What's up Twins fans!  Every year, my Dad, who lives in Los Angeles, and Myself,who lives now in Tampa, fly into a different city to watch the Texas Rangers play a different team.  It allows us to check out different stadiums and cities and experience the best steakhouse & resturants each city has to offer. 

The 1st year we of course started in Texas, then hit NY to catch a game in the last year of Yankee Stadium, then last year we went to KC to check out the new Kauffman stadium.  This year we chose to check out the new Target field memorial day weekend and we'll be staying in the city.  Yankee fans pointed us in the direction of Peter Lugars Steakhouse (which is still #1 for us), and KC fans pointed us to Plaza III (which again was outstanding).  Where would you guys and gals recommend we go in Minn?  All suggestions welcome! 

We're there Fri night - Monday which allows us to do some site seeing and a golf game.  Anything we should do or see is also helpful.

Thanks in advance everyone!  Really excited to see Target Field & Maur play.  Hope its a great series!

-Mike

I was the President of a Fraternity in California back in 2002, and I'm still on the list serve, so I get emails from the guys here and there about Rush events, parties, job inquiries, etc.  And though I'm no longer present, or attend any of the alumni or actives events, I do get their emails, and read them from time to time.  This one struck me pretty hard, and its crazy what a small world it is we live in.  This is a letetr he wrote to his brothers in the fraternity, and I think it rings true for all.  Read on...

"As some of you know my brother is in serious condition at the hospital because of a drunk driver. I have been watching him at night and early morning in his ICU room and have done so not knowing if he will live through the night on a few occasions. When I found out last Thursday of the crash, I drove from San Marcos to Irvine thinking I had lost my brother, Jon, the whole way. We were told last thursday by the Doctor that they were very concerned about survival. He recently got his breathing tube taken out and I have seen him struggle to take every breath for the last two days. He was internally decapitated, which means his spine had broken away from his skull. He also has a broken pelvis, shoulder, ribs, and vertebras in his back, along with whatever else the doctors have not found. I have been by my brother’s side the whole time, and seen things that no brother should have to see someone they love go through. On top of these things three others were killed  in the crash, one being a close family friend, the other being a friend I have met visiting my brother in Fullerton, and the other a professional baseball player for the Angels having his career cut entirely too short. The girl from Fullerton including the family friend also had many things going for them such as law school, being bright young individuals, and for sure having successful futures ahead of them. My brother was a baseball player at Cal State Fullerton and we do not know the extent of damage done to his brain or his spinal cord. Going from a very good division one baseball school to possibly having trouble just walking or thinking. In other words there were four people in a car that had a lot to live for, and a man decided to drink, get behind the wheel, and he killed 3 of those dreams, and who knows for the 4th, my brother.

            If you have a brother, a sister, mother, father, or just anyone that you care for, do not drink and drive, EVER. As far as I am concerned after seeing what I have seen my brother go through this last week, you are no better than this man that has hurt Jon and killed three others if you get behind the wheel drunk. He is up for three counts of murder, he IS a murderer. Some of you may not like what I have to say about this but if you drink and drive you are potential murderer too, along with many other words I could very easily use at this point, that I do not need to mention. You are not only a murderer but a terrible friend and brother to me, doing what has almost killed my brother, my best friend, after I told you not to. You are potentially pulling the trigger of a gun with a 2,000 pound bullet in the chamber. If you can live with yourself potentially killing others because you did not want to leave your car out, or for whatever other reason, then I do not want to call you a friend or a brother. I am very pissed off about this situation and will never tolerate drinking and driving. If you care about me as your brother in this fraternity, your friend, or have a heart for what my family and I are going through, you will think about what you do the next time you drink. I hope you are all having a good Saturday night and being safe while I am in ICU all night hoping and praying. This is not an attack on anyone in this fraternity, just hoping to open up some eyes, just half as much as mine have been opened. If you all saw what I have seen in the last eight days, there is no chance you would even consider getting behind the wheel after some drinks.

Yours,

Chad"

Sad event, I had no idea his brother was in that car crash - prayers to the family.

What's up royals fans!  Question to all you steak eaters out there.  Every year, my Dad, in Los Angeles, and Myself, in Tampa, fly into a different city to watch a Texas Rangers play a team.  It allows us to check out different stadiums and cities. 

Last year, for the yankees last year in the stadium, we went there and ate at a steakhouse called, Peter Lugers.  This has been to date, the best we've been too in the country. 

I've heard KC has some outstanding steakhouses, and would really appreciate any feedback you have on places within a 30 mile radius of the stadium that you recommend we try out this year, as we have chosen to come to a Royal game this year.

