Ron Washington calls out Prince Fielder for baserunning mistake

The lasting image of Prince Fielder with the Detroit Tigers was him committing a baserunning blunder in Game 6 of the Tigers' ALCS loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Fielder's nonchalant reaction towards the loss and his playoff performance ultimately contributed to his trade to the Texas Rangers. 

Early on in the 2014 baseball season, Fielder's baserunning gaffes are coming back to rear it's ugly head. Rangers manager Ron Washington called out Fielder for a baserunning mistake that killed a Rangers rally in an 8-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.

Washington said Fielder "blew it" after Fielder stopped at third on a hit by Mitch Moreland. He failed to read coach Gary Pettis coming into third, got himself hung up between third and home and eventually tagged out, effectively squashing a brewing rally.

“Prince just blew it,” Washington said. “(Third base coach Gary Pettis) was winding, but Prince went back to the bag. … It's a different situation with runners on second and third with one out and a run in instead runners on second and third with two. You never know what would have happened. We might have only scored that one run right there, but I would have like to have seen what would have happened.”

Fielder's reaction wasn't anything dramatic even though it seems like Washington threw him under the bus.

 “I didn’t get a good jump and I didn’t pick up Gary in time. It was one of those days. We played hard, but we made a couple of mistakes. We just have to come back and be sharper,” said Fielder.

If Fielder continues making mistakes like this and has an attitude that says there's always tomorrow, Rangers fans will run out of patience with the big man in a hurry.

Nelson Cruz is the biggest loser in free agency

When former Texas Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz rejected the Rangers' one year qualifying offer of $14.1 million, many figured he would land somewhere with a multi year deal. In 2013 Cruz batted .266 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI. That was with a 50 game suspension he had to serve because of his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal.

Instead it's Cruz on the outside looking in as spring training gets closer. Cruz has been linked to the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles, but still sits at home waiting for a contract offer to roll in. You would figure if Jhonny Peralta can land a 4 year, $53 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals it would be a no brainer that Cruz would land a similar deal, since Peralta also was involved in the same PED scandal. Instead teams see a player who hasn't played in a full 162 game season and has been hit with injuries instead of a bat they can plug into the middle of the lineup.

Cruz would be a fit for most American League teams. At age 33 he isn't finished, but is more on the downside than most would think. He's only hit for more than 30 homers once in his career in a stacked Rangers lineup. He can't run very well and he's a defensive liability. Not someone you want to throw a ton of money at. The guy has DH written all over him. Teams see a player who hasn't played in a full 162 game season and has been hit with injuries instead of a bat they can plug into the middle of the lineup. Being involved with PED's hasn't helped. They wouldn't know what kind of player they would be getting.

Here’s another thing about Nelson Cruz: nobody really wants him. It’s the middle of January and Cruz remains a free agent, and he’s a free agent without a strong market. The best fit, at this point, is probably Baltimore, but Baltimore hasn’t done anything. Seattle’s the only other fit, and they haven’t done anything. The Phillies looked obvious from the get-go, but they instead went with Marlon Byrd. Maybe, in the past, Cruz would’ve secured a major payday, but teams are smarter now, and one of the first things smart baseball people learn is that players like Cruz are overrated.

Cruz is better off seeking a one year deal and proving himself again instead of looking for a big payday. If Mark Reynolds can lock up an invite to spring training at the very least, Cruz should be able to secure a one year deal.

Cruz has definitely turned out to be the biggest loser during this free agency period.

Omar Infante signs four year deal with the Kansas City Royals

Omar Infante is officially once again an ex-Detroit Tiger. The second baseman reportedly will sign with the AL Central rival Kansas City Royals.

Reports say the contract is for four years and around $30 million.

The Tigers went in a different direction at second base when they traded first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for Ian Kinsler.

The New York Yankees were thought to be the leader for Infante's services and reportedly offered three years for $24 million but Infante wanted four years, so he signed with Kansas City instead. It's a good pickup for Kansas City as they filled their hole at second base for good value.

