The Rangers continue to stay hot, with a 7-2 drubbing of the Chicago White Sox last night. Ozzie Guillen left the dugout in obvious anger (apparently his sun flower seeds don't keep him too calm) after the Rangers had their way in the first game of this three game series. As always, the offense delivered, thanks to big games from Michael Young and Josh Hamilton (surprised?). The pitching, too, was efficient. Luis Mendoza went 6 innings with 8 strikeouts and only allowing one run and three hits. What a turn around from his last start, in which he pitched 1 and a third innings and gave up 8 runs. Such inconsistency from the pitching staff continues to be the achillie's heel of the squad. --Ian Kinsler continues his hitting streak, stretching to 23 games.
--Brandon Boggs and Marlon Byrd both had outstanding defensive plays, further proving the depth of the outfield.
--The Athletics dominated the Angels tonight, allowing the Rangers to move within 6.5 games of the Los Angeles Angels Of Anahiem of California and the United States.
--Looks like Chris Davis will be demoted upon the return of Hank Blalock. That's a shame, because the Longview product has been playing well. Then again, it's Hank Blalock.
--The Rangers haven't lost a series since the Houston Astros on June 24-27. That makes 4 (going on 5) series won or tied. This ties the total amount from last season.
QUICK HITS: --FC Dallas has dropped to 6th in the Western Conference, and lost 3-1 in the US Open Cup to the USL side Charleston Battery. Must have been energizer batteries.
--Striker Kenny Cooper was named a starter in the All-Star game. Rumors are being spread, however, that he may be on his way to greener pastures. This would leave the front line very thin.
--The 'Boys start training camp July 25 in good ole Oxnard, California. Jerry Jones will be a couple of days late due to complications from his latest face lift.
--The Forth Worth Star-Telegram reported that the Cowboys are shopping for a new backup QB. That's fine news--considering Brad Johnson in almost 40--until you find out that the name being tossed around is Chris "I'm only in the NFL because my dad is Phil" Simms. I'd rather have Major Applewhite.
UP NEXT:
A complete breakdown of the Mavs first Summer League Game. What player will step up and be a surprise to the roster?
It's the moment I have been waiting for...the Dallas Mavericks begin playing again tonight! ...Well, sort of. The Dallas Mavericks summer team begins play in Sin City tonight against the LA Clippers. No, Baron Davis will not be there. Neither will Dirk, J-Ho, Jet, or the rest of the elite. But new Mavericks Shan Foster and Gerald Green will be on hand, along with 13 others who are trying to score a nod on the Mavs roster. You can read all about everything Mavs Summer League here.
Breaking news here from DallasDedicated: It was just announced today that the Mavs front office have decided to re-sign Antoine Wright, as well as offering two summer league players, James Singleton and Keith McLeod, a guaranteed roster spot on the main Maverick squad.
Antoine Wright showed a lot of promise last year, and the ex-Aggie is wasting no time. He has already arrived in Vegas to work out with Diop in front of Coach Carlisle. McLeod and Singleton are already there, as part of the summer league team. Wright will try to be an active man on the SG/SF rotation that includes new-Mav Gerald Green.
Keith McLeod, who played for Carlisle two years ago in Indiana, is trying to show off his skills in summer league and hopefully move ahead of JJ Barea for the permanent backup point guard role behind Kidd. Scouts have praised him for his defensive-mindneness, which is very important to this Mavs team. Dallas has been beat by far too many point guards when it matters (see Davis, CP3, Wade).
James Singleton played in Spain last year and previously with the Clippers. He is still a young man at 27, and has some decent size at 6-8. His athletic ability and strong hustle makes him this year's "project", like what Bass was last year. “I do the little things,” Singleton said. “If you need an extra possession or you need to guard a bigger 3 or a more agile 4 or if you need a guy to switch on a point guard on a pick-and-roll, I can do it. In the West we have some great guards in Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant – I’m able to switch out on those guys and give the team versatility in different areas.”
