Monday Morning Manager...Angels on High

1. I think it's pretty major. We can make up some ground by taking 3 out of 4. Then again, I view every game with our division rivals as a big game.

2. I have to admit, I was not at all thrilled with the signing initially. I knew he was a good player, but his temper worried me. Since his arrival, he has proven to be a good teammate, and I've come to appreciate his passion.

3. Absolutely not. When I came to the 1B spot on my ballot, I voted for Morneau.

4. They haven't really held up yet, and unfortunately I think the heat will only make it worse. I want to be positive, but the indications just don't point that way. I hope I'm wrong.

5. No. Who cares? Honestly.

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1. Michael Young put it best when he said it's not a must-win series, but it's pretty huge series. This is the Rangers time to make a serious statement series. If the Rangers can win 3 out of 4 then it gives us some serious momentum and confidence going into the break. Not a do or die series, but still pretty important.

2. Yes. Milton Bradley is one of those players that is easy to get a false view of. All you get is what the media gives you and is possibly the single most mistaken player in the game. He plays with a passion and fire that is a huge boost to this club, but the media portrays him as this awful man who can't control his attitude.

3. No Ben Broussard did not get my vote. I vote for who I think should get in regardless of if they are in a Rangers uniform or not.

4. No. the Rangers rotation needs a boost. It's time for the youth to show what they got and hopefully lift this rotation and keep us in contention.

5. It terrifies me. I can't sleep at night just thinking about it....

1. It could be big with a sweep either way. Otherwise, its just another series in a long season.
2. No. I knew he was a good player with a passion/temper that sometimes gets in the way. He's shown it some here, but it just hasn't gotten in the way yet of his tremendous ability. Hopefully that remains the case.
3. No. I only voted for 4 Rangers, and they are all in.
4. The rotation hasn't held up to this point if you look at stats. I think Millwood and Padilla can continue what they're doing, but if all starters don't start going deeper in games our bullpen is going to be holding auditions in the parking lot before games.
5. Would he still be getting divorced if he didn't head to NY and hang out with strippers and Madonna?

1. Any series against a division rival is big, but I don't personally feel like this Rangers club is built to compete for a division title this season. If they fancy themselves contenders, then these are the series they need to be winning.

2. In some regards. I've always felt he was a very good player, and I still think he's a potential liability because of injury risks, but I had the impression, before he came here, that he's was devisive in the club house and a "bad teammate." I no longer have that opinion of him, and loooking back I can't think of anything negative that his former teammates have had to say about him. He's sort of a lightning rod for trouble because He's had trouble controlling his emotions, but I have a more positive perception of him now than when he was signed.

3. No. I voted online around 125 times and in person once or twice, but never voted for Ben Broussard. I may be a homer, but I'm not insane. My votes went to Justin Morneau.

4. My magic 8-ball says "Don't count on it." I hope if someone is need to fill a rotation spot for an extended period that Matt Harrison would get a shot over Dustin Nippert. I'd like to see Nippert concentrate on commanding his 2 good pitches in a relief role instead of having to use 3 as a starter.

5. No. Mine and Madonna's apartments don't share a common wall.

1. Don't want to say that it's make or break, but a series win would really make JD think twice about trading Bradley or Guardado.

2. I hated him as an Athletic, but love him now.

3. Well, 50 times online and over 50 personal ballots, so yes.

4. I don't think Millwood can. Padilla has a much better shot.

5. Actually, I was in New York last week while all this was going on. I really don't care.

1. This entire homestand is a reality check for the team, their fans and the manager. I’m amused that with their 47-42 record Yankee fans feel they are in dire straits while Ron Washington is talking about the playoffs. Yes, the Rangers are a vastly improved team from last season - and that is great. But I have a feeling the Rangers will find out pretty quickly that their starting pitching is no where near playoff quality, that their bullpen needs to be more reliable and their defense has to keep improving in order to actually contend with the likes of the division leading Angels and White Sox.

2. Yes they have. Milton has emotional issues he still needs to learn to manage –but overall he’s been a key contributor – when he’s healthy. Other than one big hiccup –he’s not that much of distraction – it was a low risk signing that, so far, has produced a high reward.

3. Hah! I can only guess there are some Indians, Mariners and Ranger fans with a wicked sense of humor out there casting ballots.

4. Nope. Millwood’s already proved to be inconsistent, Padilla after a strong start has slipped back into the “which Vincente will we see tonight?” mode. Scott Feldman has been the only reliable starter – but you have to ask – since he’s been a reliever most of his career with the Rangers how he is going to hold up pitching more innings over the rest of the season as a starter? Mendoza and Hurley are young, inexperienced and will have their good streaks and bad streaks. And Brandon McCarthy…is he still a Ranger? And Armando Galarraga....oh wait, he's wining games for Detroit now isn't he?

5. Oh please, it’s sad to see the Monday Morning Manager turning into Page 6 of the New York Post.

http://emcmlb.blogspot.com/

1. Overall with the pitching we're putting out there any one win would be a big deal. I repeat at the risk of being as repetitive as D'god. Mr Hicks...I have one word for you pitching. How did the Brew crew did CC?
2. I don't thnk much of Milton as a right fielder. He looks uncomfortable out there but he can sure wack that apple. Still worried about his emotions.
3. I know both Jefferson and Marx said it best....and maybe Shaespere too...the masses are ignorant.
4. No...see number 1 above
5. Who's Madonna?