Thanks in advance!

-Mike

Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:33 am EDT

Giambi wears golden thong and shares it with teammates

Getty Images

 

The key to turning the New York Yankees season around could be under Jason Giambi's pinstriped pants. The Yankee slugger revealed Friday he slips on a gold lamé thong with a flame-line waistband when he's trying to get out of a hitting slump — and he's shared it with his teammates.

"It works every time," Giambi told the Daily News after his secret was outed on Portfolio.com.

Derek Jeter agreed that Giambi's thong works, although "it's so uncomfortable running around the bases." "I had it over my shorts and stuff," he said. "I was 0-for-32 and I hit a homer on the first pitch. That's the only time I've ever worn it."

Johnny Damon also admitted donning the golden panties "probably three times." "I may need to wear it again soon," said Damon, who is batting a mediocre .255.

What is the secret of Giambi's golden thong?

"You're not worrying about your hands or your balance at the plate," Damon said. "You're worried about the uncomfortable feeling you're receiving."

Source: New York Daily News

WOW.

Embarrassing for them - Very disgusting for us the baseball fan.  Why would you ever admit to something like that either?!?  I have a horrible image in my mind now...I hate the Yankees.

I was just looking at past stats, and came across George Bradley.  George pitched just 9 years, and threw the 1st recorded No-Hitter, but check out this guys rookie season!  

He started 60 games, threw over 500+ innings, and had an era of just 2.05...I thought that with the recent talk of rushing young arms to the majors (Hurley, Harrison, etc.), this was ammusing.  They really didn't care about age, pitch count, over-use, 5 days rest, or any of that then.  Oh, how things change...of course, pitchers are also throwing for  12-15yrs in the bigs now, compared to 5-10.  Anyhow, check it out and enjoy:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/alltime/playercard?playerId=1394&type=1

This is in San Mateo, CA - sooo depressing...I just traded in my Titan for a '08 Nissan Altima Coupe (32mpg), but now I don't even think THAT is enough!!  Should have gone hybrid, even though they look awful....$5.00/gallon by December?  Possibly?

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Most-Emailed-Photos/ss/1756/im:/080228/ids_photos_ts/r315812455.jpg#ph otoViewer=/080229/480/ad151e2ab92844c0a74936b89886bac1

Okay - so, my company is having me take over new regions and gave me three options on where to live.  They are paying all moving costs and putting me in corporate housing for 2 months.  I want to get the LSB feedback.

Option 1:  Stay in Tampa (house)
Option 2:  Live in Dallas (condo)
Option 3:  Live in Los Angeles (apartmnet)

I have a house right now that is by the beach and affordable in Tampa, so, if I move, those are the realistic living options based off of what I pay now to live comfortable. I've lived in LA/SD most of my life, and never really seen or been to Dallas...

Opinions?  

Well, LSB has already helped me with Resturants in Houston, Tampa and San Antonio, attractions in Texas, Florida, DC and BLT and has helped reccomend some movies along the way.  Here is my latest challenge for you all to help with:

I've been a Ranger fan (before this year living in So Cal) since 1990, and I've never been to a Ranger game.  in 2001 I made a pact to myself that the 1st game I go to would be to see the Rangers in a playoff game in Arlington......I don't see that happening, and I'm getting impatient.  

So.  My Dad and I are going to fly in the week of Sept 21-23rd to see the BLT series (only time we could get both get off).  Heres what I would like to know:

1.  Recomendation of hotel near the stadium
   
2.  Favorite place in the ballpark to sit (and if you have season tix with great seats - how much do you want for 2 for the 9/22 game?)
   
3.  Best place to eat and drink before heading into the ballpark

Per ROTOWORLD:

Donnie Sadler has been suspended 50 games for violating minor league baseball's drug policy.

Sadler was playing for Triple-A Tucson before drawing the suspension. He's 0-for-1 this season with Arizona and is a career .202 major league hitter in 418 games. He'll now miss virtually the rest of the season.

GEEZE - this guy's been playing in the bigs since '98 and has owned an average of .230 or more only ONCE!  Ouch.  I guess when you blow this bad - you'll try anything!  I wonder what drug they found in him...

I'm flying into Houston tomorrow morning (MON) and will be there for the week as a buisness trip.  When I travel, I usually tend to only have time to expierience resturaunts and great food.  Any recomendations for some great Mexican, Tex-Mex, steakhouse, italian, Thai, sushi, etc.?  I get to travel 3-4 weeks a month, so if anyone needs recomendations for the Southeast (BLT to Miami over to HST), let me know!  Thank you in advance for the suggestions.