That leaves the Mavs with only one roster spot left, which makes this a tricky situation. Rumors have been flying around that the Mavs might try to trade Jones and/or George to get a swingman, but Shan Foster may be able to fit that role. There are also many free agents still available, but the rumored-to-be-pursued Eddie Najera just signed with New Jersey. We have no more money to spend, we have a great draft pick out of "Suga Shan", as well as NCAA's leading scorer the previous two years in Reggie Williams (both on the summer roster). The roster is now younger and more athletic. Unfortunately though, no big names have been added (unless you count Diop as a big name.) We here at DallasDedicated think that the final roster spot should go to Shan Foster. He is what the Mavs need, and quite frankly, he deserves it. (More details on Foster can be found from a previous DD column A Night For The Future).
We will see how this all shapes up as the Mavs of Summer take the court tonight in Vegas at 9pm. Patrick and I will give you our shared opinions on what the Mavs should do this weekend after watching tonight and Sunday's game. See you then!
I am not quite sure what is to come in the rest of this wild MLB regular season, but for now...we have a pennant race. Josh Hamilton ended a three-week homerless drought with a walk-off in the bottom of the ninth. It came with 2 outs and Michael Young on second base. What is also so crazy about this comeback was the call from manager Ron Washington for Young to steal second base. This was by far one of the most amazing displays of the Rangers this year. You can see the video of Josh's "ham slamwich" here.
"My first walk-off ever," Hamilton beamed afterward in the Rangers clubhouse. "My first helmet toss ever. I've always seen guys on TV toss their helmets and jump into the crowd at home plate. It's pretty cool."
The 24,515 in attendance were all on their feet cheering for Josh Hamilton. This guy has become not just a crowd favorite in North Texas, but throughout the nation. It's hard to imagine that this was just his first career walk-off. We at DallasDedicated are predicting many more to come. Even more impressive was the fact that the homerun came against K-Rod, who leads the league in saves. The win also came on a night when the Rangers had to get by with four relievers doing all their pitching because of injuries to their starters. But the Rangers are now 1-0 when Warner "Mad Dog" Madrigal is their starter.
Tonight is the last of the series, and if the Rangers pull off another W, they will stand just 5.5 games back from the AL West leading Halos. I think it's time to believe!
"My first walk-off ever, my first helmet toss ever. ... When something like that happens, it reminds you how much you love playing this game." -- Josh Hamilton
Some thoughts on our roller coaster of a baseball team here, The Texas Rangers:
--This is by far the most important series of the season so far. The Rangers won another series against Baltimore and hosted the Al West-leading Angels last night. The Rangers came out confident, knowing that this series is a 8 game swing in either direction for the pennant race. Luis Mendoza was the starting pitcher against Anaheim/LA/Cali/Disney, and in just 1 1/3 innings, Mendoza gave up 8 runs! Needless to say, it was once again too much to comeback from, as the Rangers lost 9-6, and are now 8.5 games back from those pesky Angels.
--Let's try to take some positives out of last night's game...hang on, I'm thinking. *Dustin Nippert endured a seven inning relief appearance on Monday allowing just one run while tying the team record for longest relief outing. It was also the longest relief effort of the majors this season. *Max Ramirez, the backup to the backup catcher, had one of the most amazing plays by a catcher this season. It was #1 on Sportscenter's Top Ten this morning. *Ian Kinsler went 4-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 19 games. This kid is playing with some confidence I have never seen before. It has become a shock to not see Ian get on base after an at-bat. *There are still 3 more games in this series, and the Rangers can still win this series. A simple 3 game winning streak cuts the Al West deficit to just 5.5 games. Matt Harrison will make his first major league start tonight for Texas, replacing the ailing Eric Hurley.
--The Rangers have 4, COUNT 'EM 4, players in the all-star game! Josh Hamilton will start in the outfield and Milton Bradley will start at DH, replacing the injured Big Papi. Ian Kinsler and Michael Young will be reserves. We all remember what happened with Young last year as a reserve. Hamilton will also headline in the home run derby, where we here at DD predict a WIN!