Infante batted  .318 with 10 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .795 OPS in 118 games for the Tigers in 2013. Infante has a .279 career average and a .721 career OPS.

Even though he won't be a Tiger, they'll see a lot of him within the division.

Tigers need some thunder on the bench

The Detroit Tigers don't need to do too much retooling of their roster to remain a contender. While the team does have holes in left field, closer, and possibly third base, they have enough to remain atop the American League Central.

The Tigers grabbed some payroll flexibility when they traded first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler. I'm not in the business of trying to spend someone else's money but I do have an opinion on what the Tigers should have on the bench. They do need speed, but they also need a bat or two on the bench.

When I look at the current 40 man roster I don't see anyone who isn't a regular that scares me. There isn't anyone I think that could run into one and maybe be a steady bat off the bench. Matt Tuiasosopo filled that role last season but eventually the magic ran out and he was put on waivers. They'll bring back utilityman Don Kelly and even though he's come up with some timely hits, he's not one who I would be afraid of in a clutch situation. With leftfield up for grabs either Andy Dirks or Nick Castellanos (if he's not moved to third) will be manning left. Which means one or the other will be on the bench.

I'm not calling my suggestions that I'll mention an end all, be all solution, but I do believe they could help in the short term and be cost effective.

Raul Ibanez- The ageless wonder whacked 29 homers playing on an offensive challenged team in Seattle and playing in spacious Safeco Field. You could plug Ibanez in at DH or platoon him at first with Victor Martinez if you keep Miguel Cabrera at third. His price might be too high, but at 41 you won't be tied to him too long.

Jeff Francouer- The one time hot prospect has fizzled, but two seasons ago showed some signs of life in Kansas City. He could come cheap since he was released by Kansas City. He could supply some defense with the strong arm. His drawback is that he's a free swinger and the Tigers don't need that when they need to get a run across.

Mark Reynolds and Carlos Pena- These two players are nearly identical...feast or famine. They'll get you some bombs but they'll strike out a whole lot. Both players are someone an opposing pitcher would have to be somewhat careful with.

Nate McLouth- Could be a nice, cheap bench option for a contender.

Rajai Davis- If you want a late inning defensive replacement and some speed off the bench this is your guy.

Eric Chavez- Yes he gets hurt a lot, but maybe just maybe he can hold the fort until Castellanos is ready to take over full time. At the very least keep him around to teach him a few things.

I'm not saying these are players they should be fully investing time to go after, but maybe take a flier on one of them and see can they catch lightning in a bottle and get a little thunder on the bench .  

New York Mets targeting Nelson Cruz

With the team finally being able to shed the cumbersome contracts of Johan Santana and Jason Bay, the New York Mets are looking to add some power to their lineup.

One name being mentioned is Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz. Cruz turned down the Rangers' one year $14 million offer in search of a multi-year conract. Cruz who is 33, was involved in the Biogenesis scandal reportedly is being targeted by the Mets, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

The Mets are trying to challenge in the NL East and may feel that Cruz can help get them there. The team is looking to get some pop in the lineup and have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Curtis Granderson.

The Mets are hesitant to spend big for outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Shi Soo Choo. and are looking at the second tier and more affordable options.

Cruz served a 50 game suspension for his role in a PED scandal, but since he has never hit less than 22 home runs and  never driving in less than 76 runs  in the last five seasons teams might be willing to overlook the possible baggage he brings to the table.

Lance Berkman won't retire because the Rangers need help on offense

Texas Rangers DH Lance Berkman hasn't played in a game in four weeks. He's been on the disabled list with an inflamed hip and his knees have given him problems for years. Berkman thought about retirement but has put those thoughts to rest with the Rangers in a pennant chase.

Berkman says he reconsidered retiring because he felt the Rangers needed some help on offense. He hopes to rejoin the team within the next two weeks.

“That we didn’t trade for anybody and that we still don’t know what is going to happen with Nelson [Cruz], I feel like if I push myself and endure a little discomfort, I can get out there and try to do something to help this team win,” Berkman said. “I’ve made up my mind to try and play. This team needs a bat and I’m gonna do my dangdest to make that happen.”  

