We spent a little time at the practice fields this morning before heading to Tucson for the 1pm game against the Diamondbacks.  Millwood had his first start of the Cactus League today and we did not want to miss it.  Millwood’s five innings of work was well worth the drive time.  We sat right behind the Rangers dugout and enjoyed the whole game.  Millwood walked off the mound after a 5 inning, 3 hit, 5 strikeout, 1 walk, and zero run performance.  His only shaky inning was the first but he was saved by a wonderful outfield assist by Byrd to cut down the Diamondbacks only threat at home plate.  As sweet it was to watch Millwood, Littleton’s one inning was very painful.  Poor Wes did not have a good day at all. 

At the plate the day belonged to Salty and Hank.  Both hit doubles and home-runs.  Josh Hamilton even got in on the party with a blistering ground ball double past second.  Everything thing Josh hit was hard and solid. 

Tomorrow should be even better than today.  We will catch all the minor league games in the morning and polish off the day with a night game against the Angels.

Dinner and bed.  A lot more baseball tomorrow.

Go Rangers!

It’s 6:30 AM.  Going to get some breakfast and head out to the practice fields.  Weather this week for those who care, sunny and 85 as far as the eye can see.  I smell the baseball in the air.

Go Rangers!

Finally we are in Arizona.  The Rangers were off today, Wednesday, so we spent our first day hanging out in Tucson.  We watched an epic battle of poor pitching in a 12-12 tie between the Rockies and White Sox.  Thome hit a lazer beam home run to right that cleared the stadium and into the parking lot.  It was a very impressive shot.  I had to get that first game of the year out of the way.  I had my first hot dog, pepsi, and peanuts of the year.  That kicks off six months of ball park food and 15 pounds. 

The next three days, Thursday thru Saturday, will be nothing  but Rangers, Rangers, Rangers.  I have the digital camera and video camera charged up for Josh Hamilton and his legandary batting practice sessions.  Three days of back field minor league games.  Three days of pitcher bunt and pick off drills.  Three days of talking baseball with anyone that I can corner for conversation.  I must have had four or five long conversations with Rockies fans today. 

We will get to see Milton Bradley’s debut in Cactus League play this weekend.  I hope he does well. 

It will most certainly be an exciting and exhausting three days.  By the time we get home Sunday, we will be pumped for opening day.  I will consume all the baseball and Rangers I can during this trip.  I cannot wait.

Go Rangers! 

"In the beginning, there was no baseball, but ever since, there have been few beginnings as good as the start of a new baseball season.  It’s the most splendid time in sports."  Writer B.J. Phillips

Just a few more days until our trek west to Spring Training.  The California leg of our trip has been canceled but we are still going to Surprise.  In fact we are going to add a few days to the Arizona trip.  I think Tuesday through Saturday should be a great time.  I really do not want to travel on Easter Sunday, but hey sacrifices must be made.

"A hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz."  Actor Humphrey Bogart

As with all Ranger teams, the biggest question coming out of spring will be starting pitching.  It is a broken record that we keep playing over and over again.  It will all hinge on Millwood, Padilla, and Jennings.  So far 2 of the three are performing great.  Hopefully Millwood can get over the hammie and get on track.

"You can’t sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock.  You’ve got to throw the ball over the plate and give the other man a chance."  Orioles manager Earl Weaver

The biggest joy of the spring is Josh Hamilton.  I cannot wait to get to see him play.  Ian, Josh, and Michael are tearing the cover off the ball.  Michael got off to a slow start this spring but now he is on track.  If Hank Blalock can get into a good groove and Laird give us anything better than last year, we should be in good shape offensively.

"Baseball is one of the arts."  Boston’s Ted Williams

Defense, Defense, Defense.  With a struggling pitching staff we need better defense.  A good solid defense can make a mediocre pitching staff look good.  The outfield has already been improved over last year.  Laird is an excellent defensive catcher and the infield is in great shape.  Who knows, maybe our pitcher can benefit from the defense this year.  Problem is that there is not defense for the walk or home-run.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."  Writer Roger Kahn

All in all, I feel good about this year.  I do not believe the team is as bad all that.  In fact I think there might be a surprise or two in store for Ranger fans.  It’s spring and hope springs eternal.

"Spring is a time of year when the ground thaws, trees bud, the income tax falls due, and everybody wins the pennant.  Writer Jim Murray

Go Rangers!

Just 10 days to go until a little R & R in the sun.  The Snake Pit family will take a nice 10 day vacation over spring break.  Half of that time will be spent in sunny southern California visiting my uncle.  He is a long time employee of The Disneyland park.  I had to give the kids a couple of days at Disneyland and California Adventure so I can get a little time in Surprise with The Rangers.  It will be a great time.  We’ll load up The Snake Pit Luxury Conversion Van and make the 20 hour trek to Orange County. We will hit Surprise on the return trip home and spend a few days there taking in all the Baseball I can consume in three days. 

The family road trips have always been the greatest fun for the Snake Pit clan.  The kids sit in back consuming all the DVD, PS2, Music, Books, and sleep they can handle.  My lovely wife, Erin, and I sit up front and pilot the clan to togetherness and fun. 

We have made this trip and many others so many times and yet it never gets boring.  This trip will be bitter sweet.  This will be the first time that our oldest will not be joining us.  She has a life of her own for the most part.  College, work, boyfriend, and being a young adult has her going in another direction this time.  I will have to enjoy this trip because now I realize that the kids are growing up and soon there will be fewer on these little treks.  Before long it will be just Erin and I adventuring alone like we did when we started out 20 years ago.

We will take in three games in Arizona.  I look forward to seeing a little baseball.  It is long overdue and needed.  The sights, sounds, and smells of the game will be greatly appreciated.  I want to hear the sound Josh Hamilton’s bat makes on the ball.  I need to feel the hot sun on my face, see graceful sight of a Young, Kinsler, Brousard double play.  Soak it all in and satisfy the need for a little baseball.  This should hopefully keep me until April 8th.  A little fun and sun before the long season begins.  A vacation before the real fun begins.  It just can’t get any better that this.

Go Rangers!