It seems I have the pressure of planning a 30th Birthday for my wife. Thankfully, her sister almost has her talked into Vegas. I have to say that is a win/win for everyone and mainly me, because it's Vegas. I have been to Vegas once, but almost 15 years ago. I am looking for help to try to finish the sell to my wife and get to Vegas. These are some questions I have and I know LSB can help: Best (most cost effective) way to plan the trip? Will fly out from DFW. Best shows? Best place to stay (nice and cost effective). Any other great Vegas info that will help me be in Vegas with my wife on her 30th. Date we are going in early June. I tried to get her to go for Spring Training, but I'll be happy in June.

Today Jamey Newberg gives us his big trade he would like to see the Rangers make sometime in the next two years. Jamey talks a lot about only being able to trade a player/prospect once. His rules are simple:

Now, for the hypothetical trade thing. I asked you all to cook up a monster deal involving Texas over the next two years, the parameters of which were simple: Make it a trade you could argue for on both sides. David Murphy, Michael Kirkman, and Julio Borbon for Tim Lincecum doesn’t qualify.

I always enjoy hearing these ideas and many of you here at LSB have great ideas and reasons for the trade. Here is Jamey's idea in case you have not already seen it:

On December 12, 2013, the Texas Rangers trade shortstop Elvis Andrus, lefthander Martin Perez, righthander Cody Buckel, and third baseman Christian Villanueva to the Los Angeles Dodgers for lefthander Clayton Kershaw and catcher Gorman Erickson.

I would do that deal. We have Profar coming and we get a no questioned legit #1. I wish we could do it December 2012, but I can see why for the Rangers (Profar may not be ready, Dodgers need to settle ownership) we wait until 2013. So what would your trade be?

These trades I suggest would only be done if we had Clayton Kershaw or could not get him. Clayton Kershaw would be my #1 target, but I do not want to just use the same trade as Jamey for conversation sake. I do not think Josh Hamilton will be with the Rangers after this season. So I look to the Reds and Diamondbacks in the 2012 off-season. These trades would keep the assets Jamey uses for Kershaw as well. I would take one of these two deals. I offer the Reds Matt Harrison, Mike Olt & David Perez for Jay Bruce. That might not be enough on our end depending on how good Harrison looks in 2012. The Reds couple that trade by signing Joey Votto to a long term extensions or I offer Feliz, Moreland, Robbie Ross & Jordan Akins for Justin Upton to the Diamondbacks.

As we wait on Yu and maybe Fielder what do you think and what are your ideas?

I am sitting here watching very little offense, but good defense by UT. I am surfing the web trying to figure out if MLB will have new spring trainging hats this year. Anyone have any idea on this? I like the ones they had a couple of years ago, but the current ones are terrible looking.

I am not at 75 words yet, so here is the bonus ? who would be your QB at UT now and going forward?

I am now 34 years old.  I was arrested for contributing to a minor when I was 21.  I went to jail for the night.  The case was throw out, because I did not do it.  The arrest is still on my record.  I am a school teacher looking to get into administartion and want to apply to new districts as well.  Is there a way to get the arrest off my record, so it does not come up on a background check when a school district runs it.  What would I need to do and who would I need to talk to about it.  Thanks for any help. 

Sorry, to make this a FanPost, but a really quick question?  Does anyone know what time the teams take batting practice at Frisco.  I am baby sitting two young boys today and I thought that might be a cool thing to do with them since we actually have clouds and a breeze today.  I know we cannot go in the stadium and Frisco usually takes it in the cage.  Maybe someone hits one on the street and they get a ball.

 

thanks for the help!!

I am going to make this short and sweet.  I will come out and say I am looking for any lawyers help that can make a F ' ing Richardhead squirm.  May wife and I are both teachers in a large school district in D/FW.   We make a decent living but will probably never be filthy rich.  My beef is with a daycare owner who is real arrogant and we have agreed we do not like each other.  The problem is my son (18 months) had his finger slammed into a table while in some sort of car (bye-bye buggy) by a careless worker.  Long story short the finger was glued back together, because he did not have enough tissue for stiches and at one point the doctor told us he may not be able to keep his finger.  When I got to the daycare they assured us they would pay for every doctor bill.  So far they have paid, but it has been almost 2 months after we have presented the bills and they still have a payment owned to us for $79.  I called the daycare today and the owner would not speak to me, because he was talking to painters and I went up there where he proceed to be a ass and try to big-time me.  This bill was presented on June 10 and due on June 22nd.  It is now July 18th. The owner even told me he did not know where the bill was, because it was so small.   I know I cannot really do anything to this guy other than take my business elsewhere, but I have to tell you it has become personal, because as he said today, "I deal with 10 million dollar accounts and you are bugging me about $79."  Well, I hate this MFer. 

