and of course, Kenny Lofton pilfering 2nd again. Otherwise, Hank, Tex, and others are WAAAAY over-swinging, when the situation does NOT call for it. Can't they just lay a little bat on the ball and dump it over short? Even Brad can do that---well, let me rephrase that, Stevie Wonder can do that.

3) McCarthy has had a fairly good outing, an excellent outing, a fairly poor outing and a horrendous outing. He's some of the future. You McCarthy doubters out there (I'm not one of them, by the way) are always saying, "Just leave a young pitcher here, give him the ball, and stick with him."...Why not apply that to McCarthy? He's been capable, and I believe if he gets the ball down (his stature and trajectory alone are to his advantage-which I hope Mark Connor can get him to realize and use). Besides, what is Danks, like 0-2? I don't think he's been a young phenom, yet, and the jury is still out. This trade will take 5-10 years to play out. Let's not hyper-venilate at this early stage.

4) My take on the American League West? It's wide open, I'd say. I know one thing: Oakland is going to be there, because they are scrappy, make the pitcher throw strikes, and pitch well. If they don't have any big names on their roster, and have lost Mulder-Hudson-Zito the last couple of years, and just flat-out play scrappy small-ball, I suggest we get in there, get dirty, and try to emulate them. We sure haven't done it the other way. Ron's preached it, so the proof is in Ron's pudding, and how they perform. Believe it or not, the Texas Rangers CAN win it, even with this horrid hitting performance thus far.

5) I'm not exactly getting pumped Barry Bonds is closing in on Hank Aaron's Homer record. I couldn't care any less. It was more magical when Tom House caught Hank Aaron's 714th homer in the bullpen, breaking Babe Ruth's record. Now, with ESPN blaring 24 hours a day, replay after replay, Senate steroid testimony, and allegations of illegality, I'd rather see Al Downing serving up the magical homerun ball to Hank Aaron. I believe Curt Gowdy or Tony Kubek was announcing the game, and it was just a special moment. Seeing Barry Bonds in such a position, nauseates me.

1 -- Most concerned with Cruz right now because we don't know what we have. I do know this -- he needs to be in RF everyday so he can show if he's a major league player. Young is just pressing. He's trying to raise his average back above .300 in one at-bat. He'll be fine.
2 -- Four steals and a hit-and-run yesterday. Wash is trying. It's the players who have to execute when there's a runner at second and none out or a guy at third with less than two outs.

3 -- I agree with mttconley. Let's at least give these two guys a full season before we judge this trade. Sure, we're all going to have opinions on whether we liked the trade or not, but to say McCarthy should be banished or it's a horrible trade after four starts is ridiculous. Some of the same people who are now calling for Loe to be put into the rotation for good were probably ripping him last season when he struggled.

4 -- The AL West is a three-team race between the Rangers, Angels and A's. Any of the three can win it, although we need to play much better against the Angels. It's almost like that team has us psyched out.

5 -- Barry who?

Jon Daniels on the day of the deal: "In my mind, this is one of the elite young, battle-tested pitchers in the majors. I don't have any doubts about John's ability. But when I use the words 'battle tested,' that's huge."

DMN's Evan Grant on March 27: "The reason behind the John Danks-for-McCarthy trade is that while both pitchers could end up in the front half of a rotation, the Rangers believe McCarthy is more ready to do that right now. Ultimately, this trade may define Jon Daniels' tenure as the Rangers' GM. It will either establish him here long term or start his downfall. Immediate results are essential to this deal."

Daniels focused on the fact that McCarthy was ostensibly "battle tested" and ready right away. So he put the pressure on McCarthy to perform -- immediately -- to justify the deal.

In effect, not only did Daniels tell us all that McCarthy was better than Danks & Masset combined, but he told us that McCarthy was ready to roll right away, and that does not appear to be the case.

Another issue: McCarthy had a dozen big-league starts under his belt when he came here. Danks, of course, had none. Thus I'd say it's not fair to compare McCarthy to Danks for two reasons (and when I say this, I mean it's unfair to DANKS, not McCarthy): 1) McCarthy has to have a more positive impact on the Rangers than Danks and Masset have on the White Sox right away (so to evaluate this as McCarthy vs. Danks is letting McCarthy and Daniels off the hook); and 2) going into the season, McCarthy has already had a dozen starts to work through the learning curve while Danks had none.

