Monday Morning Manager - Forget who's on first.....

1. Send Tea to the minors and trade one of the other 3.
2. Yes
3. It didn't sound like Hammer was real pleased with the flip flop over position (and I can't blame him), but it's definitely the right thing for the Rangers. He may still get some time over there if Cat is traded.
4. Who cares. It's Ozzie.
5. Kinsler. He's the one that makes it go, and he went 0-for-Minnesota.

1. Teagarden should sport Burnt Orange and Ranger Blue in Beijing.
2. Absolutely. As this sport become more and more international, it would help every young player to get exposed to the ability of others from around the globe.
3. A resounding YES. Chris has been holding his own at 1st, and should continue until it is proven that he needs more work. It should also build Hanks trade value.
4. If it were Jenks showing off against Hambone or Milton, Ozzie would find it perfectly acceptable. Just one more case of Ozzie being Ozzie.
5. The Metrodome has been one of our greatest downfalls. Although it has never been this bad. Not exactly sure that anyone player is to blame. Hopefully getting back in the open air, and real grass at US Cellular will help.

1. Send Teagarden to Bejing, send one of Max or Salty to AAA to play everyday whoever stays on the big league team gets the majority of playing time - even when Laird comes back from the DL

2. Yes - there is no reason for Teagarden to be with the major league club while they are still trying to sort out the Laird/Salty/Ramirez situation.

3. Yes - Hank has more value to the Rangers (and to a possible trade partner this offseason) at third.

4. I suppose the standard reply is "it's just Ozzie being Ozzie" - however, if the White Sox weren't sitting in first place in the AL Central you kind of wonder he'd be making remarks like that (or even would stil have a job).

5. Is my imagination or have the Rangers had a hard time with the Twins the last couple of seasons (okay - I looked it up - they were 2-7 against Minnesota in 2007 and 5-5 so far this season). Some are already blaming it on the All-Star game causing Young, Bradley, Kinsler and Hamilton to be out of sync. I don't buy that - major league baseball players are used to that kind of travel schedule - it's part of the game. There are good series and bad series every season - this was just a bad series - not going to worry (unless it continues for more than a couple of weeks).

Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur

http://emcmlb.blogspot.com/

1. Laird needs to be traded so the Rangers can figure out which of the other three young catchers they will start. A lot has changed since the start of the year - with Jarrod Saltalamacchia's season basically becoming a writeoff, but Max Ramirez and now Teagarden have stepped in to fill his place as the guys who will be taking Laird's job away in the coming months.

It's nothing personal against Laird, he's upped his stock this year as well - but as I've been saying all along, because he doesn't have the potential or the service time of the other three, he's in the way. While he might not be off the DL in time to trade at the deadline here, one of the priorities this offseason should be finding a suitor for Gerald so we can move forward with our trio of young catchers.

2. I don't really see the point in shipping one of our top prospects off to China, myself - save for the whole prestige and publicity thing, I'd just as soon Tea get to make the most of this opportunity in the bigs and finish out the season figuring out his swing in AAA. So either way I don't really care.

3. Heck yes. That was the biggest no-brainer of the season. Not only does Hank have more value to the team at third, but he has more trade value there as well.

4. I don't like flashy pitchers anymore than Ozzie does... but Ozzie is the official jackass of Major League baseball, 'nuff said. I do think CJ needs to be a little more concerned about nailing down 1-2-3 innings though - he seems to think giving up runs is okay just so long as you don't give up the tying run, and that's just not a good attitude.

5. I'd like to think everyone is just needs to get back in sync after the all-star break, but our lack of offense this weekend was concerning. What was more concerning though was our lack of pitching - Kevin Millwood's ERA is a up to 5.23 and his WHIP is 1.725. At this point, signing him for $60 million dollars is really turning out to be a bad decision.

http://lonestarincalifornia.wordpress.com/

1. Laird and Ramirez once Gerald gets healthy.

2. Yes. The Olympics would be a good thing for Taylor.

3. With the way Davis has been playing, not sure there was any real choice there. Doesnt seem like Hank was real happy about it but he said the right things. Having his bat and his glove at 3B should prove to be a positive.

4. Ozzie is completely annoying and likes to hear his own voice. His attitude and antics are as detestable as anything he complains about.

