Chickens on the Run

Future Posting

2009-08-28T11:27:00.001-05:00

Currently: All future posts are now going to be published here: http://businessimage.wordpress.com/ Thanks for following me!

Confidence Builder

2009-07-29T04:45:00.001-05:00

If you ever feel a little bit stupid, just dig this up and read it again; your confidence will be restored!

'Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,'--Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC

'Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff.'--Mariah Carey

'We've gotto pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?' --Lee Iacocca

'The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.'--Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst.

(On September17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.)

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: 'I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,'--Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.

'We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people.'--Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instructor.

'I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body,'--Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward.

'That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it,'--A congressional candidate in Texas

'Half this game is ninety percent mental.'-- Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark

'Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.'--Department of Social Services, Greenville , South Carolina

'I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix .'--Dan Quayle

'Traditionally, most of Australia 's imports come from overseas..'--Keppel Enderbery

'Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life,'--Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign .

'If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed, and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there will be a record.'--Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman

TROT COFFEY

2009-07-29T04:10:00.000-05:00

(* Trade Rumor Offerings To Chew On For Fun, Even Yuks)

Not to be confused with Brewers journeyman reliever Todd Coffey, the TROT COFFEY is a mailing list-only update on various trade rumblings unearthed, if not hatched, by the media:

Today’s the self-imposed deadline that Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi first announced last week for his club to trade Roy Halladay or decide not to, but he has since called the deadline “soft.” Something could happen today, sure, but don’t hold your breath. Unless traded first, Halladay is slated to start tomorrow afternoon when the Blue Jays take on the Mariners.
The Nationals have reportedly been unable to move Nick Johnson, Adam Dunn, or Josh Willingham to this point largely because of unreasonable trade demands. Willingham (who’d I’d really like to see here) sure didn’t help the rest of the league last night, if the idea is to get Washington to bring their demands down: the .298/.410/.596 hitter blasted two grand slams and a double in 14-6 win over Milwaukee.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Rangers’ top priority is finding a starting pitcher and the club is “very much part of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.” However, Toronto is insisting that three of the Rangers’s top five or six prospects be included, and “that group is all at either AAA or the majors” (Sherman identifies Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, and Justin Smoak; presumably the description means Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon make it five, and maybe Taylor Teagarden or Max Ramirez or Tommy Hunter gets you to six, eh?) (no, thanks – unless the three would only include just one of Feliz, Holland, and Smoak – and obviously Andrus is not in the discussion).
Sherman adds that the Blue Jays refuse to take back a sizable contract like Vicente Padilla’s or subsidize part of what remains of Halladay’s 2009 salary as part of any deal, which could be a stumbling block even if the players were to be agreed upon.
Sherman also adds that Texas turned down a proposal from Tampa Bay centered on Scott Kazmir. While he doesn’t connect the dots, it stands to reason this could be related to yesterday’s rumors that the Rays were trying to trade for a high-end Rangers pitching prospect to flip to Cleveland in a package for Cliff Lee.
According to Sherman, the Rangers “were convinced [late yesterday] they were the front-runners to get Ryan Garko from the Indians” and “were surprised when he ended up going to the Giants instead”; the club, says Sherman, “is still trying to find a righty-hitting first baseman.”
According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, Toronto asked Texas for Derek Holland, Justin Smoak, and Julio Borbon in exchange for Roy Halladay, and Texas (thankfully) said no. Sullivan adds that the Rangers have asked Cleveland about Cliff Lee but nothing appears to happening there. A Boston report (WEEI) late today suggests Boston could be close to acquiring Lee, in exchange for righthander Michael Bowden, outfielder Josh Reddick, and another prospect.
John Hart said on MLB Network this afternoon that when Texas acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Snare, and Will Smith from the Marlins for Ugueth Urbina in 2003, the Rangers asked for Josh Willingham (then a 24-year-old AA catcher/first baseman/third baseman/outfielder) and Florida refused to include him in the deal.
According to Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals are putting Troy Glaus’s rehab assignment on hold due to continued back pain. Glaus was lifted from AA Springfield’s game last night after just one at-bat.
While it’s not really a COFFEY note, the Rangers have announced that Bakersfield outfielder Engel Beltre, who has been out of action since July 15, broke the hamate bone in his right hand and is on the disabled list. (If it happened on a hit-by-pitch, the last time Beltre was drilled was early in the Blaze’s game on July 12. In his next two games, he went 5 for 10 with a home run and triple.) While no timetable has been set for his return, it’s the type of injury that could conceivably cost him the rest of the season. The toolsy 19-year-old has hit .227/.281/.317 for the Blaze, a disappointing slash line despite the fact that he’s among the youngest players in the Cal League. David Paisano goes from Hickory to Bakersfield to replace Beltre. (Paisano was part of the Danks trade to the White Sox)

Vicente Padilla:

According to at least one local report, Vicente Padilla is still slowed by flu symptoms and has been scratched from tonight’s start against Detroit. Doug Mathis starts in his place, and according to the report(s), a backdated disabled list assignment for Padilla is a possibility.

Guillermo Moscoso:

The Rangers have recalled righthander Guillermo Moscoso from Oklahoma City,optioning Willie Eyre to the same club. Moscoso is in town and will beavailable to pitch tonight if needed.

Game 97: Rangers vs. Tigers

2009-07-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

This game may not be played today. A lot of rainy weather in the area... Detroit has a two game lead over the second place White Sox, which means that in the Wild Card standings, the Tigers are five games back behind the Red Sox, or two and a half behind the Rangers, who have the fourth best record in the American League.

On 7/17/09, the Rangers were 48-39 and have gone 6-3 since. The Angels have gone 8-2 during that same period of time. 6-3 is good. 8-2 is better.

I haven't posted the wildcard standing this season. In fact, I am not even sure if I have ever posted the WC standings. Whatever. The Royals were once first place in their division... boy, have they gone south. A trade for Zack Grienke? I would sure hope the Rangers could pry him away.