Enjoy the game tonight, stay tuned to DallasDedicated for all the latest!
With the Terry Glenn saga still continuing, and Jerry Jones yet to make his play at the "big name" receiver he wants (rumors circulated about an aging Joe Horn, but not anymore), the Cowboys are looking for a solid third receiver from within...assuming no drastic roster changes, and Patrick Crayton securing the #2 slot. The rest of the roster is essentially set, leaving wideouts as the only area of uncertainty. Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, and Isaiah Standback are all relatively unknown--yet talented--young players with a chance to win the #3 spot. Few fans know much (if any) about these athletes, so we here at DallasDedicated--since we are so kind--decided to give the average fan a profile of each player, and with that a possible conversation starter with the boss...
SAM HURD Or, Sam "I'ver never" Hurd of him. Hurd played an integral part in last season's success. Or should i say last regular season's success? Not only did he contribute with key catches (including a 51 yard TD), but was a special teams standout. College: Northern Illinois. Holds the single game record for receiving yards (266) and was an honorable mention All-American. Drafted: Undrafted free agent. Will be starting his 3rd season with the 'Boys. Interesting Fact(s): Co-Hosts (along with T.O.) "Inside the Huddle" radio show on 105.3 FM in Dallas. You can hear him on Tuesday nights from 7:30-8:30 As well, was the recipient of Tony Romo's first NFL completion.
Miles Austin Primarily a kick returner in his first three seasons, Austin is hoping to gain a more offensive role. He has 5 (yes, five) career receptions, but has proven he has the speed and big play ability to be a regular contributer to the offense. College: Monmouth (NJ). Holds school records for TD receptions, receptions, and receiving yards. Drafted: Undrafted free agent. Also beginning his third year. Interesting Fact(s): On his high school track and field team, and holds the record for the longest javelin throw in Bergen County (NJ) history. 214'8".
Isaiah Stanback As a rookie last season, Stanback saw little action--only playing in 2 games. However, the future seems bright, as the organization has raved about his improvement. At the very least, look to see Isaiah getting some heavy special teams play (returning kicks) and some scarce time with Romo. College: Washington. Essentially did it all there: from multiple positions on the football team, to track excellence (5th in the Pac-10 in the 100 meter dash). Ranks in the top 10 in countless school history categories. Drafted: 4th Round (103 overall) in 2007 by the Cowboys. Interesting Fact(s): Played both WR and QB at Washington, and was the starting QB his junior and senior seasons. Also, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2006--though he didn't play college baseball--but passed it up for a chance to play in the NFL.
Prediction:
Look for Hurd to define himself as THE third WR. Also watch Austin to continue his kick returning, with Stanback peppered in as well. Depending on training camp, Stanback could improve greatly and surprise many people, in an Antwan Randle-El-esque manner.
--Gotta love professional athletes and their spending habits. This is probably why a year in college is too short of a minimum.
--The classic SportsCenter duo, Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann are reuniting on NBC's NFL Sunday show. It will remind of of when SportsCenter showed highlights. Those were the days.
--Brett Farve needs to stay retired. Don't cry and tell me you're retiring, then come back two months later. Now I feel dumb for crying during his press conference. Don't tell anyone about that.
--Is anyone else happy the Mavs picked up Gerald Green solely because he blew out a candle in the dunk contest? We can brag about that now.
That's all for now, look out for Nate's take on the Rangers and their 4 All-Stars. That's history!
Ok, let's forget about the 7th inning of last night's game. Before that dreaded 9-run inning that the Yanks put together against the Ranger's weak bullpen, this Texas team was on a roll. The Rangers sit at 44-42, which may not get a Tampa Bay Ray-type reaction on ESPN, but people here in North Texas are starting to get excited. Are we all getting a little ahead of ourselves though? It's not even the all-star break, yet FSN announcer Josh Lewin is having a slight stroke screaming "The Rangers beat the Yankees! This isn't your typical Texas Rangers team!" That is true, this team has some things that not many people have witnessed before in Arlington. But is this team bound to leapfrog over the A's and Angels and win a, dare I say, AL West pennant? Or...is this just a mediocre baseball team that has a slight winning record? Let's look at the positives and negatives of this Extreme Makeover: Texas Rangers Edition.
