Chris Davis and Taylor Teagarden could not hit. They got sent to the minors. Salty had the yips and could not hit. Sent to the minors. Rich Harden could not throw strikes. Phantom injury to the disabled list. Matt Harrison could not throw strikes. Sent to the minors, and now the bullpen.
I bring this up because Scott Feldman has not thrown strikes, and when he does, the ball goes a long way. He is 5-9 with a 5.46 ERA. He has given up 154 hits in 119 innings.
Why is he getting a pass? It is almost comical listening to the broadcast and hearing them start after start saying, "Hopefully Scott turns it around this start." With Derek Holland getting close to a return, the Texas Rangers have a big decision to make. Do they send Feldman to the minors, or the bullpen? They have been adamant that the top 25 players in the organization are going to be at the big league level. They obviously want the top 12 pitchers here, and right now, Feldman is not one of the top 12.
Eventually, Holland and Tanner Scheppers will be up, and they have to decide who goes down. Feldman has a future with this team given his contract, but management has shown with Harden that contracts do not give you a spot on the team.
This team is special. They are winning with pitching, and Feldman is not contributing to that at all. With Cliff Lee, Colby Lewis, CJ Wilson and Tommy Hunter pitching so well, you would like for the 5th starter to be reliable.
I am all for Holland to take his spot, but I don't make those decisions.
Rangers' management has been very consistent. I you don't perform, you don't have a spot. Feldman, I would start looking for an apartment in Oklahoma City or Frisco.
As always, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com or call or text the bbsd phone at 469-212-3167.
Peace Out,
John Conner
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Cuban buying Rangers
I am on the fence as to whether or not I actually want Mark Cuban to buy the Texas Rangers. I really hope that Cuban just decides to back Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan.
We shall see.
Cuban is a hands on owner, but at the same time, he seems to let Donnie Nelson do the basketball side of the Dallas Mavericks. Would Cuban be able to stay out of the way? I am not sure and at the same time, I don't know that I care.
I am seriously getting to the point where I just want this whole thing to be over. Tom Hicks dragged this out, and now the lenders and courts are doing the same thing.
I think Cuban could stay out of the way, and I think he would do whatever it took to be competitive financially. There is no cap in baseball, and I think Cuban would spend. My biggest problem with Cuban would be, will he bring a baseball man in here to run the day to day operations, like a say...Nolan Ryan.
We are witnessing one of the greatest baseball seasons down here, and all the talk is about the ownership. This needs to get done, and quickly.
My ultimate goal, would be to get Nolan, Chuck and Mark on the same page and move from there. It is no coincidence that this team has been successful under Ryan and Jon Daniels. It needs to keep moving in that same direction, whether it is owned by Cuban or me.
Just get it done...NOW!!!
I would love to hear from you, so either email me at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com or call or text the bbsd phone at 469-212-3167.
Peace, John Conner
We shall see.
Cuban is a hands on owner, but at the same time, he seems to let Donnie Nelson do the basketball side of the Dallas Mavericks. Would Cuban be able to stay out of the way? I am not sure and at the same time, I don't know that I care.
I am seriously getting to the point where I just want this whole thing to be over. Tom Hicks dragged this out, and now the lenders and courts are doing the same thing.
I think Cuban could stay out of the way, and I think he would do whatever it took to be competitive financially. There is no cap in baseball, and I think Cuban would spend. My biggest problem with Cuban would be, will he bring a baseball man in here to run the day to day operations, like a say...Nolan Ryan.
We are witnessing one of the greatest baseball seasons down here, and all the talk is about the ownership. This needs to get done, and quickly.
My ultimate goal, would be to get Nolan, Chuck and Mark on the same page and move from there. It is no coincidence that this team has been successful under Ryan and Jon Daniels. It needs to keep moving in that same direction, whether it is owned by Cuban or me.
Just get it done...NOW!!!
I would love to hear from you, so either email me at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com or call or text the bbsd phone at 469-212-3167.
Peace, John Conner
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Kudos to Jon Daniels
I know it has been written about, talked about and such, but I really don't think Jon Daniels and his crew are getting as much credit as they should. This is the first move they have made in a long while that suggests they are going for it all...NOW.