If Ben Sheets is a Class A Free Agent, even though it is after the draft, will the Rangers still have to give up picks? Anyone know?

Scouting Report:

Tigers: Galarraga lowered his ERA by more than a quarter of a run in his last outing, thanks to 7 1/3 innings of one-hit, one-run ball. He had a shutout going into the eighth before walking Jack Hannahan ahead of Russell Branyan's two-run homer off Bobby Seay. He has pitched at least 6 1/3 innings with one run allowed in three of his past four outings to revitalize his season, but the Tigers have won only one of those games. He would no doubt love to earn a victory against his old team in Texas, which he has beaten twice since the Rangers traded him to Detroit last year.

Rangers to Watch:

Marlon Byrd is 3-6 against Galarraga.
Chris Davis (currently in AAA) is 2-6 with one HR and three RBIs.
Josh Hamilton is 2-5 off Galarraga.
Hank Blalock is 1-3 with an RBI.

Rangers: Hunter pitched six innings and allowed one earned run on Tuesday against the Red Sox for his second Major League win. It was his third quality start of the season. He has gone 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA over his last four starts to lower his ERA to 2.16 from 5.06. Hunter produced 10 consecutive batters from the second out of the third inning to the second out of the sixth. This is his debut against the Tigers. In his career at home, Hunter has a 5.01 ERA with a 2-2 record, but a 2.74 ERA with a 2-1 record this season.

Forecast: I have to start this one out like this...

Loser (noun):

A person, team, nation, etc., that loses.
A person who has failed at a particular activity.
Someone or something that is marked by consistently or thoroughly bad quality, performance, etc.
A misfit, esp. someone who has never or seldom been successful at a job, personal relationship, etc.
One that fails to win.

Why do I put this in this particular part of the post? Because the Rangers are 0-6 this season against Detroit. The Rangers, as the definition would claim, fails to win against the Tigers. Last season, the Rangers went 3-6 against the striped cats. You have to go back to the 2006 season when the Rangers didn't have a losing record against the Tiggers, when they split the series 5-5. I do not understand the hex against the Rangers, but I am at a point to where the Rangers need to prove something to me when it comes to Detroit. Tigers win this one, 5-2.

Home Plate

TROT COFFEY

2009-07-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

From ESPN’s Jayson Stark in the last couple hours: “The Texas Rangers also are still talking to the Blue Jays about [Roy] Halladay, according to a source familiar with those two teams’ discussions. Texas, the source confirmed, was one of several clubs given a this-is-what-it-would-take proposal by the Blue Jays in the last 72 hours. However, the Rangers have issues beyond their hesitance to give up the slew of top prospects they’ve been asked for. Money is also a complication. So they would need Toronto to pay some of the approximately $22 million left on Halladay’s contract. Plus they’d need the price in players to come down. So they were described by sources as being just ‘semi-alive’ at this point.”
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports in the last half hour, although Texas is one of five teams known to be in the mix for Halladay (along with the Phillies, Angels, Rays, and Red Sox), Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi is posturing telling reporters tonight that the chances of a Halladay trade are “very slim.”
According to Yahoo!’s Gordon Edes, Tampa Bay is trying to get Texas involved as a third team in discussions with Cleveland as part of the Rays’ attempt to acquire Cliff Lee, presumably to add a Rangers pitching prospect to the package they’d offer the Indians.
Question to ponder: If Kevin Millwood needs to miss a start or two due to his glute injury, does that increase the chances that Texas trades for a starting pitcher? Or decrease them?
Dustin Nippert’s effort today (7/25/09) after replacing the injured Millwood: Bad Ass.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports add more detail to Jayson Stark’s Sunday report that Toronto had sent Texas a specific Roy Halladay proposal, reporting that the Blue Jays’ demand was Derek Holland, Justin Smoak, and “two other top guys.” (For my thoughts on the idea of including two of Holland, Smoak, Neftali Feliz, and Martin Perez in a deal for Halladay, stop by Inside Corner later this morning for the transcript of a lengthy Sunday morning chat session between Evan Grant, Mike Hindman, Joey Matschulat, and myself.)
Rosenthal and Morosi add that Washington’s asking price for Josh Willingham is too high, and among the Rangers’ right-handed bat targets are Cleveland’s Ryan Garko and the Mets’ Gary Sheffield, who is currently on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain.
Adding to the weekend report from Yahoo! Sports’s Gordon Edes that Tampa Bay is trying to trade for a Rangers pitching prospect to flip to Cleveland in a Cliff Lee deal, there are various rumblings on the Web suggesting the Tampa Bay enticement to Texas would be Scott Kazmir or Andy Sonnanstine. Edes reports that Texas would not trade Holland in such a deal with the Rays.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Texas was among eight to 10 teams that were on hand last night to scout Justin Duchscherer’s first minor league rehab outing. Pitching for Stockton in the High A Cal League, the former Rangers righthander was perfect in two innings, fanning two San Jose Giants, coaxing three to ground out, and one to fly out.

Blake Update

2009-07-24T20:05:00.000-05:00

July 3rd
AA: Frisco 1, at Springfield 2
Loss: Beavan (0-2, 5.32)
Record: 3-5, -3.0 (36-42 overall)

Blake Beavan was Beavan-esque, walking and striking out one in seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits. 2B Marcus Lemon singled and doubled. The Moreland/Smith/Smoak troika was hitless.

July 9th

AA: at Frisco 10, Springfield 4

Win: Beavan (1-2, 5.65)

Record: 8-5, -1.0

Blake Beavan was democratic to a fault, letting his fielders do all the work by neither walking nor striking out a single batter in five innings. Beavan allowed four runs on eight hits. Lefty Zach Phillips fanned three in two perfect frames.

The entire lineup had at least one hit. 3B Adam Fox walked, singled and belted two solo homers, his 4th and 5th in Frisco. 1B Chad Tracy (.252/.305/.425) hit a two-run shot, his 13th. CF Craig Gentry went 2-4 with a double, walk, and his Texas League-leading 32nd steal.