5. Seems like ASG hangover. Just glad to get one win considering they hit .125 and scored 3 runs. Nice job by Padilla yesterday

Eleanor...even if it's written in English and on TR's blog, it's profound! Say Eleanor...aren't you a transplanted Texan too? Deputy dawg (D'god) has given me permission to be a Texan....maybe he'll do the same for you)

1. What catching situation? Laird is the catcher when he comes back and we sure miss him. Truth be known Ramierz has out played Saltalamachia. But baseball is a funny game...a game of numbers...when Laid comes back both Ramirez and long before then Teagarden will be down on the farm getting good experience to make next Spring exciting at catcher.

2. Not much of an Olympic guy...seems like just another chance for the wearer of the tools of ignorance to get hurt. No benefit to the Rangers that I see

3. Everyone can see Chris Davis has some pop. But hopefully we stopped playing long ball here. I'd like to see a lot more singles from the guy. Hank will be fine where ever. He's a keeper.

4. Ozzie reminds me of our own Deputy dawg.....can't keep his mouth shut. But seriously he's an old style player but he's playing in a new style setting. Nolan Ryan, the last of the old style pitchers on this team. gave a number of memorable interviews on offensive pitching techniques including plunking anyone who showed him up in any way. It was just the way things were done then. Hopefully who ever gets plunked on our side won't be injured as they take one for the team. Hopefully Padilla will not be pitching and feel he has to retaliate because Mr. Selig and his current enforcement czar will be only too eager to sit him down again.
5. Many of the guys who participate in the home run contest report tired arms for a couple of games. That may take care of Hamilton. Our all stars got no break...The other guys are just slow getting off into the last 40%. We'll have a 14 hit game against the pale hose.

Y'all remember if you haven't asked permission from Deputy dawg to be a Texan be sure to do that and let him know what you think about that.

1. Get guys healthy, especially Laird. He may not have a bunch of fans around on this board but he is still the best solution behind the plate.

2. Teagraden should be asking to go to the Olympics. This is a once in a lifteime deal and he will be back in the Majors and be a better player for participating in the Olympics.

3. Yes

4. Win or better yet sweep the series with CJ closing every game, that will take care of it all. He is taking issue with CJ's professionalism etc, Maybe he should go look in the mirror. MLB manager mouthing off at opposing players on the field, if he has an issue with the conduct of an opposing player, take it up with the opposing manager, off the field and not turn it into a circus sideshow. Apparently Ozzie likes being the star of the show, the sideshow that is.

5. Kinsler's 0-fer, and just general rust it looks like. Guys need the rest but the heart of the offense was in the ASG and played most of it. Plus I believe too long of a layoff can hurt hitters, see 2007 Rockies. So they probably just need to get locked back in on live pitching. I only saw yesterday's game from that series but when someone hit something hard it was at somebody. That top of the ninth catch on Murphy's ball took a 3 run homer away.

1. Laird starts when he comes of the DL. Ramirez backs him up and hits some DH. I like his bat up here getting experience against major league pitching. He'll always be valued for his bat on the big league level. He does seem have a decent presence behind the plate. Better than Salty, I believe. Salty should be traded, because Laird is better on the major league level and Salty takes at-bats and playing time away from Ramirez, too. At AAA he takes valuable playing time from Teagarden. I think he needs a new start somewhere else. Maybe we can get something for him and a few others. Let's let the other two or three, depending on who's still here, battle it out in spring training next year. I like all three players.
2. It would be cool for him and his family. It would be cool publicity for the franchise, especially after the ASB events of the past week. More exposure for the club, more $ for Hicks pockets, he should love that. However, I really don't care. I'd rather have him get everyday experience down in AAA or play some with the big league club.
3. Yes, he's a third baseman. He has been his entire big league career. The Rangers were playing better with Vazquez over there because he makes the plays that he should very consistently. At this point, they both probably have the same range. Hank's will have better power numbers. I hope his OBP will be good too. I believe its best for the club and for Blalock.
4. Ozzie taking shots at CJ. Hmm. More of the same from Ozzie. I'm more worried about it being more of the same from CJ as he continues to put too many baserunners on and potentially blowing every save opportunity he has! It has come to the point where I feel the anger boiling just watching him jogging to the mound. I like CJ, but stop filling the bases and get the outs!
5. Minnesota has some good pitching.