I have been on the JD fire bandwagon for some time for trading Adrian Gonzalez and John Danks. I have slowly gotten closer to getting off the fire bandwagon after the Mark Texiera trade and the low buy-high reward signings he has made the last couple of off seasons.
Signing Vladamir Guerrero and Colby Lewis were genius. Sure, the Rich Harden signing looks bad, but 1 out of 5 is not bad.
But what he has done the last couple of weeks, without any money, is down right amazing. Getting San Fransisco to pay for Bengie Molina to play here was awesome. He is the type of catcher this pitching staff needs, and he is an upgrade offensively. Then, the Cliff Lee trade was flat out amazing. I will miss Justin Smoak and still thinks he will be a stud in the majors for a long time, but Lee is arguably one of the top 5 pitchers in baseball. And to be honest, I don't think Daniels is through. I still think he will add a right handed hitting first baseball, whether it is Ty Wiggington or Xavier Nady.
I guess I am just in awe right now that the Ranger staff said 3 years ago that 2010 was the year they go for it, and they are. The minor leagues are still stacked with Derek Holland, Tanner Scheppers, Martin Perez, Mitch Moreland and so on and on.
And did I mention that Daniels is doing this with NO MONEY? He is being creative, but most importantly, he is putting a winning ball club out on the field.
A week ago, I was ok going to war with Colby Lewis, CJ Wilson and then whomever. But now, I am ecstatic to go with Cliff Lee, Colby Lewis and CJ Wilson in a playoff series.
It is getting to where now I am looking a playoff match-ups. I haven't done that in 10 years, and whether you want to or not, most of the credit should go to Jon Daniels.
I would love to hear from you. Send me a message at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com.
Peace
I have been on the JD fire bandwagon for some time for trading Adrian Gonzalez and John Danks. I have slowly gotten closer to getting off the fire bandwagon after the Mark Texiera trade and the low buy-high reward signings he has made the last couple of off seasons.
Signing Vladamir Guerrero and Colby Lewis were genius. Sure, the Rich Harden signing looks bad, but 1 out of 5 is not bad.
But what he has done the last couple of weeks, without any money, is down right amazing. Getting San Fransisco to pay for Bengie Molina to play here was awesome. He is the type of catcher this pitching staff needs, and he is an upgrade offensively. Then, the Cliff Lee trade was flat out amazing. I will miss Justin Smoak and still thinks he will be a stud in the majors for a long time, but Lee is arguably one of the top 5 pitchers in baseball. And to be honest, I don't think Daniels is through. I still think he will add a right handed hitting first baseball, whether it is Ty Wiggington or Xavier Nady.
I guess I am just in awe right now that the Ranger staff said 3 years ago that 2010 was the year they go for it, and they are. The minor leagues are still stacked with Derek Holland, Tanner Scheppers, Martin Perez, Mitch Moreland and so on and on.
And did I mention that Daniels is doing this with NO MONEY? He is being creative, but most importantly, he is putting a winning ball club out on the field.
A week ago, I was ok going to war with Colby Lewis, CJ Wilson and then whomever. But now, I am ecstatic to go with Cliff Lee, Colby Lewis and CJ Wilson in a playoff series.
It is getting to where now I am looking a playoff match-ups. I haven't done that in 10 years, and whether you want to or not, most of the credit should go to Jon Daniels.
I would love to hear from you. Send me a message at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com.
Peace
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The End of an Icon
Mike Modano has been told that he is no longer welcome as a player, but would be welcomed back if he wants to go into management. There is only one problem: Modano can still play.
He is not the 50 goal scorer he was in the early 90s, but he is the perfect 3rd line center. He plays solid defense, and he can score.
I get it. The Dallas Stars are trying to get younger and are working on a budget. My main question is, how do you market this team? They are gonna stink, and they need to rebuild, and are on a budget(thanks again Tom Hicks). But Mike Modano has been the face on the franchise, and sold hockey in this football town. Now, with the exception of the Cowboys, The Stars fans are the most loyal.