July 14th

AA: at Frisco 10, Arkansas 7

Win: Diaz (3-0, 3.48)

Record: 12-6, +3.0

Hitless in four previous at-bats, Johnny Whittleman belted the first walk-off grand slam in Frisco history. Whittleman (.230/.362/.374) has six homers in his last nine games after hitting none in his first 64. The results of his plate appearances during that span are astounding: 11 walks, 6 homers, only 2 other hits, a line of .258/.452/.871. Whittleman carried a .305 slugging percentage into his surge.

DH Craig Gentry (.312/.382/.444) walked twice and doubled twice. RF Mitch Moreland went 3-4 with a double and walk, and CF Dustin Majewski had four hits.

Arkansas touched Blake Beavan for 11 hits (though only one extra-base hit, a double) and five runs in six innings. Beavan (5.97 ERA in Frisco) didn’t walk anyone and struck out one.

July 20th

AA: at Frisco 1, San Antonio 2

Loss: Beavan (1-3, 5.49)

Record: 14-9, -2.0

Blake Beavan yielded two runs on eight hits in six innings. He walked none and struck out one, giving him a total of three walks and five strikeouts in his last five starts (28.2 IP, 127 batters). The former is fantastic; the latter helps to explain his opponents’ .320 batting average.

Zach Phillips (1.1 IP) and Thomas Diamond (1.1 IP, 2 SO) kept it close, but the offense was dormant.

Matt Harrison:

According to multiple local reports, lefthander Matt Harrison has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in his left shoulder and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Thoracic outlet syndrome, which Kenny Rogers had in 2001 and Hank Blalock had in 2007, occurs when a rib compresses on a nerve, causing pain and numbness.

Vicente Padilla:

The Rangers have disclosed that righthander Vicente Padilla has tested positive for the Type A/H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as "swine flu." He's the only Rangers player to test positive for the condition and has been sent back to the team hotel in Kansas City. At the moment he's still slated to start Tuesday in Arlington against Detroit.

Home Plate

Game 93: Rangers vs. Red Sox

2009-07-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

Wow, the Rangers are about to sweep the BoSox, but they have to go through Clay Buchholz to do it. They send Padilla to answer, and he's about as good a choice as the Rangers could make in this situation.

Rumor mill says that the Rangers are trying to bring up Neftali Feliz to do bullpen work, but they don't have any room in the 'pen for him. What will happen when Francisco returns? You really have to wonder...

According to local reports, Vicente Padilla has been scratched from tonight’s start against Boston due to flu-like symptoms. Dustin Nippert will get the start as the Rangers attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the Sox. Nippert threw 45 pitches on Sunday night – expect to see Willie Eyre to get some significant work in relief tonight.

Padilla is now the fourth Ranger to succumb to illness this week. Pneumonia forced Frank Francisco to the disabled list, and Omar Vizquel and Eddie Guardado were unavailable last night.

I'm not going to dig into a lot of things... as I started putting together this post with Padilla in mind and then had to scratch everything... so as it is, I will leave things be... it is now obvious that the starting pitching edge goes to Boston. They are in a losing mode right now, as the Rangers are in a winning mode.

Forecast: Overall, I think the big edge goes more to Boston than it does the Rangers, despite the past several games for both teams. Losing Padilla is a big "uh-oh". Can the Rangers still rebound from the bad luck? Yes. They have responded well to adversity. Rangers pull this one off late in the game, due to a superb bullpen. Look for a score of 6-4.

Home Plate

Game 91: Rangers vs. Red Sox

2009-07-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

Probable Starters for this Series:

Game 1: Millwood vs. Smoltz (QP: Millwood)
Game 2: Hunter vs. Beckett (QP: Beckett)
Game 3: Padilla vs. Buchholz (QP: Padilla)

Next Series (@ Royals):

Game 1: Feldman vs. Greinke (QP: Greinke)
Game 2: Holland vs. Hochevar (QP: Holland)
Game 3: Millwood vs. Ponson (QP: Millwood)

Scouting Report:
Red Sox: Smoltz closed out the first half by earning his first victory since April 17, 2008 -- a span of 450 days. The 42-year-old righty tossed five innings of one-run ball against the Royals on July 11 at Fenway Park, striking out a season-high seven. In one career appearance at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Smoltz recorded a three-out save.

Rangers to Watch:

Omar Vizquel is 4-20 off Smoltz.
Marlon Byrd is 2-9 off Smoltz.

That is it for Rangers having faced Smoltz.

Rangers: Millwood allowed four earned runs over six innings against the Mariners in his most recent start on July 11. He has run into a rough stretch, seeing his season ERA steadily increase to 3.46 from 2.64 over his past three starts. Manager Ron Washington decided to give Millwood some more time to rest -- he will be going on eight days after his last start. Millwood entered the All-Star break atop the American League in innings pitched and only one-third of an inning behind Adam Wainwright for the Major League lead. He has thrown 110 pitches in 13 of 19 starts this season.

BoSox to Watch:

Mike Lowell is 18-57 (.316) with four doubles, a triple, two HRs, and thirteen RBIs. If Padilla was pitching, I would say he's a beenball candidate.
Jason Varitek is 11-27 (.407) with four doubles and four RBIs.
David "Papi" Ortiz is 8-22 (.364) with three HRs and nine RBIs.

As a team, the current roster is 78-240 (.325) off Millwood. They have eighteen doubles, three triples, eight HRs, and fourty-one RBIs.

Forecast: I like the Rangers in this one. We don't have a mess of experience against Smoltz, but he is not the Smoltz that pitched... well, dominated with the Braves. Despite that, he can still toss the ball like an average pitcher in the Majors. Not great, but not awful either. And, let's be honest... the Rangers pound average pitching. Smoltz may start the sixth inning, but I wouldn't count on him finishing with six innings tonight. And I am not sure if he will even grab down five. On the other side of things, Millwood doesn't do well against the BoSox. And that could keep this game fairly tight. Then again, Millwood hasn't been his usual self this season. And I am counting on more of that than anything else in this game. He should grab six innings, but may not grab a quality start. He will do enough to get the win, however. Score: 8-5, Rangers.