1. Maximus and Laird split, Salty to OKC for development, Teabag to Bejing then to OKC.
2. What an awesome opportunity, they should guarantee it.
3. Sure, you gotta be flexible and do what's best for the team
4. He's kinda like the President of Iran, you never know what's gonna come out of his pie hole.
5. Eh, one series, no need to knee jerk

1. Laird should be our starting catcher as soon as he is healthy. He has done everything needed to solidify his status. For now, Max and Salty will have to do. Trade Salty in the off season to make room for Taylor.
2. Let's see...National Championship for the 'Horns, Gold Medal for the US, and World Series Ring for the Rangers. How many kids will get such a chance? The Rangers should let Taylor go to China.
3. Chris Davis has planted his flag on first base. If Hank is going to play, it will have to be at third.
4. I am disappointed that Wash did not talk to CJ. He nearly blew a four run lead. I really hate to agree with Ozzie, but he might be right this time.
5. They hit a wall of surprisingly good pitching, do not expect this trend to continue.

1. Laird/Ramirez Rangers
Salty - Oklahoma - He seems to play better as primary catcher, and not in platoon situation.
Teagarden - USA
2. Teagarden should play in Olympics and do some first hand scouting of pitching teammates.
3. Never understood the move to first. Plenty more first base prospects in the minors. This year was supposed to be about the future.
4. Ozzie saying something complementary would be more of a story.
5. I was at 2 of the 3 games. Usual Minnesota winning formula, pitching and defense.

1. Teagarden to the olympics, when Laird gets back either Max or Salty goes down.

2. Yes. It affords him a unique opportunity and clears a spot at Oklahoma for when Laird returns.

3. Yes. That's where he's needed.

4. Ozzie is a media ***** and a fool. It's nearly impossible to take him seriously. The White Sox are fast becoming one of the teams I hate the most. They already had Pierzynski, Buehre and Guillen, then added Swisher in the off season, not to mention one of the single most annoying broadcasters in history, Hawk Harrelson. I'll issue a challenge to any of you Lewin haters to try and get through 3 innings listening to the Hawk's tired schtick and blatant homer-ism.

5. Odd, but I'm sure the bats will bust out soon.

1. Laird/Ramirez...let Teagarden get the at bats in AAA and have him next year either behind Laird or the out right catcher. Trade Salty.
2. Yes, Olympics for Teagarden.
3. I think Blalock is probably on his last season as a Ranger anyways...that being said so far all Davis does is hit home runs..his ba is .239, still for now I like him seeing MLB pitching every day.
4. I've always found it irritating the way Choke Job Wilson will nearly lose a game by walking guys/getting shelled and then celebrate like he just dominated. Let's face it, he's not a closer his ERA is 5, he always pitches behind in the count and he routinely gets shelled/walks guys. We'd be better off if we just didn't have a closer and put whoever was fresh out there. To answer the question I don't think Ozzie was wrong, if he was offended make comments..we all knew how CJ felt.
5. Yeah, I'm not worried about the Ranger bats...they'll be fine.

1. The key is what is available from the other team in a trade. It would have to be something truly extraordinary to give up Ramirez, say Liriano. For one of the other catchers to be included in a trade, still need a very attractive offer.

2. Only if he's not going to be needed in Arlington.

3. Washington never should have agreed to the switch in the first place.

4. I kind of agreed with Ozzie.

5. The four All-Stars were flat to the ground. What did you expect?

1. Salty's still our #1 guy until Laird gets back.

2. I think Teagarden going to Bejing is crucial, it's an experience of a lifetime and a great honor. It's nice that he made a few grand pocket money in his three days on the team.

3. Absolutely. However, I was one thinking he needed to move to first but third is by far the best for the team.

4. Competitive spirit, nothing more.

Regarding CJ, I did some research today and found that even though he has a 5+ ERA he has contributed to exactly THREE Rangers losses. He's blown two saves, one he took the loss, the other was a one run blown save he allowed one run and the Rangers ended up losing in the 12th. He blew a 4 run lead but the Rangers ended up winning that game in the 10th. And he lost one game where the Rangers were tied and he allowed three runs, one earned, where he took the loss. His ERA and WHIP don't show it but he's one of the most effective closers in the game today if we rely soley on wins / losses and save conversion rate.

5. And we didn't get swept! Amazing!

1. I hope to see a catcher moved for a starting pitcher before the deadline. I hope to see a SP (Padilla) moved for a ML-ready SP at the deadline, too. Get some more starters in here, move some of the current starters to the bullpen, and look out in 2009. I look forward to talking more about acquiring more starting pitching in the next two weeks.