But if Modano thinks he can still play, then why not let him play here. How awkward was it so see Tony Dorsett in a Bronco's uniform, or even Emmitt Smith in a Cardinal's uniform. I will not like the site of Modano wearing a Red Wing's sweater, or a Capital's sweater.
To put his impact into perspective, if you made a Mount Rushmore of Dallas Sports, who would be on it. Emmitt, Troy, Roger, Dirk and Mike. If you ask 99% of sports' fans in the DFW area to name a Dallas Star, the first name out of their mouth is Mike Modano.
I think the Stars are doing a major injustice the the greatest American born player in NHL history. You could easily market Mike and the young guys. And who better to mentor the young guys than Mike. He could teach them about loyalty, respect, and how to score. The sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer deserves the right to decide when he is done playing and the Dallas Stars should show him the same respect by letting him continue his career here. It was just 3 years ago when Modano took a pay cut so the Stars could sign players. He has done everything the team has ever asked, and you are telling him, " Thanks, but go away."
I think eventually Modano will come back and work in the Stars' front office, but under a new owner, and if he keeps making these crappy decisions, a new GM. Joe, I like you, but this was a bad move on your part.
Mike, I think I speak for every Stars' fan when I say thank you very much for everything you did for this franchise. You played the game the right way, and it was a honor to call you our guy. Good Luck.
As always, if you like it or don't, let me here from you, john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
Peace out.
He is not the 50 goal scorer he was in the early 90s, but he is the perfect 3rd line center. He plays solid defense, and he can score.
I get it. The Dallas Stars are trying to get younger and are working on a budget. My main question is, how do you market this team? They are gonna stink, and they need to rebuild, and are on a budget(thanks again Tom Hicks). But Mike Modano has been the face on the franchise, and sold hockey in this football town. Now, with the exception of the Cowboys, The Stars fans are the most loyal.
But if Modano thinks he can still play, then why not let him play here. How awkward was it so see Tony Dorsett in a Bronco's uniform, or even Emmitt Smith in a Cardinal's uniform. I will not like the site of Modano wearing a Red Wing's sweater, or a Capital's sweater.
To put his impact into perspective, if you made a Mount Rushmore of Dallas Sports, who would be on it. Emmitt, Troy, Roger, Dirk and Mike. If you ask 99% of sports' fans in the DFW area to name a Dallas Star, the first name out of their mouth is Mike Modano.
I think the Stars are doing a major injustice the the greatest American born player in NHL history. You could easily market Mike and the young guys. And who better to mentor the young guys than Mike. He could teach them about loyalty, respect, and how to score. The sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer deserves the right to decide when he is done playing and the Dallas Stars should show him the same respect by letting him continue his career here. It was just 3 years ago when Modano took a pay cut so the Stars could sign players. He has done everything the team has ever asked, and you are telling him, " Thanks, but go away."
I think eventually Modano will come back and work in the Stars' front office, but under a new owner, and if he keeps making these crappy decisions, a new GM. Joe, I like you, but this was a bad move on your part.
Mike, I think I speak for every Stars' fan when I say thank you very much for everything you did for this franchise. You played the game the right way, and it was a honor to call you our guy. Good Luck.
As always, if you like it or don't, let me here from you, john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
Peace out.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Just sign somewhere LeBron
This is one of the most exciting times for sports junkies like myself. We just had the MLB, NBA and NHL drafts, and we are about to start up training camp in the NFL. But, the most important decision that will affect mankind will be made somewhere around July 8th. Why July 8th, because that is the day the NBA players can sign a contract with new teams.
Now, I was being sarcastic about the signing affecting mankind, but that seems like what it has become. After the LeBron summit in which he invited Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson to figure out where everyone was signing, LeBron is still the key. Once he signs, everyone else will follow.
But this is getting ridiculous. Every time I tune in to Sportscenter, or listen to sports talk radio, there is LeBron. He has dinner with Joe Johnson, they must be signing together. It makes no sense to me at all. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this is too much.
LeBron, I get it. You were never recruited, so this is what you want. Great. Awesome. Good luck. But there is no reason to talk about it everyday. Figure out that you and Bosh are going to sign together in Chicago and do it. Just be done with it already.
Like always, I would love to hear from you. Send me something at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
Peace.