Home Plate

American Association All-Star Game

2009-07-19T21:00:00.000-05:00

The All-Star Game Tix for Tuesday. Need some buddies to come along and enjoy the game. Are you game?

Game 88: Rangers vs. Twins

2009-07-17T10:10:00.001-05:00

Gosh, I really haven't done much posting on here in a good while. Harper's Island is done. All but four characters died. The killer was revealed. I won't spoil it for those who read this. It's a good watch. I recommend getting the season on DVD and watching it all the way through. Very cool series. The top set is from a month ago. The bottom is coming into today. The Rangers are 11-12 over the last month. The Angels are 15-8 during that same stretch. Seattle is 14-10. And who cares about Oakland.

This is a three game series. The scheduled starters for the series are:

Game 1: Padilla vs. Perkins
Game 2: Feldman vs. Baker
Game 3: Holland vs. Liriano

And then the next series against the Red Sox:

Game 1: Millwood vs. Smoltz
Game 2: Undecided vs. Beckett
Game 3: Padilla vs. Buchholz

Matt Harrison could be starting the second game against the BoSox, although it really is undecided.

Scouting Report (from MLB.com - additions mine):

Twins: A high fever pushed Perkins' most recent start back three days and he came out looking a bit rusty after the extra time off. Perkins lasted just 4 1/3 on Saturday against the White Sox, giving up five runs on eight Chicago hits. The loss came after a pair of quality starts where Perkins went seven innings and notched wins against St. Louis and Kansas City on the road. Perkins is 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA lifetime against the Rangers.

Rangers to Watch:

Marlon Byrd is 2-6 with a double.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia is 1-3 with a RBI.

The current Ranger roster is 5-39 off Perkins with a double and a RBI. Young and Hamilton both have hits in six at bats against Perkins. This could be bad.

Rangers: Padilla will be making his first start since July 8, marking just his second outing in 17 days. He went eight days in between his last two starts due to shoulder soreness. Padilla allowed one run on eight hits in six innings his last time out, but had to leave when he tried to barehand a one-hopper. The ball bruised his palm a little bit, but he's fine and should be good to go against the Twins. The right-hander is 3-2 lifetime against Minnesota with a 2.63 ERA.

The Rangers are 7-3 in his last ten starts, while Padilla is 6-2 during that stretch.

Twins to Watch:

Michael Cuddyer is 5-14 (.357) with a HR and RBI.
Delmon Young is 4-12 with three RBIs.
Carlos Gomez is 3-6 with a HR and three RBIs.

The Twins as a whole are 30-124 (.242 - current roster), with five doubles, two HRs, and twelve RBIs.

Forecast: Dang it, I like the Twins in this game. Padilla is a strong point for the Rangers rotation, but Perkins really does own the Rangers, which is why they are starting him against Padilla. You can look at Padilla's numbers historically and it won't give you a realistic indication of what he will do tonight, simply because he is having a better season that what he has does in previous years. Even knowing that Padilla is doing better than normal, Perkins still owns the Rangers, so my prediction is based solely on Perkins and not what Padilla will do. Padilla will more than likely keep things interesting, but Perkins will be the pitcher of the night. Rangers drop this one, 3-1.

And as a side note, I wasn't able to ask my question to Chris Davis. Sorry. I tried. The next "Meet the Rangers" should be coming up pretty soon, and I will post that as soon as the information comes in to me.

Home Plate

Catching Up

2009-06-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

So, I have some catching up to do... I blame work for my lack of posting. Dog gone work. Still, it's good to have a job.

6/21 Farm Report:
AA: at Frisco 2, Corpus Christi 1
Win: Torres (1-1, 3.54)

Before 10,830 adoring onlookers, Blake Beavan squelched the Hooks for seven innings, allowing a lone run on six hits and a walk. Beavan struck out four and threw 73 of his 99 pitches for strikes.

Adam Fox singled home Manny Pina (who had reached on an error) in the bottom of the 9th. Pina drove in Marcus Lemon (3-3) in the 6th for Frisco’s other run.

6/27 Farm Report:

AA: at Frisco 3, Corpus Christi 10
Loss: Beavan (0-1, 6.48)
Record: 0-3, -3.0 (2nd half)

The Hooks avenged last weekend’s lost to Blake Beavan, who permitted nine runs (six earned) in 4.1 innings, walking and striking out two. Congrats to Zach Phillips, who was promoted from Bakersfield and immediately thrown into the fire. Phillips replaced Beavan with one out and the bases loaded in the 5th; he allowed all three to score, then held the Hooks scoreless for three more innings. The 22-year-old Phillips posted a 1.23 ERA and 27% strikeout rate in 44 Bakersfield innings.

LF Mitch Moreland (.309/.348/.455 in Frisco) tripled and walked. In his last four games, Johnny Whittleman (.217/.342/.297) is 1-for-7 with nine walks.

Coming into the season, would you take the Rangers six games over 500 and a game and a half back at the end of June? I'm pretty sure anybody would, but also knowing that we had a four game lead at one point and dropping from that lead to where we are, well, it's takes the sweetness out of the whole thing. Still, this is a team geared up for the future. It would be especially tempting to want to do a trade or two to gear up for the rest of this season, but let's be honest... we have to be wise about this situation and stay the course of the plan. Let's not win now to lose in the future, which this club has been accustomed to in the past. Right now... it would be hard to have that mindset, but I am fully convinced that this team can win next year and in the years to come if we exercise patience now.

Home Plate

Roughriders vs. Hooks

2009-06-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, the Texas League All-Star game is in Frisco this year. Nice.

Frisco is last in their division with a record of 27-35 and seven games behind Midland, while the Hooks stand in 3rd with a record of 30-32 and four games behind Midland. This is Beavan's second start for Frisco, his first at home.