Cruz is facing a 50 game suspension for his alleged ties to the Biogenesis scandal that has been the news around baseball.

I don't doubt that Berkman loves the game but it's kind of refreshing to see a player that desperately wants to help his team win and doesn't want to sit idling on the sidelines. I don't know how much he can help, but he feels he has enough left in the tank to contribute.  

Roy Oswalt would like to go back to Philadelphia

It's almost like deja vu for Roy Oswalt. If you recall, last season Oswalt was holding court for potential suitors as he took his time picking a team to play for. After missing about half of the season Oswalt settled on the Texas Rangers.

Things didn't go to well for Oswalt in Arlington as he had a run in with manager Ron Washington after being demoted to the bullpen.

Oswalt is once again a man without a team. But in a bit of a surprise Oswalt says he would love to come back to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies. Oswalt also said that he hasn't felt this good since 2010.

Maybe the Phillies could use him if Roy Halladay's struggles continue. But if I'm Oswalt I would go ring chasing and sign with a contender. Even at 35 and how he's pitched in recent years he cant be that much worse than some of the back end starters that are pitching right now.

Josh Hamilton's wife needed security at Angels-Rangers game

Texas Rangers fans will never forgive Josh Hamilton for signing with the division rival Los Angeles Angels. Never mind the good years he had there, putting up monster numbers and helping them to two trips to the World Series. Hamilton is now the enemy.

The Angels are playing the Rangers this weekend and while it was expected that Hamilton would be lustily booed, the fans shouldn't target his family. Hamilton's wife, Katie, had to call security at The Ballpark in Arlington  before the start of Friday's game, which was the Rangers home opener.

“People were being ugly, not necessarily [just] booing,” Hamilton, the former Rangers star, said. “They were being inappropriate with kids around. And that was before the game even started.”

I can understand that you're frustrated with the way last season ended for the Rangers and it looked like Hamilton never gave Texas a chance to resign him but leave the wife and kids out of it. Hamilton took it in stride and seemed to be the bigger person in this ordeal.

“It was a good lesson for the kids,” Hamilton said. “People in general. Don't put your faith in man. Put your faith in the Man upstairs."

“It is what it is,” Hamilton said. “It's cool to get ragged on with normal things. But when you get a little swearing and jawing back at Katie, and people saying inappropriate things, it's a different story.” 

It's a good lesson but one they'll never forget because who knows what was said. Katie and the kids do plan on returning but will be in a suite for Saturday's game. Things have to go better than they did Friday.

Johnny Manziel to throw out first pitch at Angels-Rangers game

Winning the Heisman Trophy has it's perks. Just ask Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. The guy has been everywhere since being the first freshman to win the bronze, stiff armed trophy.

The Texas Rangers have announced that Manziel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch next Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels.

Manziel continues to live as if there's no tomorrow. To be a college football player with no guarantee of professional stardom, Manziel is nearing rock star status.

Don't hate, congratulate.

Ventura and Ryan on speaking terms

It's been nearly twenty years since the infamous Nolan Ryan/Robin Ventura brawl, which Ryan got the best of Ventura and has been a running joke since then. A then 46 year old Ryan took the young Ventura to the woodshed. Numerous videos have been shown and Ventura has never been able to live it down.

The two have never crossed paths until today. Ryan is the CEO of the Texas Rangers and Ventura is the manager for the Chicago White Sox. It was the opener for both teams in Arlington today and they finally had a chance to speak. 

Ryan went over to the White Sox clubhouse and wished Ventura good luck. There was never any ill will between the two over the fight.

"He was a very good player and very successful player," Ryan said Thursday. "It was just a reaction or response to the moment. He and I had no personal interaction prior to that night. There was nothing that precipitated it from something previously."


The video of the fight is a staple at Rangers games but Ventura doesn't seem to mind, although it sounds a little bitter.

"It's not like I haven't seen it," Ventura said Thursday. "It's up to them. They can play it if they want. It's not going to change any decision I make or anything else I do."