1. TEX!! What is this guy's deal? He needs to get going now. I'm tired of waiting 3 months for him to start hitting the ball out of the park. He is our power 1st baseman and needs to hit like one throughout the season. The contract extension isn't looking like a great idea right now.

2. I am extremely satisfied with the way Ron Washington is running this ballclub. I love the way we are stealing bases, and putting pressure on the opposing team. This will benefit the Rangers greatly.

3. I don't think it's fair to compare Danks and McCarthy just yet. But I'm concerned with Brandon's confidence right now.

4. This league *****.

5. I'm intrigued by the home run race. I'm just not as excited about home run records anymore.

1. I know I'm only supposed to pick one, but I have two, Laird and Tex, in that order. A note to Gerald: I always liked you better than Rod Barajas... until now. Spend some time in the batting cage, get C.J. Wilson to help you with your karma, get a cork filled bat... just DO something. As for Tex, well, if he doesn't start hitting tha ball out, the question the Rangers will be asking is not whether to renew his contract, but who to replace him with. I love Tex, and I know power hitters have slumps, but this is getting redicoulous.

2. On Ron Washington, and his plan to play "action baseball" with a team not known for that: he's doing a great job. I love having Kenny Lofton leading off, and seeing Blalock, Kinsler and the rest of the crew moving around on the basepaths is refreshing.

3. I don't know if it's fair to compare them (or anyone else, for that matter) at this point of the year, but it's inevitable. Truth be told, I'd like to see an official "McCarthy Vs. Danks" report around the All-Star break. Unless McCarthy has another start or two like last time in his next few outings, in which case I will be very, very worried that we made a HUGE mistake. One of the hallmarks of a good pitcher: the ablilty to bounce back. If Brandon can bounce back from this, my prediction is that he will be fine, but if he can't, an he lets himself get psyched out by all this, I'll be worried. I don't expect him to come back throw shutouts, but just keep us in the game, and don't get rattled. The only problem: so far, Brandon hasn't shown that bounceback mentality, but he's got his chance now.

4. Well, the wild card won't be coming out of our division... all the more reason for us to win this year. To do that, though the most important thing is to figure out a way to reverse this hex the Angels seem to have on us.

5. As for Barry Bonds, yeah, I get pumped every time he rounds the bases... pumped that he might trip over second or third and blow his knees out permanently, before he can hit any more homers. So far, it hasn't happened, but one can still hope...

Man did mjhindman nail it above! I wasn't in town when the trade was made, so I'd never heard that Daniels quote before. That just proves once again that Little Jon is in over his head.

"Battle tested?" Like he was expecting the Rangers to "battle" this year. Not with the way he's hemorraged talent from this club and system! (http://rangersorrobbers.wordpress.com/2007/04/19/robbers-evidence-exhibit-c-recent-trade-history-recent-ex-rangers-would-make-a-better-team-part-i-pitching/)

McCarthy was flailing in the bullpen for the CWS. And I'll say it again, The Ballpark and The Texas Rangers are NOT the place for young pitchers to develop the mental game needed for the majors.

Danks - and maybe Massett - will be more productive for the CWS this season than McCarthy will be for the Rangers, but I doubt it will lead to any serious changes in the Rangers front office.

And to think we could have picked up Mark Buehrle for Diamond and Massett last season! (http://rangersorrobbers.wordpress.com/2007/04/19/robbers-evidence-exhibit-a-revisited-no-buerhle-no-no/)

Go Rangers!

I think Daniels made the McCarthy-Danks/Massett trade for the 2007 SEASON, not for April 2007.
If we're going to judge pitchers by their first four starts, the Cubs need to put Carlos Zambrano and his 6.91 ERA in the bullpen.

Ya know, I have no idea how this trade is going to play out, but I do know one thing -- I'm giving McCarthy more than four starts. The White Sox may end up getting the best end of the trade, but let's at least wait a while before judging it on its merit.

It seems like some people on this board are rooting against McCarthy just so they can say I told you so.

1. Gerald Laird... he is a gaping hole in the lineup right now and isn't even getting his bunts down.

2. I see them running more, but it doesn't seem like less thathey're executing many hit and runs, sac bunts, etc. It's hard to play small ball when you're hurting for baserunners, but even so it seems like we are having big numbers in the LOB column.

3. It's absolutely fair. McCarthy is supposed to be big league ready and Danks isn't supposed to be. Why wouldn't you compare them now?

