Monday Morning Manager...The Home Opener

"A bad day at the ballpark is better than a good day anywhere else."
--- Unknown (but all of us office drones will agree: well said)

1. Every home opener I’ve attended is a great day. (I know the 1994 First Home Opener at the Ballpark has been called memorable, I missed it due to family matters).

2. Yes. When was the last time this team saw .500?

3. The success or failure of this team is the going to be on the shoulders, or should I say arms, of the starting rotation. It’s a hopeful start, let’s check back in a month.

4. Sure –especially considering the early struggles from Marlon Byrd and Frank Catalanotto

5. I think they’ll probably send down a reliever…one with options left…one who hasn’t pitched much…I’m guessing Josh Rupe. He’s been injured the better part of the last two seasons and probably needs to get more consistent work at OKC for a while.

http://emcmlb.blogspot.com/

1. I have only been to a couple, the earlier work years did not allow for it much. But as noted previously, it beats workin'
2. I'll take .500 on the road. That with anything even close to last year's home record and we're in the hunt for October.
3. So far so good. They don't have to lead the league just do the job. Its a long way to go fom here so the ASB will be a better assessment.
4. Duh!
5. Now there's a question for ya. I guess everyone figures it will be Josh Rupe. He hasn't gotten into a game yet. Too bad, because we really should have a few live game comparisons between him ahnd German. CJ, Benoit Fukumori, Wright, and Guardado are all guys we need. Nippert is out of ooptions and he hasn't been here long enough to even assess so I'm afraid it is just a process of elimination and Rupe is the odd man out and it is really sad because it is not based on performance.

1. I'd have to say 2006, when Millwood first arrived and everyone thought we had a pretty good chance of a great year.
2. Someone once made a comment that if you can go .500 on the road and win the games at home, you're going to be a 90-win baseball team with a good chance of the postseason. In addition, it was against the Mariners and Angels, so I'd call it a rousing success.
3. The rotation has been really strong, and I think it's key that Millwood is well-conditioned and seems to have regained the "edge" that he had with Cleveland in 2005. I worry about Padilla, because when we have people on base, he takes an awfully long time, and I don't see his teammates appreciating that in the Texas summer.
4. David Murphy has one of the most beautiful strokes in the game right now. Marlon Byrd looks lost at the plate and the Cat is a capable back-up and not much more.
5. I never understood the Nippert transaction. While Rupe is the odd man out, I think the Rangers will "discover" an injury with Nippert and he'll go on the DL.

1. Haven't ever attended one.
2. Given recent history it is pretty good.
3. It is still early, but Millwood and Padilla look great.
4. David Murphy keeps this up, and there will be much less of a rotation in the OF. This is a very positive development, and not just because of the production Murphy has provided. I believe we should be looking for full-time players, and not leaning as much on platoons or rotations. Our roster lacks flexibility for this reason.
5. Well said, sean. We hardly knew you in 2008, JRupe. We'll see you again soon, though.

1. Haven't had the pleasure yet. I'll be there this weekend, though.

2. I don't think I could find any reason not to be happy with playing .500 on the road, just wish we could've capitalized on at least one of Millwood's great starts.

3. Millwood and Padilla look healthy and strong. Gabbard shook off a bad spring, and Jennings looked good, save for two balls he left up in the zone that got hammered (are you watching Mr. Hurley?) So far so good, but it's early.

4. Yes. He's producing. God help me, I may be becoming a believer. There's nothing in his minor league history to suggest he'd be an every day player, but you could say the same thing for Mark DeRosa and he's been solid for the past 2 years.

5. Rupes seems the most likely to lose his spot, and as EMC pointed out, it would probably benefit him to get regular work.

1) I believe it was 1978. Jon Matlack pitched a great, great game, but was losing 1-0 against the hated Yankees. Newly-signed free agent slugger Richie Zisk hit a 2-run homer in the 9th (I believe off of Sparky Lyle) to win 2-1. I hope my memory serves me correctly that this was an opening day game. I believe it was. VERY exciting win, and for new slugger Richie Zisk and newly traded-for Jon Matlack.

2) Absolutely it was a success! On the road against top pitching and against the two divisional rivals WAS a great happening for this team. That's not even counting the starting pitching. By the way, what player is it that is wearing Vicente Padilla's uniform? Totally changed man, methinks....so far.