Now, I was being sarcastic about the signing affecting mankind, but that seems like what it has become. After the LeBron summit in which he invited Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson to figure out where everyone was signing, LeBron is still the key. Once he signs, everyone else will follow.
But this is getting ridiculous. Every time I tune in to Sportscenter, or listen to sports talk radio, there is LeBron. He has dinner with Joe Johnson, they must be signing together. It makes no sense to me at all. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but this is too much.
LeBron, I get it. You were never recruited, so this is what you want. Great. Awesome. Good luck. But there is no reason to talk about it everyday. Figure out that you and Bosh are going to sign together in Chicago and do it. Just be done with it already.
Like always, I would love to hear from you. Send me something at john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
Peace.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Greatest Ranger Ever?
This past week, Michael Young became the Texas Rangers all-time leader in hits. He passed Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez with his 1748th hit.
It got me thinking. Where exactly does Young fit on the list for greatest Texas Rangers' player of all-time?
Let's make a list: Pudge, Juan Gonzalez, Rafeal Palmeiro, Ruben Sierra, Nolan Ryan, Jim Sundberg, Buddy Bell.
I would put Young ahead of Bell and Sundberg right away. Not only is he great offensively, but defensively as well. Nolan doesn't make the cut because he only played here 4 seasons. Now Pudge, Juan, Sierra, and Raffy put up better numbers, but all 4 have been linked to steroid use.
That leaves Young standing alone. Even if you take out some of the things like steroids, I would probably still take Young.
He brings leadership to a team that has been growing ever since the Alex Rodriguez trade. He shows that he is the ultimate team player by moving positions, not once, but twice. He moved from 2nd base to shortstop to accommodate the selfish Alfonso Soriano. He then moved from shortstop to 3rd base for Elvis Andrus. The move for Soriano pissed me off. It hurt the team defensively. The move for Andrus was handled incorrectly, but was ultimately the right move.
Young has made himself one of the most clutch hitters in baseball, and is one of the most respected players in all of baseball.
I look at it this way: If Michael Young was on the New York Yankees, he would be a national hero, and a World Series champ and making about $20 million a year. In other words, he would be Derek Jeter.
That being said, I think Michael Young is hands down the best Ranger right now and of all-time, and the younger players coming up, have a great role model to look up to.
I almost feel like the Rangers should send the Toronto Blue Jays a thank you note after every game for giving us Michael Young for Esteban Loaiza.
I can't wait to see Michael Young go in the Hall of Fame, wearing a Texas Rangers' hat. He is a true baseball player, and someone I am proud to be a fan of.
Please send any feedback to john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com.
It got me thinking. Where exactly does Young fit on the list for greatest Texas Rangers' player of all-time?
Let's make a list: Pudge, Juan Gonzalez, Rafeal Palmeiro, Ruben Sierra, Nolan Ryan, Jim Sundberg, Buddy Bell.
I would put Young ahead of Bell and Sundberg right away. Not only is he great offensively, but defensively as well. Nolan doesn't make the cut because he only played here 4 seasons. Now Pudge, Juan, Sierra, and Raffy put up better numbers, but all 4 have been linked to steroid use.
That leaves Young standing alone. Even if you take out some of the things like steroids, I would probably still take Young.
He brings leadership to a team that has been growing ever since the Alex Rodriguez trade. He shows that he is the ultimate team player by moving positions, not once, but twice. He moved from 2nd base to shortstop to accommodate the selfish Alfonso Soriano. He then moved from shortstop to 3rd base for Elvis Andrus. The move for Soriano pissed me off. It hurt the team defensively. The move for Andrus was handled incorrectly, but was ultimately the right move.
Young has made himself one of the most clutch hitters in baseball, and is one of the most respected players in all of baseball.
I look at it this way: If Michael Young was on the New York Yankees, he would be a national hero, and a World Series champ and making about $20 million a year. In other words, he would be Derek Jeter.
That being said, I think Michael Young is hands down the best Ranger right now and of all-time, and the younger players coming up, have a great role model to look up to.
I almost feel like the Rangers should send the Toronto Blue Jays a thank you note after every game for giving us Michael Young for Esteban Loaiza.