I'm sure Ventura doesn't like having to see himself get pummeled by what was deemed an old man.

Oswalt could find himself without a home

There are teams in need of a proven veteran pitcher to round out their rotations. Some are contenders and there are some trying to climb the ladder in the standings. The Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox or Cincinnati Reds would be a good fit for the veteran hurler. Problem is Oswalt is being awfully picky to whom he plays for.

I know a player who has earned their right to be a free agent can take their time and assess which situation they want to go play in. That's a major part of being a free agent. But if you're a veteran trying for one last good contract and a shot at a championship then I figure you sign with who gives you the best chance at a title. Oswalt had a chance to win in Philadelphia, but the Phillies blew it as a collective. Now Oswalt is looking to move on to presumably stay close to his father in Mississippi or his Missouri farm. So it would seem the Cardinals would be a good fit for him. A report two weeks ago said the Cardinals locked up Oswalt but it obviously didn't happen.

The one time Houston Astro would also be a good fit for the Rangers who just lost their number one starter C.J. Wilson to the Los Angeles Angels. But he won't sign there either. He already said he won't go to Detroit and hasn't turned down the Red Sox but doesn't exactly want to play there either.

“He wanted to go to Texas. That’s not gonna happen. He wanted to go back to Philadelphia. That’s not gonna happen. He had some interest in the Reds. That doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen. So his choices still come down to, I think, going to Boston, where they have a clear need but he doesn’t seem to want to play, and going to St. Louis, where all his friends say he would love to be. But to do that, he has to do it on their terms.”     


  Jayson Stark, ESPN

With pitchers and catchers due to report in another week, Oswalt could be left without a home or scuffling to take whatever a team offers him. Time is running out and Oswalt is taking his sweet time trying to find a team. I think it comes down to the Cardinals or Rangers and he won't exactly like the terms of the deal.

Josh Hamilton Has A "Relapse"

According to a report by Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, Texas Rangers outfielder, Josh Hamilton, had a relapse with alcohol at a Dallas area bar.

In a statement, the Rangers said they were ``aware of a situation, but we don't have further comment at this time.''


Before the bashers come out, no one knows if he just had one beer or was absolutely trashed. Hopefully everyone has a wait and see approach with this recent turn of events. There should be more to follow.   

Rangers' Lewis Goes On Paternity Leave

You don't hear of too many men going on paternity leave but Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis bucked that trend.

Lewis took advantage of the new MLB paternity leave rule. A player can be on there for 24 to 72 hours. His wife Jenny gave birth to daughter Elizabeth Grace on Wednesday in Bakersfield, Calif.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux sounds like he's been waiting for this day to come.

"I don't know why we didn't have it before. I've longed for the day we would," Maddux said. "We have the bereavement list and to some, this is for something that's even more sacred."


Lewis is expected to rejoin the team and take his turn in the rotation Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

A 3 Year Old Doesn't Want Michael Young To Leave Texas

Michael Young of the Texas Rangers has fans of all ages. Apparently when signs pointed to the Rangers shipping him out of town the news hit this three year old pretty hard.

  

Young saw the video and thought it was "cool and cute."

"Cute kid," Young said. "I got about 10 emails that day and it was pretty cute. Very cool. It felt good. I’ve been here for 10 years and it was never my intention to leave here. I just came off a World Series. It was a lot of fun for me to be a part of. I envision more of that. It made me feel great. The fans in Texas have been great to me."

Maybe it'll give Young some thought about wanting to leave Texas.

Cuban Is Open To Owning The Mets

The New York Mets are in a bit of financial turmoil due to their dealings with the well known schemer Bernie Madoff. More specifically the Wilpon family, that owns the Mets may be forced to fork over $300 million from the money they made with Madoff, even though they say they were victims in his Ponzi scheme.

They're looking for a savior and that man might be Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Cuban has stated he's willing to listen to buying part of the Mets franchise if the price is right. The Wilpons are looking to sell 20 to 25 percent of the team. Cuban has said he won't bid on a Major League Baseball team because of the process he went through trying to purchase the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers. Forbes estimates that Cuban is worth $2.3 billion. So you know he has the money to buy in.