3) I think Jennings might really help us. I always liked Gabbard's Kenny Rogers/Jamie Moyer-type approach, and think with his propensity for giving up ground balls, that he'll succeed well in Arlington. If Mendoza pitches like we think he can, and IF Padilla and Millwood can continue their trends early on, my prediction of 86-76 might be exceeded a might. I hope so.

4) I absolutely believe in David Murphy! He can hit both lefties and righties, and is proving JD to be a genius in acquiring him. Please Wash, let Murphy hit against anyone. He looks like the real deal.

5) I'd put Franklyn German at Okahoma City, as he has options. Since he's recently had back spasms or tightness, I'd think he needs some time getting work and not hurting the Major League team while "rehabbing" while he pitches. Better put him at AAA.

See ya tomorrow as the eagle flies through the stadium.

1. Last year's the best. If you had asked me last year it would have been the 2006 opener.

2. 500 and two of our toughest opponents...sure I'm happy!

3. The starters gave up a pile of hits especially Milllwood and Padilla. I don't think we'll get away with that later in the season. On the plus side they opened way better than I thought they would...or were even capable of.

4.. David Murphy and Josh Hamilton are our guys right now. I"ve seen where Ron Washington has said he'll go with the hot hitter...well there they are.

5, If in fact German has options there's the answer. Otherwise put him on the DL. (This is assuming that Nippert has no options left...although surely he would be better off at AA or AAA where he could find a modicum of control) Eerybody gets all hot and bothered aboout those 6'6" fireballers (nippert) ...I don't especially but maybe we should see more of him before we lose him to DFA.

1-April 11, 1994 the first game at the new "Ballpark in Arlington" A loss to the Brewers. My first and last opener.
2-How could you not call it a success after last years 28-53 road record? You have to tip the cap to the three pitchers we lost to (Bedard, Hernandez, and Weaver). They pitched well.
3-It appears that Millwood and Padilla are pitching like they want to earn all those millions they're being paid. All 4 starters actually pitched like they had some "fire in their belly". Pleasantly surprised with Gabbard's performance. Sort of anxious to see Mendoza.
4-What more does Murphy have to prove? He hasn't been in a slump yet. He's good against lefties and righties. Keep him in there until he stops hitting. Cat, Botts, and Byrd 1 for 25, 1 walk. Murphy 9 for 22, 2 bases on balls. Need I or anyone else say more?
5-I'm like dstark, Why did we acquire Nippert? What happened to Littleton? How could anyone think Nippert was an upgrade over him? Someone please help me on this one. This was a bone-headed deal. 15-day DL for him.

P.S....concerning my #5 comment above. It seems that Mr. German came into pitch when he in fact was not healthy, due to a back tightening up or spasm. If he'd have cost us a victory due to his lack of honesty, I'd DFA him immediately! Thank goodness we were up by several runs. This non-leveling and dishonesty with coaches is absolutely uncalled for, and very Hillary-esque.

I'd put Mr. German down on the farm for 2 reasons: One, that he should be rehabbing his back in the minors where he couldn't overtly jeopardize his team from winning the game, and Two, to send a message to Mr. German, that he needs to be upfront with Dom Chiti, Mark Conner and Ron Washington, if he is less than 100% physically, he shouldn't be saying he's available just because he wants to get into the game--selfish, I'd call it.

I say, send Mr. German down to Oklahoma City where he can rehab fully, and where he wouldn't be exposing his team to unnessary risks on the mound.

1. Unfortunately, I've never been to a Rangers home opener yet - hopefully, that will change in a year or two.

2. With the way we played in Seattle, coming out of that road trip at .500 is indeed a success. Good to see the offense waking up in Anaheim.

3. So far, it's even better than I think even the most optimistic folks could have predicted. Especially Millwood and Padilla.

4. Let's see... what are the other OF options? Marlon Byrd and Frank Catalanotto? Um, yeah, Murphy should play every day as long as he continues to handle the LHP.

5. Josh Rupe will probably be sent down. He hasn't even been used yet, so obviously Ron Washington doesn't think much of having him in the bullpen. I wish we could send down Nippert or German, but due to the options situation, it'll be Rupe that gets sent down.

http://lonestarincalifornia.wordpress.com/

1. The first Ranger game in Arlington back in 72. I didnt have an appreciation of it then, but am thrilled to say I have been there from the beginning.