I can't wait to see Michael Young go in the Hall of Fame, wearing a Texas Rangers' hat. He is a true baseball player, and someone I am proud to be a fan of.
Please send any feedback to john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
2010 NBA Finals = Boring
The 2010 version of the NBA Finals can be summed up in one word...BORING.
The story lines that the media is trying to create just are not there. The one that I hear the most is, for Kobe to be considered one of the All-Time Laker greats, he has to beat Boston. So let me get this straight, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain are not Laker greats. They only won one title and it was against the New York Knicks. That makes no sense to me whatsoever.
Kobe Bryant has 4 rings. If he wins this year, he gets his 5th, which would put him on par with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It doesn't matter who you beat as long as you are considered the champs.
But, that is what this series has come to. There are no story lines. This is not the 1980s. Nobody really cares about teams anymore.
The NBA has become all about the players. I don't have a problem with that, but it makes for a boring finals. If each team had a marquee player, then it would be all good.
If it was LeBron vs. Kobe, then we have something. What about Dwight vs. Gasol? I would watch. Even, Nash vs. LeBron. It would be exciting.
The best thing about the NBA is also its biggest flaw.
Back in the 1980s, everyone had their team. People loved the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers. Later in the decade, it was the Detroit Bad Boys, and the Chicago Bulls.
Even in the 1990s, you had the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets. They were all teams. They were not individuals.
When you think of Cleveland you think LeBron. Miami equals D-Wade. Dallas - Dirk. Lakers - Kobe. Denver - Carmelo.
This has become a superstar driven league, and when one of the teams doesn't have a true superstar...you get this year.
Don't get me wrong, I love Boston because they play as a team. There is no one guy that does it all. Rajon Rondo will be there in a year or two, but not right now.
I just miss following teams, and the fact that you knew everyone on the team you followed. Down here in Dallas, I know I am one of the few guys that could name the entire roster. Most people can name Dirk and Kidd, and that is about it.
I really want the NBA to go back to a team first mentality, but I am afraid that just is not going to happen.
Bottom line, nobody outside of Boston and Los Angeles really cares who wins this series. That includes me.
Peace out. John Conner
As always, I would love your feedback. Send it to john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
The story lines that the media is trying to create just are not there. The one that I hear the most is, for Kobe to be considered one of the All-Time Laker greats, he has to beat Boston. So let me get this straight, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain are not Laker greats. They only won one title and it was against the New York Knicks. That makes no sense to me whatsoever.
Kobe Bryant has 4 rings. If he wins this year, he gets his 5th, which would put him on par with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It doesn't matter who you beat as long as you are considered the champs.
But, that is what this series has come to. There are no story lines. This is not the 1980s. Nobody really cares about teams anymore.
The NBA has become all about the players. I don't have a problem with that, but it makes for a boring finals. If each team had a marquee player, then it would be all good.
If it was LeBron vs. Kobe, then we have something. What about Dwight vs. Gasol? I would watch. Even, Nash vs. LeBron. It would be exciting.
The best thing about the NBA is also its biggest flaw.
Back in the 1980s, everyone had their team. People loved the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers. Later in the decade, it was the Detroit Bad Boys, and the Chicago Bulls.
Even in the 1990s, you had the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets. They were all teams. They were not individuals.
When you think of Cleveland you think LeBron. Miami equals D-Wade. Dallas - Dirk. Lakers - Kobe. Denver - Carmelo.
This has become a superstar driven league, and when one of the teams doesn't have a true superstar...you get this year.
Don't get me wrong, I love Boston because they play as a team. There is no one guy that does it all. Rajon Rondo will be there in a year or two, but not right now.
I just miss following teams, and the fact that you knew everyone on the team you followed. Down here in Dallas, I know I am one of the few guys that could name the entire roster. Most people can name Dirk and Kidd, and that is about it.
I really want the NBA to go back to a team first mentality, but I am afraid that just is not going to happen.
Bottom line, nobody outside of Boston and Los Angeles really cares who wins this series. That includes me.
Peace out. John Conner
As always, I would love your feedback. Send it to john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com
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