So, can anyone give me any advice on something to make him feel uncomfortable (legally speaking).  I admit this is strickly on principal and I want to punch this guy right in the face.  That is my off-day rant.

 

My dad is having his annual crawfish boil coming up in two weeks.  About 5 years ago he decided to add crab legs as well.  Usually, we have just went down to Sam's Club and purchased the crab legs in packages for about $16 - $20.  This year we are having a hard time finding crab legs at a decent price.  My dad lives near Mexia (close to Waco) and only has Wal-Mart and HEB to choose from.  He is coming up to the big city of McKinney this weekend in search of crab legs.  Would rather have King Crab Legs if possible.
1.  Anyone have a place they buy crab legs that have them this year?

2.  My dad is getting pretty dang good with the crawfish, but we are always open to more ideas and recipes if you would like to share. 

The Lone Star Ball community is usually pretty helpful when it comes to eating.  Thanks for the help and ideas in advance.

I live in McKinney so it is easy to watch the Roughriders.  I was wanting to know who you thought would start off in Frisco this year.  I am hoping/assuming that Martin Perez will start there.  What other pitching prospects will start there.  Maybe Neil Ramierez? 

Engel Beltre should anchor the lineup.  Any other prospects in the lineup.  The lineup was a little lite last year.

 

So roster predictions or locks for Frisco.  Cannot wait for the season to start.

Yes, I am tired of the Michael Young debate. 

 

I am currently watching the Carolina vs. Duke game.  I just told my wife I want to watch a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium before I die.  It got me to thinking what is ticket you would love to have before you die.  North Texas has had several in the last couple years.  NBA All-Star game, World Series for the Rangers, Super Bowl 45.  Wrigley and Fenway are way up the list for me.  I have a good buddy from Switzerland that saw Gretzky in Edmonton many years ago and he said that was the ultimate for him as a hockey fan. 

 

Simple Question:  What is your Golden Ticket?

Mine top 5: 

1. Fenway Park  Yanks vs. Red Sox    ...... yes I am a true Rangers fan.

2. Carolina vs. Duke at Cameron Indoor

3. Texas vs. A&M at Kyle Field

4. Cards vs. Cubs at Wrigley

5. time machine to see Bob Knight coach at Indiana

best so far:  Redskins vs. Cowboys for Monday Night Football

Looks like the weather is going to be nice this weekend and I was hoping to get the family outside.  Seems like the weather gets cold again next week, so hope to use this window to get out of the house.  Fairly new to the DFW area so I am hoping for some help on some cheap outside places to go.  Hiking, biking, fishing, etc. any help would be great.

Thought about the NFL experience at the convention center, but it would be $70 + parking just to get in the door and my son is only 15 months right now.

 

Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather, Good Weather

My dad is visiting this weekend and said he heard something about the Lombardi Trophy and all the Super Bowl rings being on display on the radio coming in this morning.  I have went to the Dallas Morning News site and it will not let me look at the Super Bowl info.  I checked the Super Bowl website on NFL.com and cannot get any conformation if this is true or when it starts if it is.  Does anyone know if their is any Super Bowl type things to view at Cowboy Stadium this weekend.  I would love to take my dad if there is.  Thanks for any help!!

Make no bones about it, I want to debate Greinke and Garza to take place after Cliff Lee is signed as a Texas Ranger.  In Adam's poll I voted yes for Cliff Lee at 6 years and $140 million.  Do I think that is steep?  Yes.  Do I think the Rangers need to win this one?  Yes.  However, I am on the bandwagon to sign Lee and make a play for Greinke or Garza.  Greinke has been debated to death.  How much will he cost, who will he cost to get him, etc., etc.  Lone Star Ball has pretty much covered every way we could aquire Zack Greinke.  I want to explore the cost of Greinke vs. Garza after we sign Cliff Lee.  Rotations could be:  Lee, Greinke, Wilson, Lewis, Hunter or Lee, Wilson, Lewis, Garza, Holland (Rotations not set in stone, just guessing).  I figure Greinke cost us Holland and Garza does not.  I do not want to lose Martin Perez, but I like Holland better and have stated that many times.  I am not convinced that Garza cost us Holland or Perez.  I think we could make a package for Garza without either of those two and I could be wrong on that. 

Who would you rather go after given the cost, Greinke or Garza?  Cost being prospects and contract?

My wife loves to read and facebook.  I know facebook, but it lets me spend more time on Lone Star Ball.  It seems the eReaders are all the rage right now.  I am probably going to get her a Nook or Kindle for Christmas, but really have little info on them.  I seem to lean to the Nook Color, but it does not have 3G for whatever reason.  I do not want to spend as much as an iPad would cost.  Anyway, looking for a little advice.  Hoping someone at LSB has some advice.  Thanks for any help in advance.