Does anyone know how to get the promo codes to purchase tickets online through mlb.com? A website?  Phone #?   Anything here will help!  

Gonna go see the Ray's and Yanks tonight, so if you live in Florida, and you have the magic touch - please share!
                                       

Whats up everyone - My girl and I are moving from SD to Florida.  I got promoted at work and they are relocating me to Tampa.  We'll be driving through Texas, and would like to know if you can recommend any great resturants or places to go in San Antonio.  Looks like we're going to stay there for a night before heading East.  Any help would be great!  Thanks!
-Smitty

Saw this on Rotoworld suggesting that the Rangers should look into Brian Lawrence, who hasn't played since 2005 due to a torn rotator cuff and shoulder surgery.  I lived in SD at one point and saw him pitch, and when he was on, he was great, but he would always go into a 2-4 game slide of not lasting 2-4 innings.  His last game pitched, he 3 hit the Giants through 9 innings, granted no Barry Bonds, but still.  

Just thought I'd throw this up for you all to ponder.  I'm at work and can't do a side by side stat anylsis, but figured there would be someone here that could break down the Mulder / B Law stats year to year.  

At least with BLaw, we have a #5 starter at the begining of the year rather than after the all-star break.  

Per Rotoworld.com:
________________
Brian Lawrence-S-Nationals Dec. 29 - 10:23 am et

The Rockies have attended all of free agent Brian Lawrence's workouts and recently were treated to a private showing.

Lawrence missed 2006 following shoulder surgery. "He has made it clear to them he would like to pitch there. His preference is to stay in the NL West," agent Page Odle said. Lawrence is one of the better gambles out there right now, and his sinker would make him an ideal fit with the Rockies. The Rangers are another team that should have some interest, though there has yet to be any indication that they've talked to him.
________________

Talk amungst yourselves.....

WOW.  This was from the game in Anahiem a few weeks ago.  Pretty embarrasing.  Hope this makes your day!  Go Rangers!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/Smitty34/rangerpink.jpg

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While I was in attendance at tonights game, here are some things I observed:

1.  GMJ is unbelievable.  The entire stadium of Angel fans gave him a standing O after his diving catch in Left/Center.
2.  Vlad is a Ranger Killer.  Granted he was going up against the likes of Rupe, and Mahay, but the guy is HUGE.  
3.  98 degree weather, and a hott ass seat in the sun in Orange County is not pretty.  Your 8.50 margarita melts upon contact of the cup holder infront of your seat....what a waste..
4.  Nelson Cruz:  Needs to work with Rudy a little more.  Had some good cuts, but the majority are pretty bad.
5.  The ejection of Eaton was complete BULLSHIT.  The guy deserved a freakin' warning if anything!  We're in the heat of a pennent race, the guy just got off the DL, and he has control problems!  Fuck the homeplate ump. Period.  Also there were some strike calls I lost money on, and am still not very happy about.
6.  Juan Rivera:  WTF?  Where did this guy come from?  Same with Garret Anderson.  With Vlad, Juan and GA, these guys can mash against the Rangers.  The confidence they have against us, just isn't healthy.  
7.  "Rally Sticks" are annoying.  Especially when your team is down 9 runs, and the drunk ass chick next to you bangs them together for every little thing that happens (foul balls, highlight reel, beach balls on the field, EVERYTHING.)
8.  Never wear a watch when in the sun. I now must wear it for the next 3 weeks until my sunburn wears off, and I don't have the farmers tan anymore.
9.  0-12:  The record of the Rangers when I see them play at Angel Stadium.  I swear, I'm a curse!  It's my birthday weekend, and I thought this was the time....but no.  Either way, I will fly to Texas and be with the majority if they make playoffs.  This I promise.  This WILL break my curse.
10.  After the loss....the embarrassing loss....there was something soooo foul...sooo pathetic...and sooo wrong....it simply made me feel real sad to be a fan of Texas.  As the game ended, and people started following out of the stadium, the Texas bullpen then walked the field with their heads down torwards the dugout.  ONE MAN WALKED ALONE.  ONE MAN WALKED WITH ATTENTION DRAWN TO HIM.   ONE MAN MADE ALL THE STADIUM POINT AND LAUGH.  ONE MAN MADE ALL THE ANGEL FANS TAUNT EVERY RANGER FAN.  THIS MAN.......WAS......CJ WILSON.  After the game, CJ Wilson, Walked the field pulling behind him a Bright, Florescent Pink Suitcase.  A BRIGHT PINK SUITCASE.  I have pictures of this horendous event, and will post soon.  Truly an embarrasing moment, to a horrific game.  