2. Nah, I'd be sick if he got hurt over there.

3. The Rangers did the wrong thing moving Blalock to first, and they just righted the wrong.

4. I think Ozzie was reacting partly to the over-produced entrance that CJ has. It's ridiculous for someone with so few skins on the wall. Not that I'm defending Ozzie in any way...

5. It's only one series, but it's still all about pitching.

Brian, I may be in the minority but Padilla's essential to this team. Give up on Millwood if you want to but Padilla's mean and he gets results.

I'm still banking on Millwood, but I'm not quite sure why. Padilla's our ace and aces ain't cheap.

1. T.T. stays down for now, platoon salty and max until laird gets healthy. I don't think either max or salty have played well enough to take gerald's playing time away, so salty might best be used in OKC right now. His bat is not where it needs to be.

2. Sure. it's not Teagarden's time yet, but I think he showed that it soon will be. Let him see some different competition in beijing.

3. Yes. I don't see why he shouldn't be willing to live with a role similar to Cat's, play first when they need it, play third when they need, sit when you're not needed. I'm not sure there is a role for Hank on this team, but it's nice to have a veteran bat in the lineup.

4. Ozzie Guillen is completely classless. Is there another manager in baseball that would trash talk an opposing team's players both during the game and in the media? And why is Ron Washington not sticking up for his guys? If he talked like that about one of the Cubs, you can bet Piniella would get out of the dugout and mix it up with Ozzie.

5. Something about that ugly "ballpark" just has our number.

4. Totally agree with hefe300:
"I've always found it irritating the way Choke Job Wilson will nearly lose a game by walking guys/getting shelled and then celebrate like he just dominated. Let's face it, he's not a closer his ERA is 5, he always pitches behind in the count and he routinely gets shelled/walks guys. We'd be better off if we just didn't have a closer and put whoever was fresh out there. To answer the question I don't think Ozzie was wrong, if he was offended make comments..we all knew how CJ felt."

CJ goes out there allows batters to get on bases, or score, nearly loses the game, and then when he gets lucky, he celebrates like he's a top class closer!!! The media does the same. Meanwhile, if the other relievers perform nearly as bad as he did, and did get out of the inning, the media would only talk about their poor pitches, and not how they "got their job done".
It's ridiculous! Hate to agree with Ozzie, but he was right on this time!

Sua and Hefe... If you look at it closely CJ hasn't really cost us anything except agony in his 9th inning adventure...2 BS and 1 loss is nothing for a closer.

The real problem with your approach to closing (ie. using the freshest guy) is...welll let me tell it this way. With our stasrting staff we need to use our relievers more than most teams. Some days we wouldn't have a very fresh arm. So the souution to that would be to hold one arm back for every game....and then he becomes the closer doesn't he. CJ is an adventure but he's our closer for now I think aaltough Wright was lights out last night. Everyday Eddie is good but he has had adventures too.

What we really need is starters to get us deep into the game to save our relievers.

Kevin Goldsein has some notes on the Rangers' progress on signing draft picks at http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7823.

BP's content is free this week, so stop by over there if interested.

BTW - I hear what you're saying, tomk. And I think you're right - Padilla is the staff ace right now. (And it's ok to be in the minority - I was in the minority on him last year when I wanted to keep him after his HBP barrage)

The difference from then to now is the difference between selling low and selling high. If the right package of ML-ready starting pitching is made available, I really believe that Padilla has to be moved. If the right package isn't there, I'd be glad to see him stay and produce - the risk is that he goes back into a funk (and his value to us and others declines). The return on a trade would have to include at least one pitcher who can step into his spot in the rotation right away.
Likewise, selling now on Millwood would be selling low, and I think the team has no choice but to see if he can return to form. Hopefully he will, and soon.

