Wow! Dallas politics never seem to get better. Why did Mike Vick receive the key to the city of Dallas? I do believe the man has changed and that he is an example of how a person can really restart their life. With that being said, why was he given the key to Dallas? He has no connection to Dallas or Texas at all and he plays on a rival football team (Philly). Dallas I love you but your politics are stupid, ignorant, and corrupt. Yes, that was off topic but it had to be said.
Mike Young continues to be the talk in baseball. He really is acting a bit melodramatic. I want him on the Rangers more than anybody, but now he is coming out and demanding to be traded. It’s just getting to me. Hot Stove didn’t make me feel any better either. Every analyst complained and said the Rangers are at fault and that they are the crazy ones that are “misleading and manipulating” him. It looks as if Mike is frustrated that he will have to share DH duties with Napoli. If that were the case then I would understand his frustration, but that is not the case. Ron Washington has already come out and said that he’ll get 600-700 at bats whether at DH or somewhere in the infield and I trust Wash’s words. Napoli seems to be in the mix for the purpose of being a DH/1st base/catching support. It is smart that they traded for him and Napoli makes the Rangers a better team. I am just trying to understand how Hot Stove argues that Young should be playing in the field everyday or the majority of the time. Looking at the Rangers now, Beltre is the best 3rd baseman, Andrus is the best shortstop, Kinsler is the best 2nd baseman, and Moreland is better at 1st currently, because he has the experience there that Young does not have. Moreland might not get it done at the plate and if that is the case Young can be utilized there. So Young does have the need and incentive to learn how to play 1st. The fact remains that he is not good enough to start everyday (as of now) in the field for the Rangers.
Mike has said he wants to play for a contender, particularly the Rangers. Texas wants him here and they have verbalized that. This entire debacle is hurting Young more than the Rangers organization. At 35, a player must realize that guaranteed contracts and playing time are hard to come by. Look at it like this; a company gives an experienced employee (an old guy) a 3 year contract in which he’ll make $48 million guaranteed. Suddenly the executives of the company come to him and ask him to cut back on some of the work he is doing and to concentrate more on specific parts of the project (in this case hitting and getting on base). What is the problem? Player pride will be there and I understand, but when someone else is better for the job you have to take a step back and allow another (teammate) to pick up that work for you. Work at what you can do where you’re asked to do it. Young is in a great position for the next 3 years (if he chooses so) to be on a winning team that is only looking better at this point and is the favorite to win the West. This drama just needs to stop, Young and the Rangers need to kiss and make up and get ready to rock the league again, TOGETHER.
The Braves are my pick for the NL wild card and they look a lot better than last season. It was sad to see Bobby Cox leave. Luckily he left on a high note (wild card playoff berth) and he should be a sure Hall of Famer. Fredi Gonzalez is now managing the team and he looks to be the right guy. He is stern, understanding, and disciplined; everything the Braves need to get back to the post season and compete with the Phillies. Adding Dan Uggla to an already powerful lineup (Chipper, Heyward, Alex Gonzalez, Hinske, and McCann) will help their offense compete with the Phillies killer rotation (Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Oswalt). Atlanta has a great pitching staff that can be really good when their key pitchers are fully healthy (Jair Jurrgens). Look for the 1st base prospect Freddie Freeman as well; he’s a big boy and he can possibly become a home run hitter himself. I like the Braves to compete with Philadelphia and get to the postseason as the wild card and even potentially win the East (probably not though).
Next week spring training officially begins and I can only expect that y’all are just as excited as I am. Let me know what y’all think with your comments.
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