Trinidad has a record of 6-4 with a 3.53 ERA. He's currently tied for the club lead in innings, has ten starts, with a complete game, and has a save. He gives up one HR in nine innings (actually, it is one in 9.48 innings, which works out to be one in 9.1 innings), so he has pretty good control and keeps the ball down, or so his statistics would suggest.

Beavan's first start was not good, really. He gave up six runs (five earned) in 5.1 innings while walking none, but giving up eight hits and striking out six. His ERA is 8.44 and he has no record. They say the transitition from A ball to AA baseball is one of the toughest for a player. The other is the transition to the Majors. If Beavan does well in Frisco, which I think he will, he will be set up for success for when he starts for the Texas Rangers. I think he is several starts away from figuring things out in Frisco. That won't really help him tonight, but maybe he will make some adjustments now... hard to say. I guess a strong plus in his first start is the zero walks. If he keeps that consistency up, things should fall into place fairly quickly. And you know, there is no place like home.

Forecast: Beavan could pull it off today. Or at least do enough to grab a win. And that is what I am going to go with... I think he will not necessarily pitch like the Ace he will become, but he will pitch enough to win. Look for him to give up three runs over five and a partial innings as the Rider's win this one, 6-4.

Home Plate

Spokane Indians Roster

2009-06-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Spokane begins its 76-game season in the Northwest League this Saturday. The Indians' roster as of Wednesday:

Pitchers signed in 2008 or earlier:

Reiner Bermudez (US debut)
Geuris Grullon (2008 rookie league)
Ben Henry (mostly rookie ball in '08)
Trevor Hurley (in Hickory part of this season)
Justin King (2008 rookie league)
Kyle Ocampo (2008 rookie league)
Joseph Ortiz (in Hickory at start, then hurt)
Jorge Quintero (in low-A Clinton all of '08)
Robbie Ross (finally making pro debut, #57 overall pick in '08)
John Slusarz (hurt forever, last pitched in Clinton in '07)
Matt Thompson (2008 rookie league)

New pitchers (all drafted):

Sam Brown (22nd round)
Keith Campbell (15)
Chris Matlock (21)
Braden Tullis (8)
Shane Zagarac (42)

Position players signed in 2008 or earlier:

C Albert Puello (mostly rookie ball in '08)
C Zach Zaneski (played sparingly in Hickory)
1B Clark Murphy (began in Hickory, batted .218/.282/.273)
MIF Edward Martinez (also played in Hickory, .196/.212/.225)
3B Emmanuel Solis (rookie ball in '07, Dominican League last year)
OF Miguel Alfonzo (in low-A Clinton all of '08)
OF Aja Barto (currently in Bakersfield)
OF Santo Dejesus (US debut)
OF Chris Dove (rookie ball in '08)
OF Cody Podraza (just reassigned from Hickory)

New position players:

C Vincent Difazio (12th round)
2B Danny Lima (23)
SS Denny Duron (free agent)
MIF Shon Landry (31)
OF Jared Prince (34)
OF Kyle Rhoad (33)

Home Plate

Harper's Island: Episode 10

2009-06-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking from Episode 9 on, there will be at least two who die in each of the remaining episodes... which now, there is episode 10 and episode 11. They revealed that the Sheriff is the killer in episode 9, but I am not buying into it.

Here are the updates:

Beth Barrington: A trail of blood led the survivors into a series of underground tunnels where bridesmaid Beth's dismembered corpse was found...
Katherine Wellington: The bride's stepmom spent the night sleeping on a couch, but in the morning, she was discovered with a pair of garden shears stabbed in her back...

Since two women died in episode nine (which two of my three guesses were right), I am thinking a guy is going to get it in episode 10. And it is likely that Shane will get knocked off. I also like Sully to bite it. Danny is just a shot in the dark...

My prime suspect right now is Nikki. Maggie and Cal remain high on my list, but Nikki is my prime suspect at this point. She hasn't been in an episode for quite some time... and that is why. I have read others who have said they think it is Henry, the groom. And there are some huge question marks about him, as he has cuts on him that he does not "know" where they came from. But he didn't plant the animal head in his bathtub... that wouldn't make much sense... unless he has multiple personalities. And my number one thing about this killer is that the killer isn't right in the head.

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Why Children Shouldn't Have Camera's

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is just HILARIOUS to me. What I am going to do is update the post, repost it everyday with the latest, adding it underneath the previous day's strip to follow the progress. Why? Just because.

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Game 65: Rangers vs. Astros

2009-06-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Rangers are back to being to being ten games over 500. In fact, the Rangers are on pace to win 94 games this season (a 94-68 record). Houston has lost five games this season to the Rangers. They are also five games under 500. How much has this series affected the Astros? Well, had they gone 3-3 over the six games, they would be at 500 at the end of today's game. The Rangers have won the Silver Boot on Tuesday (a game that I was in attendance with my son).
As I was walking into the stadium on Tuesday, I was talking with another fan and I mentioned that the Rangers would sweep this series. I still stand by that statement.
Padilla comes into this game, humbled. He took the message that the Rangers sent that he needs to shape up or ship out. He has 11 starts this season and is 5-3 with a 4.82 ERA. Opponents are hitting .262 against him this season and has four wins in his last five starts. Over the five games, he has an ERA of 4.11... and imagine what his ERA would look like if there wasn't the Yankee game where he pitched 3.2 innings and gave up seven runs.

Padilla doesn't have as much success against the Astros. He has gone 2-4 against them, but has a 4.44 ERA. The team has hit him for a .290 batting average, but the current roster is a little better with a .296 average.

Astros to Watch:

Lance Berkman is 10-18 (.556) with five doubles, two HRs, and seven RBIs. (BEAN CHECK?)
Geoff Blum is 4-12 (.333) with a double, two HRs, and six RBIs. (BEAN CHECK?)
Miguel Tejada is 4-12 (.333) with a HR and three RBIs.