Re: CJ Wilson - I think he needs to start splitting time with Frank Francisco in the closer's role. Frankie has the mentality and the stuff to close, and he's also been lights out lately, putting up a 1.29 ERA, a .160 BAA and 16 strikeouts to 4 walks in his last 14 outings. That's a lot better than CJ, who has a 6.08 ERA, a .316 BAA and 10 walks to 16 K’s in his last 14 games. Frankies also got the edge in the season stats:

ERA:
Frankie: 3.40
CJ: 4.89

WHIP
Frankie: 1.387.
CJ: 1.559

ERA+
Frankie: 122
CJ: 85

Again, I wouldn't take CJ completely out of the closer's role yet, but as bad as he's been we've got to start considering other options.. You can't put a ton of men on base and allow a ton of runs and still say you're getting the job done - if you do that, sooner or later you're going to cough up saves. Call it the law of averages if you want, but CJ has been incredibly lucky this far, and luck can only take you so far.

http://lonestarincalifornia.wordpress.com/

Jon...You're absolutely right that sooner or later, pitching like he is, CJ is going to cough up some runs. BUT...the fact remains that he has 20 some saves and only 2 blown. Right now I like his temperment and ability to get out of a jam better than Francisco. Have you ever noted that often Francisco 1st hitter reaches on a walk...not a "stat brain" to know how many times but I'll bet it's significant. And those leadoff walks do tend to haunt you also. Truthfully we're quibbling about very little here since the Ranger pitching with few notable exceptions has been on the brink of disaster all season. Let's go with CJ until next spring training and hope like heck if he's our answer to closer that our starters get as lot more effective.

1. Now what do you think the Rangers should do about their catching situation? Laird and Ramirez. Salty to AAA. He needs practice in everything except tightening his batting gloves.

2. Should the Rangers make sure Teagarden is going to Beijing? Without a doubt.

3. Did the Rangers do the right thing by moving Hank Blalock back to third base? Good decision.

4. What's your take on White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and his comments directed toward Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson? I missed what was said and I don't care to research to find out. I think CJ is our closer and will get better with time.

5. Three runs in three games in Minnesota...what's up with that? Good pitching beats good hitting nearly everytime.

Kevin Millwood. Sigh.....

This guy, along with Zito, Burnett, Jarrod Washburn, etc. (heck, throw in J Jennings too) are showing why investments in FA starters are a risky and oftentimes poor investment. Don't get me wrong, there are some decent deals out there too, but the odds are not in one's favor. Sort of like prospects. Someone should do some research....

Briant...it makes me wonder how a team does get good pitching...especially good starters. Millwood has been just a dredful investment for us. But those pitchers that we raise ourselves have not been so terribly much better...although right now I do like Feldman. Just a sad thing to have an almost perfect set of fielders and hitters only to screw it up with sub par pitching. Ron Washington said it again the other day. Good pitching puts down good hitting"

Free agent starting pitching is the riskiest investment in pro sports. I don't have any stats to back that up, just a personal theory. You'd have to guess that most deals of more than 3 years for mid rotation type starters end up being busts, but quality arms are so scarce that teams pay not only premium salaries, but have to pony up a minimum of 4 years to sign guys like Millwood, Meche, Lilly, Suppan and Silva who, on good teams are #3 type starters.

I don't know that you're not better off signing marginally worse players who'll accept short deal, but eat some innings for you until kids on the farm are ready. St. Lous signed Kyle Lohse after spring training started, if I remember right, to a 1 year 4.25 million deal after his agent had been looking for a Gil Meche type contract. He's 12-2 with an ERA near 3.50. It's a crap shoot to say the least. I'm sure Lohse will get his 4-5 year deal for 10+ million this offseason based on the season he's had this year, but will that team be getting the Kyle Lohse from this season or the Kyle Lohse with a record near .500 and an ERA higher than the league average that's he's been over his entire career?

Jayson Stark says the Rangers are not making Everyday Eddie available for a trade. Hope this is just posturing/rumor. It would seem that the guy would have some value despite his last outing. It's not like he's going to be here for the long haul or anything.

Fred, I think the Rangers' best chance of improving the rotation is continuing to add more prospects through trades, thereby increasing the number of candidates for the staff, and improving the odds that we hit on enough guys to fill out a healthy rotation. (wouldn't that be a nice change?)

This is why I hope to see the Rangers active before the deadline, moving guys like Blalock, Padilla, one or more catchers, Guardado, Catalanotto, and even Byrd /Cruz if needed to complete a deal. If the package is right, I'd even support moving Bradley. I know it would likely hurt the team morale in the short term, but which player on the team can't figure out that pitching is the reason this team won't be playing in the postseason. If pitching comes back in these trades, I believe the players will understand (and even moreso the fans). JD appears to support this approach, but Nolan appears to be holding it back by favoring keeping some veterans to keep the current team more competitive.