4. I think you can win this division with 89 wins.

5. I wish I was more excited about it. 755? How can you be so blase about 755? Yet I am... I will be more excited when A-Rod and maybe Pujols do it.

1. Mr. Laird - The first 4 guys are professional hitters - Rudy will get them back in the grove. Don't panick just yet. By the way, remember 1st half 06 with Tex? He got hot when Mr. Lee showed up because they couldn't pitch around him anymore - we need Sammy to get hot and then we'll see Tex get hot.

2. Mr. Washington is keeping with his promise and stays as aggressive as the team allows. Keep em' running Ron!

3. I agree with most of the previous feedback. I think I'd have tried Danks just to stay with the "Youth" movement idea.

4. Wide Open - I still think we have as good of a chance as anyone else in the A.L. West.

5. If I never read Sports Illustrated I'd probably 1/2 way root for Bonds. Being that I do and have read so many stories about how he treats fans and even guys in his own club house - I can't imagine him having the HR record. Not to mention all "roids" stuff. I won't be watching either.

1). Teixiera, he has to hit eventhough he has no one hitting behind him. It looks like he is missing Carlos Lee.
2). Mr. Washington needs to be more agressive and stop relying on the 3 run homer. Bunt, sacrifice and move the runs over, hit and run, manufacture some runs because it looks like that is the only way we are going to win. Tell the hitters to put the ball in play and stop striking out so much. Did anyone see the series with Oakland? The A's hitters really work the pitcher and our guys swing at the first pitch way too often. We had runners on base in too many instances with no outs and failed to advance and score. So so far i say Washington has failed.

3). Forget about that. Hold Daniels responsible. I said at the time of the deal that it was a bad deal. Danks and Massett should have been given the opportunity to pitch here at the big league level before they were dealt. This is what frustrates me about the Rangers. Ranger management pump up Danks as the annoited one, the second coming of christ, spend all this money on him, coddle him and then right when he is close to possibly fulfilling his potential, he is dealt without getting a crack at the major leagues? Non-sense. I hope DANKS becomes a stud, so maybe someone will learn that you never, never trade a #1 lefthanded pitcher, until you know that they aren't going to become a pitcher.

4). The west is up for grabs, wouldn't it be nice if we had a center fielder an another big bat. Soriano comes to mind immediately. How many fly balls are going to be hit over Loftons head in CF?

5). Bonds should have already been kicked out of the league. It is really a joke. Baseball better be careful, it is one of the main sports that thrives on history and statistics. Once the history and statistics become tainted, the sport is going to suffer immensely. My question is why does Bonds want this record? Doesn't he know that we all know that he is a cheater? I have this nut's rookie card and he was a very skinny kid. Now his head is as big as a watermelon.

1. Wilkerson. The rest have solid track records and are showing hints of getting it together. Brad's injury will prolong him from finding his hitting groove. That's grounds for real concern.

2. I like what I see, but it's hard to tell when so many are not hitting. Ask again in 20 games.

3. NO! NO! NO! Stop it!

4. Throw in the white towel. Plead for mercy. It's over! The sky is falling. Seriously, it's way too early to get a read on any of the teams. It's still up for grabs.

5. No. Not interested.

Len in San Antonio

1. Too many to select just one. Try Teixiera, Young, Laird. Spring training is over and this is the Real Deal. When you can not beat the last place team in your division, you can not expect to be in first place at the end of the season.
2. As for RW, his favorite quote is, "I'm not worried". Maybe it is time to start worrying just a little. It appears from the few games that the Rangers have played, that he is trying to get players on and move them around BUT when players can not hit, well, it really does not matter too much, how many bases they steal. So far they are 1-3 in one run games. Does not look as though the plan is working. The Rangers are not known as a bunting team, but many can bunt, like Laird, and you don't see that happening, often.

3. Comparing McCarthy and Danks, well, it is too early to do that. I am pleased to see that Danks is getting a chance and in the long haul, he'll do the best of the two. The starting line-up this year is questionable, at best. The positive is, the bullpen is good.

4. AL West: It is be the Angels, Oakland and the the Rangers and Seattle fighting it out for the cellar.

Most Rangers fans are hopeful that things will change, but as time goes on, it is more difficult to make up lost ground. Take out the Johnny Oates era and it is just the same team that we have seen for 30 years.