Let's start with the good news...the shining light of this baseball team. THE OFFENSE Guess what? The Texas Rangers, YOUR Texas Rangers, are first in the entire major league in runs scored, hits, doubles, runs batted in, and 3rd in batting average. While usually Ranger fans think of themselves as lucky to see just one Ranger in the all-star game, at least 4 deserve to be lacing up their cleats at Yankee Stadium on July 15.
It's one of the best offenses I've ever seen," first baseman Frank Catalanotto said. "It's kind of scary. We never give up regardless of the score. Everybody puts together good at-bats and everybody knows we're not going to go down 1-2-3 in an inning very easily. We feel even if we get down in a game, we can still come back and put runs on the board."
The man getting a lot of national media attention for his amazing comeback from drugs and alcohol is Josh Hamilton. Hamilton leads the entire league in RBIs with 82, and is 2nd in homers among American Leaguers with 19. Josh is not only a lock for the all-star game, but he will be among the favorites in the home-run derby. When Hamilton was seeking treatment from drugs, suicide, and alcohol, he dreamed of this very thing. "I had a dream just before I got back into baseball, probably three months before I was reinstated, that I was in a home run derby, and it happened to be in Yankee Stadium," he told reporters yesterday. "I didn't see myself hit or anything, but a lady stuck a microphone in my face and I got to tell everyone why I was there." The story of Josh is even more incredible than his play this season. Many people inside baseball claim that the best player in baseball could be playing right field for the Rangers.
"It doesn't surprise me that we're scoring a lot of runs but having [four] guys lead the league in runs scored is hard to believe," Kinsler said. "It is pretty amazing." One of those four guys is Ian, who also has a .323 batting average, second in the AL. Kinsler also leads the league in runs with 74. While he is one of the youngest on the team, he has shown a tremendous amount of leadership. People around the league are beginning to take notice. Kinsler is now 2nd among second basemen in all-star votes. 2 nights ago told the entire story. Kinsler got a double off Mariono Riviera in the 9th inning and then stole third. The infield was forced to move in and Michael Young hit a chopper over the infield to bring in Ian, who was the winning run. It's hard to believe that during spring training Ron Washington wasn't sure if Ian was even right for the leadoff role. It's been a perfect fit since.
It isn't hard to envision Josh Hamilton winning the American League MVP award, David Murphy taking Rookie of the Year and Milton Bradley capturing the Comeback Player of the Year award. All have been a huge part of the team's success, as well as the captain of this organization, Michael Young.
One other positive item this offense contains is Vicente Padilla's pitching this season. He is already at 10 wins, something he never got to last season, with an ERA right at 4.
Newcomer Chris Davis has been a huge surprise also. The 22 year old East Texas native has played in only 7 games thus far but has 3 homers and 7 runs batted in behind a .316 batting average.
But a team just slightly above .500 has it's share of flaws and most of Texas' deficiencies can be found 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate. THE PITCHING Speaking strictly starting pitching, The Rangers' taking Dallas native Jason Jennings and throwing him out on the plate failed miserably, and Brandon McCarthy has been injured since the middle of spring training. What is even more frustrating about the pitching is that the organization let's the good ones go. Armando Galarraga, designated for assignment by Texas in January, is 7-2 with a 3.40 ERA for Detroit. Sydney Ponson has been a favorite in the New York Yankee's rotation, yet just 2 months ago he was a Ranger who was labeled "a team distraction." When Texas traded for Josh Hamilton, they were willing to say goodbye to Edinson Volquez, who is now 10-3 with a 2.24 ERA with the Reds.