Pudge also has a HR against Padilla, along with two RBIs, but only bats .217 in 23 at-bats. Still, congradulations on the most games caught. And it was fitting for him to hit that achievement while catching at the Ballpark.

Backe hasn't started a game this season, but has four appearances and nine innings. His 12.00 ERA shows he hasn't been effective in relief and hitters are slapping him with a .395 batting average. He has given up three HRs this season, a one in three inning occurance. In the last three seasons, he has one start against the Rangers that led to a win in 6.1 innings.

In his career against the Rangers, he is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA over 24.1 innings. The Rangers have hit him for a .274 batting average during that stretch.

Rangers to Watch:

Michael Young is 10-13 (.769) with a double, two HRs, and five RBIs.
Omar Vizquel is 2-7 (.286) with a double and a RBI.
David Murphy is 1-3 with a HR and RBI.

The current Ranger roster is 15-42 (.357) with two doubles, three HRs, and seven RBIs. Blalock and Kinsler also have hits off Backe.

Forecast: Gray skies ahead? Oh no. Things are looking up. I just thought I would see what this would look like without color. Not sure I like it. Anyway, I like the Rangers in this one, as Backe doesn't have much going on for him and the Rangers look like they pretty much own this guy, and Young does own Backe. Look for a score of 12-3, Rangers.

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Rockhounds 7, Roughriders 6 (12 innings)

2009-06-17T13:25:00.001-05:00

Blake Beavan Update:

AA:
Frisco 6, at Midland 7 (12 innings)
Loss: Strop (0-3, 7.00)

Blake Beavan offered some good with some bad in his AA debut. In 5.1 innings and 93 pitches, he struck out six and walked none, but he allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits. Beavan actually gave up only one hit with runners in scoring position. Other runs scored on a wild pitch, an error, a groundout, and a double of reliever Thomas Diamond.

Aside from said double, Diamond pitched well, striking out three and walking none in 2.2 scoreless innings. Jumbo Diaz also pitched two clean frames.

The once-somnolent offense cranked out 20 baserunners for the second straight game. CF Craig Gentry went 3-5 with a walk and his 26th steal, and Mitch Moreland was 4-6 with his 10th homer of the year. Both Chad Tracy and Marcus Lemon singed twice and walked.

Beavan's next start is on Saturday at home against the Corpus Christi Hooks.

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2009 Rangers Draft

2009-06-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

The Rangers have already signed Ruben Sierra (Junior). His father is going to be inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame this year, along with Toby Harrah. I have a cousin-in-law named Samuel Brown... but he's still in elementary school and not the 22nd round pick. What are the odds of drafting two players named Jabari? Round 9 and round 39... weird. Anyway, I will try to stay on top of who is signing. If you have read the Newberg post that I just put up, you'll see that the seventh round pick has signed.

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TROT COFFEY

2009-06-17T13:05:00.002-05:00

The Rangers, hunting for a rotation upgrade, would likely be in on lefthander Cliff Lee and righthander Roy Oswalt if the Indians and Astros make them available (Jon Paul Morosi, FoxSports.com)
Before Josh Hamilton’s surgery and David Ortiz’s revival at the plate, Texas and Boston discussed a Hank Blalock for Takashi Saito trade – the Red Sox may still deal the 39-year-old reliever for a prospect (Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com) (I’m interested)
The Rangers considered Washington first baseman Nick Johnson but are more likely, if the time comes that they option Chris Davis to get him straightened out on the farm, to replace Davis at first base internally (Rosenthal)
Texas remains the frontrunner to sign Ben Sheets (Rosenthal) (but don’t count on any meaningful 2009 impact)
San Francisco, which has seen lefthander Jonathan Sanchez’s trade value “decline[ ] sharply” due to what opposing scouts have described as “an all-around drop in the quality of his stuff” and worsening control issues, talked to Texas about Hank Blalock even though he’s not considered an ideal fit (Andrew Baggarly, San Jose Mercury News)

Giants righthander Matt Cain, one of the three starting pitchers I’ve been running out there for a month or two as a potential trade target, is now 9-1, 2.39, completing three of his 13 starts and, on average, getting two outs in the seventh. In his last start, a complete game win over Oakland, he walked none, fanned nine, and threw 87 strikes among his 119 pitches.

He’s 24. Younger than Doug Mathis, Warner Madrigal, Guillermo Moscoso, and Thomas Diamond.

I’m guessing we can forget that trade idea, particularly with San Francisco a half-game out of the Wild Card spot. Cain is slated to start against Texas on Saturday, pitted against Derek Holland, who is breaking into a big league rotation at virtually the same age that Cain did two years ago – a rookie season in which the Cy Young candidate went 7-16, 3.65 and logged 200 innings.

Rough estimate: Kevin Millwood is on pace to reach 180 innings, which would lock in his 2010 contract, around the second time through the Minnesota lineup when the righthander gets the call during the August 17-20 home series against the Twins.

Hickory lefthander Martin Perez’s two innings last night, just because I can’t help myself:

Strikeout swinging. Strikeout swinging (ball in the dirt). Walk. Strikeout looking.

Walk. Single. Strikeout swinging. Strikeout swinging. Strikeout looking.

Seventh-round pick Braxton Lane, who had the leverage of a dual baseball/football scholarship offer to the University of Oregon in hand, is among the latest group of 2009 draftees to sign with the Rangers.

Spokane gets its Northwest League season underway on Saturday. The rookie-level Arizona League starts play on Sunday.

Congrats to the 2009 inductees into the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame, Toby Harrah and Ruben Sierra, probably the first two Rangers to occupy “favorite player” status for me growing up.

And congrats to Pudge.

I would have to say that the TROT COFFEY is my favorite report from Newberg. I like to be in the 'know' when it comes to trade rumors. I would not expect to see any trades for Cain, though. It's a nice pipe dream... but I'm just not going to hold my breath on that one.