1. This series is really big if either team sweeps. Otherwise, this is just an exciting series with one of our division rivals.
2. I've always felt that Milton was a good player who had been misrepresented by the media. Now I think he's a great player who the media can't understand.
3. I would check with his music fans to find out who voted for him.
4. I would have to believe that Millwood will have a better second half than first. I doubt Padilla will be as good as the first half, but I think he will at least hold up for another 7-8 wins.
5. Isn't she old enough to be his mom?

1. I think this series will be a good opportunity to gauge where the team is, especially the pitching. Looking forward to attending Wed and Thurs.

2. A little. The guy has been really productive, and that has been a terrific surprise to me. However, I think a guy like MB will likely always have supporters as well as detractors.

3. It wasn't me! I voted for Morneau, too.

4. I have to agree with Micah - Millwood hasn't exactly held up in the first half. Also, Feldman only threw 70 innings last year, so it's unrealistic to expect him to double that this year. We're just not ready to compete in 2008 because of our pitching, but look out in 2009 or 2010.

5. Good call hefe.

1. It's big, but not because we're contending for anything - it's big because we get to see how some of these young guys will match up with our division rival.

2. He's honestly become one of my favorite players. I expected him to come here and add his brand of fire to this team, but what I've realized since he's been here is he's not a Jose Guillen-type egotist, he's for real. He's gotten over-emotional in the past, obviously, but he's 100% genuine in how he plays the game and how he interacts with his teammates. Part of me will sorely miss him when and if he gets traded.

3. All I know is, that's a funnier practical joke than the one about Dustin "I'm gritty like David Eckstein" Pedroia beating Kinsler out for AL starting second baseman...

4. I think at least one of Millwood and Padilla will be traded, if not both. But yeah, I think Hurley, Feldman and eventually Harrison and McCarthy will do well in the second half.

5. All I have to say is, Alex is a looser if he can't get anybody better-looking than Madonna.

http://lonestarincalifornia.wordpress.com/

1. I hate to place to much importants of this series. I do know that the players themselves would like to kick the Angels butts in this series to tell them we are going to be in this race until the end of the season. I personally want to see the Rangers just keep playing the way they have been lately and they should be just fine. I would like them to take 3 out of 4 against the Angels and 2 out of 3 against the Chisox. That would make me feels pretty good about things going into the break.
2. I have never not liked Milton Bradley as a player. I have always thought he was a talented player and that injuries and his temper have been what have held him back from being a great player. I would really like to see the Rangers make him a 2 or 3 year offer to keep him instead of Trade him at the deadline. I think he really enjoys playing here and fitts in with the rest of the guys here. Milton and Hamilton are really big forces in the middle of the lineup and make this lineup one of the leagues best offenses. Going back to the original question I think we are seeing the type of player and impact Milton can have on a team when he is healthy. But I like Milton and I hope he will be with the Rangers in the future.
3. No Broussard was already gone before I started voting for the All-star game. I tried to vote for the first basemen deserving of a vote I think I voted Carlos Pena on a lot of my ballots. I did like one thing Broussard did here. He played so badly that the Rangers deided to go with Chris Davis as their everyday Fristbaseman. But what are they going to do when Hank gett back with Davis?
4. Injuries are hard to predict. I actually hope that Padilla starts pitching well so they trade him for more prospects and bring up another youngster. As for Millwood I like him and i hope he stays healthy if we are going to make a playoff push.
5. A-rod and Madonna doesn't keep me up at nights but if he is tagging Madonna that is not bad at all. I hope he doesn't choke with Madonna the way he has in the playoffs in his career.

1. The Rangers aren't going to the playoffs so it doesn't technically matter what happens in this series. It's always great to beat the Angels, though. The pitching worries me, so I'd be really happy with a split.

2. I like Milton Bradley. I kind of love him, even. I never hated him, but I never liked him before he signed with Texas, because of all his issues. Now, his issues are my issues. I don't want him traded, unless it's in a blockbuster deal.

3. I didn't vote for Ben Broussard. I thought about doing it as a joke once while tipsy, but just thinking about it killed my buzz.

4. Padilla might, I don't think Millwood will.

5. No, although it is the stuff of nightmares.

1. Big and not so big. Big because winning 3 out of 4 might keep Bradley, Guardaddo or Salty here. Or lossing 3 out of 4 or swept might be the end of the road for Millwood, Padilla, Catalanotto and the above. Not so big because if these young starters have bad games it dose not mean that they need to be sent down to the minors or aren't going to make it in the big leagues.
2. Yes, he has proven to be a productive hitter, but an even better teamate. I hope that he dosen't get traded and signs a long term contract either before the year is over or at the end fo the season.
3. Unfortunately yes. He was a Ranger and I knew that he wasn't going to get in, but he was a Ranger and I even voted for Hank Blalock at 3rd and that was an even bigger joke.
4. NO!!! Millwood and Padilla should be trade bait. Feldman has been great but more than likely wont make it through the season because of pitch count. Hurley, Mendoza and Harrison should last just going to go through growing pains. Trade Millwood and Padilla.
5. Oh yes. boo hoo poor ARod. Who cares, ARod is a jerk.