While the starters have been struggling, the bullpen has been dreadful. Closer C.J. Wilson seems to have found his form, but the rest of the bullpen needs serious help. Seven times the Rangers have had a chance for a three-game sweep this season and, after last night’s debacle, they’re 0-7. This has all been the direct result of poor bullpen pitching. With the Rangers hanging on to a one-run lead in the 7th, and the game too early to bring in Wilson, manager Ron Washington was forced to call on rookie Warner Madrigal. I'll leave the details in the past, let me just say this: Madrigal is heading back to Frisco with an ERA of 62.00.
The Rangers must solve the never-ending problem...pitching. It didn't matter much before because, quite frankly, the Rangers sucked. Now, people are believing, the Rangers are scoring runs, but the pitching can't keep the opposing runs down. It's costing the Rangers dearly.
The Rangers have the individual talent to make this season something quite special. All I am saying is this....let's not have Laura Miller planning any pennant parades until at least mid-September.
A little belated,but here it is: all the questions you've been having about the 2008 NBA Draft answered, plus some extra analysis on the draft of our hometown Mavs.
SHAN FOSTER, you might also know him as Usher. Hopefully the Man of the Future in Dallas. A lights out shooter (47% from beyond the arc his senior season) who can hopefully fill the need of just that...shooting. The achilies heel of the Mavs of late has been shooting, and the organization did exactly the right thing in trying to fill the void.
-2nd Team All America 2008 -2008 SEC Player of the year.
The Mavs had been rumored to be looking to trade up, but ended up holding on to the pick. Good move, Donnie and Co. They believe Foster has the chance to be a second round gem, and with good reason. Now we gain a solid shooter without giving up any assets--we at DD call that a good draft.
Check out some clips of "Suga Shan", as they call him at Vandy:
42 point game. Notice the shooting range that Jay Bilas said he didn't have.
Great Interview. I Like this guy already.
And finally, THE song of the year.
Also, I did a little research on Stuart Scott...and his eye. Everyone likes to poke (no pun) fun at it and talk about how weird he looks, so I went on a quest to find out exactly what happened.
In 2002, Stu was doing a story at the New York Jets mini camp, when an atuomatic passing machine shot off a ball that inadvertently hammered him in the eye. He immediately underwent cornea surgery, and though it looks very, very, very fake, apparently he can see (barely) out of it again.
A Few Awards from Draft Night:
Best Player in 5 years: Michael Beasely. Not that Derrick Rose will be a bust--he won't--but this could be a pick reminiscent of Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan or the entire draft over Randy Moss.
Biggest Steal: Darrell Arthur. The South Oak Cliff product fell to 27 because of his kidney "issue". In his interview with Steven A. Smith after being picked he depressingly told us that his "kidney has re-tested a few days ago and the results were fine. I guess they [the doctors] never told the people they were supposed to tell [NBA teams.]" Interesting, and very sad. How pissed you would be? Imagine you fall from a late lottery/early teen pick because your doctor did NOT tell the NBA your kidney was in fact fine. Now that's negligence.
Man Who Needs To Do Something Besides Watch Basketball: Jay Bilas. He's a freak, to put it simple. It's great for us at home, because he knows everything about every player who once thought about declaring for the draft. But for him...I could imagine this getting in the way of his personal life. Not that "hey, want to see my scouting report on Kosta Koufos?" isn't a great pickup line. Interestingly enough, Bilas was drafted by the Mavericks in 1986. Should've kept him as a talent scout. Then there would have been no Wang Zhi-Zhi, Samaki Walker, Etan Thomas...
How Does He Still Have A Job?: Steven A. Smith. His gimmick was OK at first, and is now old and annoying to most.
Best Name: Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo. Commonly referred to as O.J Mayo. I don't think I have to explain this one.