I think Cuban would be a good baseball owner and maybe good for the game. Look what he did for the Mavericks. They were toiling with the dregs of the NBA before he took over and made it into a competitive franchise, and competed for a championship. I think he possibly could've made either the Cubs or Rangers a yearly World Series contender if he was given the shot to own either one of them. He goes all out to make his team relevant and I have no doubt he would do the same in baseball. I feel the old blood owners didn't want to approve any ownership bids by Cuban because they simply don't like him. Maybee he's too brash and too open to the public (remeber the Dairy Queen stunt). Some of the long time baseball guys don't like that kind of person. Also I think he had enough in the bank to become another George Steinbrenner. That might be a stretch, but think about every big name star that's on the trade block or going to free agency and the Mavericks always show up on the list. He wouldn't be afraid to throw his money around.

"If they want to sit down and sell me on it, I can be a willing buyer and a willing customer," Cuban said before his Mavericks crushed the Knicks, 113-97 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. "But I'm not going to be a bidder on anything."


"For any baseball team, I'm not going to chase after it," Cuban said. "If someone sees me as a potential owner, I'll take their call and discuss a deal. I'm not going to get into a bidding situation ever again. I'm not going to be in a situation where I make the proposal and they just go through with it.



"Obviously, I feel like I'd be a good team owner in baseball, but I'm not going to go through the same process I did with the Rangers and the Cubs."

"We had a limit on what we could spend. You take a small part of something that makes a ton of money, if the price is right, no matter who you are. But I don't know the specifics of it, so I couldn't say."


The desire to run a baseball team is still there. He just doesn't want to jump through hoops of bull to do it. I don't blame him. 

It's The Giants vs.Rangers. But Will Anyone Watch?

I'm glad to see some new blood in the World Series this year. It'll be the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers in the Fall Classic. Even though I thought the Phillies and Yankees would've made it and I did want the Phillies to win it all, I'm not opposed to seeing a first timer and a franchise going after their first world championship since they relocated. The only thing is, will anyone watch?

Baseball  purists and the casual fan probably won't like this matchup. You know what they'll say. No name recognition, they don't know much about the teams, they play outside the glamour markets (Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles) so they don't really care. That's what happens when you shove Red Sox vs. Yankees down our throat every year.

That's why the NFL has better viewership. You know you'll have your perennial contenders, but some team will rise up to surprise from year to year. I don't mind parity in sports. I think it makes it better, it keeps the product as a whole from getting stale. I don't like seeing the same teams year after year, even though the networks (ESPN, Fox,etc.) would love to have the same teams every year to improve their ratings. I'm all form just watching a good ballgame. That's how I came up and that's how I like it. I hate seeing teams like the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates on hard times. They were actually good when I was growing up, even though it's hard to believe now.

I"m glad it's the Giants vs. Rangers. It's refreshing to see two teams that are normally second or even not thought of this time of year. Hopefully baseball can get a clue and do something about the large disparity about some of the teams that just flat out suck right now and the one's that continue to stay on top. I don't think it's about what market you play in. If you find committed ownership and the right scouts and management it can be done. I never considered Boston a big market. San Diego has a larger population but is considered small market. I never got that and probably never will.   

Hopefully this will be an entertaining World Series. It probably won't work for the casual fan. They will turn their attention to the NBA season.

Jeffrey Maier Part 2

Good thing this didn't cost the Rangers the game. They need to go ahead and bury the Yankees. Avoid an epic collapse like game 1 and all eyes will be on Texas in October and November.

Lee Makes Rangers Legit

The Texas Rangers ended up being the surprise winner in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Even though the newly acquired Lee lost his first start for his new team,he transforms the Rangers into a legitimate contender for the American League pennant. It definitely gives them a  leg up on the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West. Lee has been a mercenary of sorts the past two years.Last year being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies,then to Seattle and now division rival Texas. The only hurdle that remains is can the Rangers sign him to a long term deal after the season is over.