2. Definitely a success. If they can play at that level on the road for the season, then winning 85 or 90 games is not out of the question. Not counting on it, but I'm hopeful now.

3. We will have to see, but dont overestimate the value of momentum in baseball. If they start believing, they have the ability to be a strong rotation. I'm not counting on it, but.....

4. Like others, I say play him until he proves he cant hack it. I know that could leave Byrd in no man's land, but its the only way to approach it as long as Murphy continues to play well.

5. I wish they'd ditch Nippert, but I suppose it will be Rupe.

1. I would have to say that the year 2002. I got to see both the Astros home opener which was on a Friday and then came home for the weekend from A&M and stayed and then went to the Rangers Home opener that was pretty good both games where wins if I recall if not they were at least entertaining games but that was pretty neat getting to see two opening days in a couple days from each other.
2. I would hope the Rangers locker room would view it as good. Since they were a horrible road team last year and went 3 and 3 on the road trip and took 2 of 3 from the Angels in Anahiem. I would say that is something to build on and hope they can have around a .500 record all year I believe that will transalte into a solid season because if they can play at home like they did last year and be a .500 team on the road they will be in divsion race at the end of the year and of course hopefully the Angels continue to have key injuries that derail them some. But yes when I saw the schedule from the beginning I said to myself I would be happy with the Ranger starting with a .500 record after 6 games coming home to play the O's and the Jays who the Ranger over the years have beaten up at home.
3. I saw what the starting pitching did as a good sign Kevin Millwood pitched the best of anybody and got nothing for it because we couldn't hit. Padilla was great in his first start and did ok on the second he got the job done in the second start. Jennings was not at his best but he did a decent job of keeping the Rangers in the game and the one picther i was worried about the most Gabbard did a great job because after what I saw in spring training I thought he was going to get shelled. But he did a really good job against a solid Angels lineup. i only hope we can pitch this consisently all year long. Bullpen looks a little shaky early on in the season but overall ok for pitching so far.
4. So far Murphy is proving to the Rangers Organization that he can play everday in the outfield and i think he is already one of Ron Washingtons boys and he keeps playing the way he is playing I see no reason why he shouldn't be out everyday execpt for a day off every now and again. He is raking so far he has been the most consistent hitter so far this season there is no doudt about that in my mind,

5. Roster moves: I would say Nippert, Rupe or German will go down. Rupe is the only one I haven't seen pitch yet. Which means he didn't give up any runs yet so I would send down either Nippert or German. They don't need to shorten there bench with The Byrd and The Cat in a slump.

First week Rangers highlights: Starters pitching well in all starts, Hamilton's Game winner off of a Putz, David Murphy playing like the rookie of the year, Gerald Lairds box score on Sunday and Ben Broussard is second coming into today in homeruns in the American League. And of course the greatest highlight of all is that Baseball is back in action. Wonderful

good job jennings! stinking up opening day...... 2 home runs given up in 4 2/3 innings

good job jennings! stinking up opening day...... 2 home runs given up in 4 2/3 innings

jennings did pitch bad. he is getting hurt because his velocity is down and he is leaving a bunch of pitches up in the zone. the offense is still struggling hitting with people in scoring position. another thing that popped out was the stupid stupid base running mistake made by milton bradley early in the game. that good have changed the flow of the game if he would have held up and have runners on first and third. i will say the little lefty that pitched for balt had a good game. i will be attending the game tomorrow the offense can strike up something against trachsel

On our way back from the game today I had a feeling about the game. But my wife said it best...the Rangers and in fact the whole game lacked spirit...in fact if it was a record I'd give it about 55...ya can't dance to it.

Jennings threw 25 pitches in the first inning alone. Tedious. The fans gave him a rousing welcome for each strike and out. With velocity on every pitch between 82 and 89 according to the ball park meter (which by the way gave the O's reliever a couple of 94's so it wasn't out of order all the time) He had neither the speed to impress or the differential between his fastball and off speed pitch. He was also up in the zone.
By the end of the first Bradley had made his bonehead miscue on the ases and for all intents and purposes the game was flat for us after that. No clutch hitting to speak of,
That said what a day for baseball...the eagle, the B1 bomber, the color guard, (with the war on you had to give a thought to all those young men and women) Nolan and Sunny together...plenty of old Rangers, Nadel's 1st pitch. I love this game. As Willie Mays said "let's play two!"