Most Awkward Moment: Not only was it bad for Danilo Gallinari when the Knicks took him sixth overall, but interview extraordinaire Steven A. Smith clearly forget who he asking his questions. Amidst all the boos from Knicks fans, Mr. Smith managed to ask this kid--foreign kid, who barely knows english--how he'll be able to "put the ball in the hole" and if he can "handle the rock." Really? Throw away the hip hop slang for a minute and give the poor kid a chance to understand what in the world you're asking. Coincidently enough, Galliniari was seen on the phone later that night and was heard asking his dad "if he's really going to have to carry rocks as a conditioning drill." Great work, Steven A.
No Way Did He Say That: Brook Lopez. After watching his "wired" clip in the green room, I'm concerned. Here he is, on the most important night of his life, with his head down in boredom, saying "this is sooo boring!" Man, I'm sorry to hear that, Brook. I wish you could have given me your freak 7 foot body so I could be there in the green room, minutes away from millions of dollars. Something tells me I wouldn't be so bored...
Get A Haircut: Robin Lopez. If he was unsure whether to put the razor to the head or not before the draft, he must have been somewhat swayed when he attempted to put his Suns hat on, having to instead settle for laying it on his mop.
I Wonder If My Dad Is Actually Proud?: Patrick Ewing, Jr. What does it take to impress one of the best centers of all time? I'm not so sure a second round draft choice and a possible career in Europe gets it done.
A FEW THOUGHTS:
--Why does a first team All-American (Chris Douglas-Roberts) fall to 40th overall, while 20 year olds who average 5 points per game in France, like Alexis Ajinca, get selected 20th overall? Am I the only one who doesn't understand how this works?
--Why do teams place SO much emphasis on pre-draft workouts? It seems to me that a few workouts would pale in comparison to a few seasons of college basketball. A workout is just that--a workout. Players are drafted because they play well in games, not because they 'work out well.' Or that's how it used to be..
--In fact, let's look at some stats: Brandon Roy, rookie of the year two seasons ago, has career averages of 18 ppg and 5 apg, leading his draft class in both categories. Roy also played four years of college basketball. Ready to come into the league and produce.
--I think history is starting to prove that Foreign players are a needle in a haystack. For every Dirk there are 50 Darkos. Here's an interesting stat: Excluding last season's draft class (Overseas players need time to develop, remember?) -2006 Draft Class, First Round: 5 Foreigners drafted Altogether, career averages are 4.92 ppg, 1.02 apg, 2.24 rpg and .3994 FG%. This includes #1 overall Andrea Bargnani.
Too soon to judge, you say?
-2005 Draft Class, First Round: 4 Foreigners drafted, 1 of which (Fran Vasquez) has yet to play in the L yet. Career averages are as follows: 3.47 ppg, .33 apg and 1.93 rpg. BEST PLAYER: Johan Petro -2004 Draft Class, First Round: 6 Drafted Averages: 4.68 ppg, 1.0 apg, 2.95 rpg. BEST PLAYER: Andris Biendris Not quite the production to continue drafting these players so high. Keep it local, draft a proven player who will give you solid results. Maybe it's too complicated.
--How are Jeff and Steve Van Gundy related? That's a serious question.
--Chris Douglas-Roberts, Bill Walker, Shan Foster, and Mario Chalmers are all second rounders who WILL be good in the NBA.
--What was DeAndre Jordan thinking? Who was telling him to go to the NBA? I know it wasn't A&M coach Mark Turgeon. Jordan lost his starting spot during his freshman season to Bryan Davis. If you can't start on your college team and you aren't Marvin Williams, stay in school.
--Weird, the spurs drafted a guy from America.
Free Agency has begun, we'll see what the Mavs are up to. In other news, the Rangers won again are now 3 games over .500. More on that tomorrow from the other half of DallasDedicated.
DallasDedicated is a blog devoted to what we love the most: sports in Dallas. From the Cowboys to the Mavericks, Rangers to FC Dallas, and the Stars to the Desperados, our passion of sports in the metroplex is unquestioned. Our goal is to provide imformative, yet laid back news and opinions...with a sometimes awful attempt at occasional humor. Please leave us a comment or send feedback via email (dallasdedicated@hotmail.com), we love to know what the reader is thinking.