For those of you who are commenting like we're going to be "sellers" after the all-star game I think you're wrong. We may make a small trade or two (Saltalamachia and Catalanotot) but those guys don't fit into next year anyway. Everyone of the position players currently with the team with the two exceptions fits fine into a team with some starting pitching next year. Even if we lose to both teams on the home stand I don't think we're necessarily don for the year. I would be disappointed if we were.

1. Yes, I'd like to see the Rangers continue on winning but I suspect once again, it is all about pitching. So it's win a few, lose a few and that will not win the Division. A split would be more than expected.
2. Bradley has fit in farily well since coming to Texas. He still has some emotional issues but the MEDIA is absolutely no help. I guess if they don't have negative things to report, then it is not worth reporting. Pleased to see him make the AST.
3. Broussard who?
4. Sad to say no, their finish should be much like last years.
5. Nope, the A-Rod story does not bother me one bit. Have not read anything yet about him having any pit bulls, tho. Never been a A-Rod fan but he'll be taken to the cleaners.

1. If we lose three out of four and look overmatched, I think we can adjust expectations a bit, and JD will start planning significant changes for next year. If we win two and look competitive, then I don't think you will see big changes.
2. I thought he was poison. My opinion has changed a lot. He's still high risk, but I appreciate the potential reward and really hope he does well wherever he plays.
3. I voted for seven Rangers (including write in for Ramon) plus Moreau.
4. Millwood and Padilla are fairly predictable, good but not great. They also miss some starts. If the kids can hold up during this series, it will be a fun summer although no playoffs.
5. Interesting that all this stuff doesn't bother A-Rod's play, after he struggled when the NYC fans were down on him. You can see what's important to him.

1. I don't think it's huge in the sense of winning now. This team is not going to the playoffs, but if they can finish at or near .500 it bodes well for the future. That said, I would love to see them win 3 out of 4. (Tonight's game is 8-1 as I am writing this)

2. My opinion of Milton has changed completely. I really did not like the signing - too much bad press. I was wrong!! He has been great on the field, and from what I have heard he has been a model teammate. I hope the Rangers can lock him up for another few years. This team is on the way up and I would love to see him be a part of it.

3. No. I don't really care about the ASG and I don't vote.

4. Ah...the $64,000 question. I was at the Ballpark when Padilla beat the Braves. He looked almost unhittable. I really hate to see him fall back into "Good Vinny/Bad Vinny" mode again. The talent is there. I'm not sure at all about Millwood. To me, he looks uncomfortable when he pitches and it seems to be getting worse. It might be time to throw some more kids into the mix and see what they can do.

5. YAWN!!!

How big is this four-game series with the Angels?
Big for the Rangers. Not so big for the Angels

2.Have your feelings about Milton Bradley - as a player and a person - changed since he came to Texas?
Yes. I thought signing him was a mistake. I was wrong.

3. Did you cast one of the over a half-million votes that Ben Broussard received at first base in the All-Star balloting?
Not me. I voted for the Twins first baseman.

4. Will the Rangers rotation - especially Millwood and Padilla - hold up over the summer?
I worry less about Feldman than either Millwood or Padilla. I worry less about them than Gabbard. Hurley is OK. Mendosa is a big concern.

5. Is Alex Rodriguez's love life and his budding friendship with Madonna keeping you up at nights? Is A-Rod is trying to emulate Babe Ruth in more ways than one? If true, that's too bad.

I think I voted for Broussard 100 times just for the hell of it.

My friend and I filled out 400+ ballots one night. Broussard and Richie Sexson got our DH votes for ***** and giggles.

1) Big but we are playing for the future
2) Yes he is the heart and soul of the team. He is a team leader if not THE TEAM LEADER. He is my DH though. I would resign this guy and not deal him. He is a piece for this puzzle, is only 29 and seems to get along with Washington. Hey Bradley, don't look at this blog though you may get upset and want to beat someone up. I know i do, ha ha.....It ain't personal Brad let it roll off your shoulders. Most of us on here would like to be playing professional baseball and living that life. So cheer up.
3) No
4) No
5) No. Hopefully A-Rod enjoyed that 2.5 million dollar raise, because if he doesn't have a pre-nup then it is going to cost him for two children. I don't know what the laws are up in NY State, but here in Texas she would be getting about 28 percent of his check for child support that is about 7.7 million per year. Not a bad check if you can get one. Which leads to this question. Why get married in the first place? Second question, if you are going to get married and have A-Rod type money then why not get a PRE NUP? Well maybe Sir Paul McCartney and A Rod can hang out together. Madonna is old enough to be A-Rod s Mother. Rumor has it she has slept with everyone on this planet. So why?????? She probably is going to get separate maintenance payments also. Hello Lenny, American Woman stay away from me............