Thinking it is going to be somewhat of a slow day at work today, so how about even more Winter Meetings talks.  The Rangers are set up to be a major player at the Winter Meetings.  With new payroll flexibility and the farm system to work with it could be a lot of fun to see how the meeting play out for Texas.  Here are 5 questions I have going into the meetings.

1.  What type of contract do you see Carl Crawford signing?  Any Ranger interest?

2.  One prospect you do not want to see leave the Rangers system (including Holland & Hunter)? 

3.  What surprise move do you see JD having up his sleeve?  Seems like he always has something nobody knows about.

4.  Who is the Ranger DH is 2011? 

5.  You get to be GM for the Winter Meetings.  Give me the one move you would make to improve the Rangers.

 

Feel free to add your own questions.  Not an expect here, just wanting to have some conversation to help the day move along.

Today I am driving home and the topic on the local sports radio shows center around the notion that Cliff Lee needs some rest.  Basically, the idea the show was pushing was to move Cliff Lee's next start back a day with the understanding that the Rangers have the division in hand.  My idea to get Cliff Lee and CJ Wilson some rest entering the playoffs is for the Rangers to go with a six man rotation. 

With the rosters expanding to 40 in September why not add Derek Holland to the rotation.  Holland gets more experience in a playoff type atmosphere and Lee, Wilson and the rest of the staff get to work on an extra days rest.  I like the idea of getting Holland some more big league experience and I worry about Wilson's innings adding up even more than I worry about Cliff Lee. 


The dowside I see is there are some off days coming up and I do not want the rotation to lose their sharpness with too much rest.  However the season ends with 14 straight games. 

I want Cliff Lee starting Game 1 of the playoffs.  However, if JD and Wash think Lee could use some rest what do you think about a six man rotation in September?

Sitting here watching the Rangers go for the sweep.  I am trying to download some new music for my iPod.  I mainly listen to Texas Country and I am hoping someone could help me find a song.  I heard the song on 106.9 The Ranch about a month ago, but did not catch the name or artist.  Best I can remember the main lyrics where "say you want to rock n roll, say you want to ?????"  I know this is a fairly crazy request for help.  Is there a website that helps find songs?  Also, does anyone have new Texas Country they like I should check out.  I am starting to listen to Kyle Bennett.  I have a 10 month old and don't get to download music too often anymore.  Thanks for any help.

We all know the names by now that the Rangers are linked with.  Yes, yes we need to find out if the sale of the Rangers can be resolved by the July deadline.  We have the big 5 (Feliz, Smoak, Holland, Scheppers, Perez) that we do not wan to lose, but figure one will need to be included to obtain a #1 type starter.  I also here Beavan, Kirkman, Ogando, Davis, and others in the high minors talked about in lots of trade talk.  Saying all of that and I know this issue has been talked about alot recently, but here are some of my questions.

1.  Who currently in Single A or below are teams going to target hard and heavy?

2.  Name one player you do not want to lose Single A or below.

3.  Last what type of prospect is Michael Main at this point?  I have not heard much on him this year.  Although, healthy is good.

I know the Mavericks draft is hard to get remotely excited about, because of no 1st round pick.  However, I love to draft talk and I was hoping to get some better opinions from the LSB nation.  Any thoughts out there as to how to improve the Mavericks (yes, sign LeBron and Bosh would be great, but it's not happening).  I would like to see the Mavericks target a player and try to move into the late 1st round to help build young players to contribute.  What about Craig Brackins, Elliot Williams or Devin Ebanks? 

Just left the Roughriders game tonight and it was 0-0 in the top of 10.  That is not the big story.  Neither was Blake Beavan going 5 2/3 with no runs allowed while touching 93.  Nor was the story Zach Philips going 1 1/3 and looking good.  The story was Alexi Ogando pitching a 1-2-3 8th sitting at 95-96.   Wait the even bigger story was Tanner Scheppers pitching a 1-2-3 9th sitting at 96 and touching 98.  Was this by design?  Put these two in the Rangers pen and the looks of it are much better.  Bullpen Problem Solved!!!!

I am heading out to the Roughrider game today.  I am taking my 6 month old son to his first ballgame and we are going to sit on  the outfield grass.  My question is do I have to buy a ticket for him?  The ticket phone # number to call does not answer on the weekend and I do not want to have to drive up to the ticket office.  I buy my tickets from Kroger, so I can get the ballpark hotdog as well. 

Thanks for the help, hopefully it will be a great day for baseball!!

Yes, it is about two months away from the 2010 MLB Draft.  I think this draft is every bit as important as the 2007 draft was for the Rangers.  The reason is that I believe the Rangers will  trade several prospects away this year near the deadline and to will need to restock the farm system for years to come.  The Rangers have four picks in the first 50 of the draft. 