Go Rangers!

I'll be at Angel Stadium tommorow afternoon for the game.  I was at the A's/Angels game on Wed. and next to a group of about 6 A's fans.  It was those 6 guys, and about 20 groups of 2-5 fans spread out in the "sea of red".  Last time I was at the Ranger/Angel game, I got beer and food thrown at me when we lost the game in the bottom of the ninth.  I should be 1 of about the 20 Ranger fans TOTAL at the game tommorow.  I'll be wearing my Ranger Blue - hopefully we win and my shirt doesn't end up being drenched again!  Any other So. Cal Ranger fans out there going into the Red Sea?!  Bring your helmet!  I really hope the Rally Monkey comes out again - it gets pretty loud and crazy, that's my time to really start talking trash to the Angel fans!  Let's just hope this time, the monkey is caged, and the Texas bullpen can hold it!  Dear God, please don't let Eaton get rocked!  I'm pumped to see him pitch - I'll be back on here after the game and let you all know what I thought of the game.

Go Rangers!!

Now what is JD going to give up, or can give up for a Jake Westbrook or Lieber.  We're going to have to now give up some of our minor league arms and maybe a Wilkerson to get a starter.  Hopefully we can get a relief & SP in a deal.  Great job on JD on the Lee trade, and not even touching our DVD's, Hurley, Arias, Botts, Masset, Feldman, etc.  JD's gots some moves in mind, and I'm very pumped to see what pitcher we're going to bring in here.  Since we deal with Grady in San Diego so much, hopefully we can grab linebrink, and we've done a lot with Philly this year as well, so lets grab lieber.  I can't wait to see what happens!
Go Rangers!!

Alright, so I still haven't seen this catch by GMJ a few weeks ago, and its driving me crazy!  Especially now that on the Rangers official site, Torri Hunter is quoted as saying, it was the best catch he's ever seen!  If someone knows of a link to the catch, that would be outstanding!

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JD will be on the MLB.com radio at 11:40 eastern time.  FYI

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/radio/index.jsp

I won't be able to listen, but thought some of you would.  If you do listen, it would be great if you could give a synopsis of the conversation.  I'd like to hear what we're doing on the trading front.

Funniest Video I've seen in a long time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

This guy goes over all of the "latest" dance moves from Elvis, to Eminem.  Definetly worth chekcing out.

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Check it out:  Erstad BLEW UP at some teamates.  Kennedy seems to think they're cool - I think this is either the breaking point, or the turning point, much like our 9 run lead with the Yankees...take a look:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/angels/la-sp-angels19may19,1,1938785.story?coll=la-headli nes-sports-mlb-angels&ctrack=1&cset=true

I just want to hear what everyone opinion is on putting Dumpmaster in the leadoff spot and putting Gary in the 9 hole?  Derosa's on a tear right now, and walks a lot more than GMJ, so why not try it out?  What does everyone else think of this?  Being a Buck favorite, it could happen...

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Kobe Bryant is the REAL MVP.  WOW. That game was crazy!! Lakers up 3-1, because I live in LA, I hope the Clippers and Lakers meet up - that would be such a great series.

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Should I trade Shelton for Dunn??

I tend to believe that Dunn will at least be consistant, while Shelton is due for a HUGE dropoff.  What do you all think ?

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I was at the game tonight.  There was a total of 40,112 people in attendance (says the scoreboard quiz).  My binoculars and I saw a total of 4...thats FOUR Texas Ranger T-Shirts!!?!  WTF???  I know My girlfriend and I are not the only fans in California?!  The only other shirt I saw was on a little boy, but his Dad had a Garret Anderson shirt on?! Tonight BLEW.  Ricky B was good.  VERY effective.  The Defense of Brownie out in Right was spectacular (especially the diving DP in the 8th!)  Nix BLOWS and needs more time.  Anotonio was a strike throwing MACHINE.  Aki was Aki. and Coco needs to be sat when playing the Angels....he does NOT look good....BWilk didn't strikeout!??! I was AMAZED! It looked like he was coming around, and I like that he was dropped to the 7th spot.  

Oh ya...and Blalock?  THIS IS THE YEAR FOR HIM...mark my word....

Overall: Disappointed.

Anyone going?? I've got tickets, going with my girl to Rally Monkey Central, wanted to know if there would be any other Ranger Fans in attendence!?  I was thinking of bringing "K" signs to hang up and keep track of BWilk's AB's.

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