I really hope that Nolan will allow JD to complete the rebuilding of the franchise. Stop trying to sell more tickets in a lost season and look to the future. Most people in the Metroplex have now forgotten the Rangers, since cowboys' (lower-case 'c' intended) traning camp opened today.

I say finish the rebuilding. Guess I'm in the minority again, though.

I agree, this team must trade Guardado, he's the most valuable traid bait we've got. I love that the Rangers are winning and hope they can win at least 81 games this season. But a proven closer, cheap, who's having real success this year is worth a lot to other teams.

I'm not about to think Blalock's the one to trade, have you seen what he's been doing at third so far?

Package up Guardado, Salty, Cruz and maybe Arias and you've got one serious package. It takes exactly zero away from the future of the team but possibly add quite a bit.

Hi, again Y'all

TR,
Can I discuss #1 w/ you in person this weekend?

Will you be at the game (in Oakland) this Saturday? My clan will be occupying most of Row 4 in section 203. I've always hoped to meet you, but didn't start blogging 'til I moved out here.

Welcome to Little Arlington West, where first we make sure you feel at home, and then we root, root, root for the new home team! (I'll be in Ranger red, white and blue!), near the RF foul pole, where we have room for you and Nelson Cruz!
Cheers,
Mike in St. Helena

TR,
Will you be at the game in Oakland this weekend?

Mike in St. Helena

"I say finish the rebuilding. Guess I'm in the minority again, though." - I'm with you. Trading just to make a trade - NO, but if you can get valuable, young talent for short term veterans, those are opportunities that need to be taken advantage of. I just hope there's a market for some of the players we have.

Not only short term vets Hefe but spare parts we'll never use. Meyer, Metcalfe, Cruz, Shelton and who knows who down in OK City. We're not going to need Cruz unless or until we trade an outfielder like Byrd.

I wouldn't mind seeing Cruz get one last shot, just based on his improved plate discipline this year in the minors. It seemed like he has ability, but has sabatoged himself by swinging at too many bad pitches in the past. If they can move Cat and Byrd it would open up some playing time for him. I don't expect much (if anything) in return for Cat and I"m sure they'll have to eat part of his next year salary in any deal, but I just don't see where he fits on this team this year or next. Byrd might actually return something because of his defense. He'd be a great guy off the bench for and NL team or RH part of an OF platoon for a club in need of something like that.

I have a feeling that we'll be dissapointed with relative inactivity on the trade front. I'd love to be wrong, though.

Great story in this mornings Sherman (Denison) Herald Democrat (Incidentally TR"s old stomping grounds) about Mark Cuban making the final round of bidders for the Cubbies . If he loses out maybe he'll buy out Mr. Hicks.

Wouldn't mind giving Cruz another chance myself. He's one of the major reasons OKC keeps winning despite the predation of the Rangers. As much as I occasionally like Byrd we'd have a good outfield without him (and Cat too).

1) My heart says put the best of the bunch, Gerald Laird, back at the spot he won, and excels at defensively. He bunts/sacrifices runners over, he takes the extra base, he steals bases, he throws runners out almost as proficiently as Pudge, he keeps runners close.....yada, yada....BUT, I'm also aware we have a glut of catchers in the organization, which is a great happening. My brain tells me that catching will benefit Salty, and he is still young, and will hit better than he has shown. He's got a big body, is durable, and I think will develop into a good ML catcher. Teagarden needs seasoning in the minors, so I guess I'd keep Max Ramirez on the ML team as a spot third base/catcher type, a la Jim Leyritz. Let Salty do his thing behind the plate Wash.

2) Teagarden needs to do what Teagarden needs to do. It's not my call. Personally, I don't care either way.

3) Yes, Hank should be back at third. I love Ramon Vasquez at third, and he's hitting......BUT, Hank might be rejuvenated at his old spot, as I never felt he was a first basemen. It's a longer throw, of course, so once or twice a week, he should DH.

4) I'm out of the loop on this one. I don't know anything about it, although I do know that Ozzie is a big, fat blowhard. (Reverend Jeremiah Wright comes to mind as another blowhard of Ozzie's ilk)

5) Minnesota is a good pitching team. Josh just wowed NYC with his homerun outburst. A power and hitting outage could be expected.....as the expectations of people come a bit back to earth once the All-Star Game is done. They'll be back to their old ways very soon if history holds.

To eight (nine):
I am really glad to see you back. Hope your schedule allows you to visit more often.

Sorry I can't join you in Oakland!