1.  Any chance Drew Pomeranz falls to the Rangers at #15?

2.  Do the Rangers have to take an easy signable player at #15?

3.  Who drops because of signablilty?

4.  Who do you want the Cowboys to take in Round 1 on Thursday?

If you haven't been outside today let me first say I am sorry.  One of my families favorite things to do is go to a good eating joint with a great patio this time of year.  Of course we will have a frosty beverage and just enjoy the sunshine.  I live in the McKinney/Frisco area and have hit most of those patios and I'm looking for something new.  Anyone have ideas for me?

I was reading an article on some young Ranger prospects and it got me to thinking about the can't miss prospects and the small fortune I have wasted on them in baseball cards.  The list is long, but distinguished.  Starting with my personal favorite Ben McDonald to more recent Rickie Weeks. 

So the question is:  Who is your all-time baseball card blunder?

my top 5 list that I have numerous Rookie Cards for (yes I was drinking the Cool-aid).

5.  Jerome Walton

4.  Eric Anthony

3.  Paul Coleman (local favorite from Frankston, TX)

2.  tie: Pat Burrell/Jason Stokes

1.  Erubiel Durazo  -  yes I have about 20 of his Bowman Chrome Rookie Cards

Have Rangers ticket prices jumped this year?  I just went to order Opening Day tickets and the price for the upper tank was $20.00.  I went to Opening Day last year and cannot remember it being that much, so I checked the price for the April 24th game (Elvis Bobblehead) and the price for cheap seats were $15.00 (or $6.00 and not see the jumbotron).  I thought Nolan Ryan's idea was to make the ballpark experience a family outing.  By the time I buy a ticket for myself, wife and son, then a tank 1/2 tank of gas, park I'm already looking at $75.00 or so.  I am thinking my money will stay in Frisco with the Roughriders this year.

With the Greene situation and the thought that Arias is probably the leader for the backup infield job here is another thought.  What about Arias getting some reps in centerfield this spring?  Seems like I remember a few years ago the Rangers thinking about him in CF.  Could he do it and does it make since.  Could give Borbon a day off against a tough lefty, keep Josh on a corner spot and Murphy could back up both corners as well.  Anyone else think this is worth a shot?  Would give us the potential to keep a 1st/3rd/DH bench bat and not a 5th outfielder.  I guess all of this note worth anything if the arm is not back!!

For the Aggie fans out there this is a big game.  This game is big for both schools.  Georgia looks to get bring some of the swagger they have lost this year and A&M looks to show the BIG 12 they could be for real next year.  I think the Aggies have more to prove in this game.  Beating an SEC power could be the big step back towards an annual top 25 ranking.  I also think this is a huge game for Mike Sherman.  He can put to rest lots of questions with a big win on national TV (ESPN 2, 4:00).  Any Aggie fans in the lonestarball nation have any more thoughts on the game.

Random Aggie pre-game questions?

Is Mike Sherman the man to bring A&M a BIG 12 Championship, National Championship in the future?

Best freshman playing for the Aggies?

Best current recruit for the Aggies (signing class of 2010)?

Should Von Miller return for his Senior year?

Does anyone know if Mike Hindman is still blogging about the Rangers anywhere?  His prospects list is always one of my favorite to read and I was hoping he was doing it again this year.  I haven't seen anything from him since D Magazine.  

Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers. Go Rangers.

Over the Holiday break from school I am looking to do a little gambling.  Normally, I would go to Shreveport, but now I live just north of Dallas and have thought about trying out one of the Oklahoma casinos.  Anyone have any knowledge of or recommendations of which Oklahoma casinos to tryout.  I am not a big slots player and want to play some table games and get some adult beverages. 
Thinks in advance for the help. 

 

I think we have to give JD credit so far this off-season.  He is working with a limited budget and still came out of the Winter Meetings with a better Texas Rangers ball club.  So that begs the question what is left for the off-season.  I just do not think the Rangers are done this off-season.  What are the biggest needs left for this club going into 2010?

Is it time for Step 5 of the five-step plan Jamey Newberg addressed in his article on June 12, 2009?  http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp?articleid=1451

So what's left and is it time for Step 5?

I know this is not the usual lonestar chat stuff, but I just can't help myself.  I am now a proud dad and wanted to introduce Beckett Reid Budai to the lonestarball community.  As you can imagine, I already have him pegged as a 1st Round Pick in 2028. 

Well, I am thinking we need a Rangers to-do list for his 1st year.  I have only come up with 3 Rangers things so far and was looking for a little help.   Yes, I know he will not remember, but I sure will!!

1.  Attend Opening Day 2010 with Grandpa and Dad.

2.  Check out Martin Perez at Frisco (maybe Arlington).

3.  Read all 72 prospect profiles from the Newberg Report together.  He's already listened to several and completely understands.