The Rangers are the latest club to talk to the Pirates about righthander Ian Snell, but Pittsburgh hasn’t engaged in any serious talks on Snell since the club would want, in return, a package appropriate for a starting pitcher, while other teams apparently value the 27-year-old (who is 1-7, 5.25 in 13 starts this season, but coming off two straight quality starts) as a reliever (Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

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Roughriders at Rockhounds

2009-06-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

Beaven has been promoted up to AA Frisco and makes his first AA start tonight in Midland. I need to catch up on a few things with Beaven first...

On June 4th, 2009

Bakersfield 4, at Visalia 3 (12 innings)

Win: Flores (3-1, 3.24)

OF Joey Butler singled home Davis Stoneburner in the 12th, and OF Tim Smith’s sac fly provided needed insurance. Butler (.294/.348/.443) was 3-6 with a double and his 4th steal. Smith (.328/.410/.448) also doubled and walked.

Since a two-inning, eight-run start on May 2nd, Blake Beavan has pitched 41.1 innings with a 3.92 RA, 2.40 ERA, 40 hits, three homers, eight walks, and 24 strikeouts. On Wednesday, he tied a season high with six strikeouts, walked one, and allowed a run on seven hits in six innings. Ryan Falcon followed with 2.1 scoreless relief innings.

On June 10th, 2009

at Bakersfield 5, San Jose 3

Win: Beavan (5-4, 4.30)

Save: Reed (4, 1.74)

Blake Beavan fanned six in eight innings while allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. He retired the side in order five times. Though his ERA is almost two runs higher than what he posted in Clinton last year, his peripheral stats have barely changed. A few more balls hit into play are eluding his defense, and a few more hits are coming with runners in scoring position. Essentially, he’s matching last year’s performance in a tougher league.

He almost didn’t keep the win. Corey Young allowed a single and two walks to load the bases with one out in the 9th. Evan Reed relieved him and induced an impressive, game-ending 5-2-3 double play. Give credit to Jonathan Greene and Jose Felix.

The Cal League announced its roster yesterday for the California/Carolina All-Star game. 1B Mauro Gomez and 2B Matt Lawson will make the trip to Lake Elsinore on the 23rd. Lawson (.311/.366/.435) celebrated the announcement with two walks and a single. Gomez (.272/.333/.508) singled, doubled, and walked. Ian Gac hit his 10th homer.

So, Beavan is 5-4 with a 4.30 ERA, but started the season 0-4 with a 7.88 ERA (Follow this link to a previous post: CLICK HERE). I wouldn't know if he has faced any Rockhounds before, but either way, I am thinking this debut could start out like his previous Bakersfield debut... rocky and then after some adjustments, he could get a call next season to start in AAA Oklahoma.

Jason Fernandez has pitched 71.1 innings this season for the Rockhounds. He has a 6-5 record with a 3.79 ERA in twelve starts (he has one complete game). He gives up a HR every ten innings or so and gives up a walk every 2.84 innings, or every eight outs.

Forecast: I am a Beavan fan, and if they were in Frisco tonight, I might have found a way to go out and see him pitch. He's making his debut on the road, it's his first AA start, and I would like to say that I think it would go well... but I just don't believe that. I really, really don't. Look for the Rockhounds to win this one, as they are in first place and Frisco is in last place. Having the best farm system doesn't necessarily mean they are going to win all the time... not even half the time. It just makes you scratch your head a little. Rockhounds win it by stopping a five game losing streak with a score of 4-2. Johnny Out.

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Game 61: Rangers vs. Dodgers

2009-06-13T17:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, the Rangers have 19 straight innings without giving up a run. The Rangers have played .500 baseball since 5-30-09

They are still 10 games over .500, but are no longer in the 60% winning margin. Boston has gone 9-3 during the same period.

The Rangers have actually given up two more runs than they have scored over the last twelve games.
Scouting Report:

Dodgers: Wolf didn't have one of his best starts on Sunday against the Phillies, one of his former teams. In the second inning, Wolf gave up a double to Raul Ibanez, who later scored on a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Wolf then gave up three singles during a two-run fifth that gave Philadelphia a 3-2 lead. Wolf was finally chased from the game in the seventh after giving up a two-run homer to Carlos Ruiz and a solo shot to Shane Victorino. In all, Wolf lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on eight hits. This will be Wolf's first career appearance against the Rangers.

Rangers: Feldman allowed four earned runs, all of which came on a pair of two-run home runs, over six innings against the Blue Jays on Monday. He had started the season 5-0 but took his first loss. Since joining the rotation after three appearances as a reliever, Feldman has posted a 2.67 ERA (18 earned runs over 54 innings). His ERA as a reliever was 12.15 (nine earned runs in 6 2/3 innings). Monday's start raised his season ERA to 4.01, the first time Feldman's ratio has increased after an appearance this season.
Forecast: I like Feldman. He's the Rangers best kept secret. He's going to win... and win... and win. Tonight, he will win, grab #6, and lower his ERA under the 4 mark. Score: 5-0.

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Harper's Island: Episode 9

2009-06-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

Three die in the previous episode. I also had J.D. in my three... so I finally got one. It really is strategic guessing.

Here are the updates:

Deputy Garrett: Garrett enters the holding area in the Sheriff's station to quiet an argument between Shane Pierce and J.D. Dunn. Shortly after his arrival, the lights in the station go out and Deputy Garrett is shot in the back by an unseen assailant.
Cole Harkin: Harkin leaves the cabin to get medical help for Charlie, taking the prison diary and a lantern. As he steps outside, Gigi begins barking and Harkin surveys the area. An arrow flies into Harkin's shoulder, pinning him to the cabin, and causing him to drop the lantern, lighting the porch on fire. Harkin calls for Charlie and another arrow flies through the cabin window, prompting Charlie to attempt to reach his pistol on the nearby table. As Harkin attempts to pry himself loose, another arrow flies straight through his heart, killing him and causing him to drop the diary into the fire.
J.D.: J.D. is found on the docks by Abby, bleeding internally from an abdominal wound. J.D. tells Abby, "It's you Abby. It's all about you." He then loses consciousness.

My three choices for who is going to "pass on" tonight would be Beth, Mrs Wellington, and the Sheriff. Sheriff is already wounded... Mrs. Wellington... well, she's just not likable. Beth is just an innocent type of gal. She's likable. She's a good target.

Now, onto suspects... Cal, Danny, Henry, Maggie, and Nikki are the only remaining suspects on the list (well, the only ones I believe to be remaining suspects). I have considered two things: opportunity and ability.

Cal definitely has both... so I believe. Henry does too, however, he just doesn't seem likely. Whoever is doing this, well, is mental.
I like Maggie due to how we just don't know much about her. She has the size and opportunity to commit the crimes. Nikki is in the same boat. She has the opportunity and the strength to take care of everything. Cal... it is debatable as to if he has opportunity. It does bring up the question as to "Is there more than one killer on the island?" I think so. The main killer is my first concern in figuring things out. There are only eleven episodes and after tonight's episode, only two will remain.I thought I would share my favorite TV Shows. Heroes... gotta love it.

I also like the new show, Mental.

Home on the Range

Harper's Island: Episode 8

2009-06-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

I think I should go back over the evidence...

The latest to join the R.I.P. files would be:

Malcom Ross

Time of Death: Episode Seven
Manner of Death: Slashed and stabbed from behind and then disposed of the furnace.

Richard Allen

Time of Death: Episode Six
Manner of Death: Spear gun in the chest, delivered through the back in the middle of a phone conversation. Can you hear me now?

Thomas Wellington

Time of Death: Episode Five
Manner of Death: In the most elaborate death yet, a chandelier was rigged with the missing head spade that whooshed down on Thomas' head when a light switch was flipped. Who gives this woman away? Uh, not the bride's dad anymore.

Joel Booth

Time of Death: Episode Four
Manner of Death: He accidentally shoots himself in the leg and rapidly bleeds to death.

Hunter Jennings

Time of Death: Episode Three
Manner of Death: A booby trap set off on his motorboat triggers a shotgun blast to his pretty, pretty face.

Lucy Daramour

Time of Death: Episode Two
Manner of Death: Falls into a pit, doused with fluid and set on fire as her little doggie watches.

Kelly Seaver

Time of Death: Episode Two
Manner of Death: Hung from a rafter, possible suicide.

Reverend Fain

Time of Death: Episode Two
Manner of Death: A booby trap strings up the good reverend by his ankle, and while he's swinging, he's decapitated via machete.

Uncle Marty Dunn

Time of Death: Episode One
Manner of Death: Sliced in half while on a bridge. (Actually, he was in the bridge.)

Cousin Ben

Time of Death: Episode One
Manner of Death: Tied to the bottom of the wedding party boat and chopped up by the propeller.

My three guesses this Saturday go to Beth, J.D. and Chloe. Beth was getting close to Malcom, who died at the end of the last episode. She seems pretty likely to be a goner this week. J.D. has gained a lot of attention the last two episodes, enough attention that the killer may knock him off. It is taking attention off of what he is doing. Chloe hasn't been in the last episode, which could mean that she will be in the next episode, along with Cal. Cal would be a good choice for the killer, since he is "the outsider", but he doesn't seem to be the strong killer type. Still, nobody knows him... and that could be reason enough to throw a suggestive nod to him.I want to say that Madison is a candidate for the killer. She's obviously not clicking on all cylinder's, if you know what I mean. She's like a fry short of a happy meal. If you notice, pretty much all the murders are done based on a trap style basis. There are exceptions. First off, there is Cousin Ben. I don't think a little girl could tie up a grown man and get him under a boat. That kind of takes her off the radar. Also Malcom was confronted by the killer. At least we believe he was. It could be Danny attacking him... he wasn't terribly happy about finding out about Booth. I like Jimmy as the killer, since he is still the nice guy on the island. Too nice... he couldn't possibly be the killer. But what if he is the killer? And Shane, well he is bitter at everyone. He would be an obvious candidate as being the killer. And my #4 candidate is Cal.

Home on the Range

Game 50: Rangers vs. Athletics

2009-05-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Game four of the series and the Rangers are going for the sweep. Millwood no longer has the share of the lead in wins among Rangers starters.
Oakland (18-29) will try to snap its four-game losing streak when it hands the ball to Dallas Braden (4-5, 3.69 ERA). He has a 1-2 record with a 4.07 ERA in his career against the Rangers, which consists of seven games (four starts). The Rangers bat .290 off him.

Athletics to Watch:

Orlando Cabrera is 28-85 (.329) with four doubles, a HR, and eleven RBIs.
Mark Ellis is 12-29 (.414) with three doubles.
Jason Giambi is 7-16 (.438) with two HRs and four RBIs.

As a team, the A's are 76-268 (.284) off Millwood. They have 18 doubles, six HRs, and 31 RBIs.

Millwood (4-4, 3.25 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his last four starts against Oakland. He pitched eight innings against the A’s on April 28 allowing four runs - two earned - and 10 hits in a 5-4 victory.

Rangers to Watch:

Marlon Byrd is 5-13 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Hank Blalock is 2-7 with a HR and RBI.
Ian Kinsler is 3-7.

The Ranger roster is 21-64 (.328) with six doubles, a HR, and eight RBIs. Forecast: I like brooms... especially when it comes to sweep time. And it is sweep time in Arlington. Rangers win the game, sweep the series with a score of 7-3.

Home Plate

Game 11: FC Dallas at Chicago Fire

2009-05-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Chicago is 4-0-6 and is first in the Eastern Standings. Dallas is 1-6-3 and is second to last in the Western Standings. Soccer is like football... or any other sport, for that matter... when the great teams play the awful teams... well, what is expected is what generally happens.

Forecast: Chicago is going to tear up FC Dallas. Look for a score of 5-1. Of course, I am being really generous with the one.

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