Let’s go Rangers

If the first month of 2012 MLB season has been any indication of what’s in store for metroplex sports fans, then by all means we’re in for one hell of a ride: one that may surpass the accomplishments of the ‘90s Cowboys, 2011 Mavericks and 2000 Stars.

  For the first time in ever, and I’m taking into account the success of the Rangers over the course of the past two seasons, our baseball team seems poised to dominate the baseball landscape from now to game 162.  And if things keep going the way they are, possibly to game 181.  The Rangers three weeks into the season and are already up 7 games on the division rival LA Angels.  Pujols isn’t hitting anywhere near his contract worth and CJ Wilson has already accumulated two losses on the season which is a direct result of the aforementioned Pujols’ anemic showing at the plate as well as defensive lapses and all around team suckiness.

All the Rangers have done is win behind stellar pitching efforts from all five starters (even ace Colby Lewis) and the only staff member with two losses is closer Joe Nathan who is still a work in progress.  We all got a glimpse of the greatness Yu Darvish possesses after his fifth start.  He seems to get stronger, confident and is gaining command of his pitches with each outing. 

Then there’s the offensive output.  Even when the team is behind, no pitcher can rest easy.  Hamilton is on fire, Young is doing what he does, Andrus is displaying remarkable patience at the plate and glimpses of power and Kinsler gets everything going from the leadoff spot.  The top of the lineup does so much damage that we forget that the bottom is struggling.  But the strength of the team is they find ways to win and rely on guys considered afterthoughts to deliver.  Snyder and Gonzales are picking up hitting slack while Cruz, Napoli, Moreland and Torrealba are trying to figure out their swings.

The defense ranks among the top five and Kinsler and Andrus will probably go down as the best defensive tandem in team history.  Once you add Beltre and Mr. Everything in Young, if you’re an opposing hitter you have to pray these guys make an error because if they get their gloves on a ball, you’re as good as done.  Your other option is to hit it over their heads but then you have to deal with Hamilton who can get to everything and Cruz who will gun you down at first given the opportunity. 

Then we get to the bullpen which is easily forgettable because they rarely get into the game.  The offense builds leads so fast that when they do get the occasional appearance it’s usually a spot start in the event of a double header or just to get some late game work because they’ve just been in the bullpen relaxing.  I’d love to have that job.

If the Rangers can find their way back to the Series, then there is no question they would have the best run of a sports team in the metroplex.  You could argue ‘90s Cowboys, but baseball’s season length, combined with the injury factor and the few teams that can actually make the playoffs is what sets them apart from all the rest.

I almost forgot.  I need to adjust my prediction from 152-10 to 142-20. 

A year and a day

What a strange coincidence it is that once again the great game at the Ballpark in Arlington has been overshadowed by another tragic event. 

It was July 6, 2010 when a fan reaching for a foul ball fell some 30 feet onto fans below.  The Rangers soon thereafter raised the railings approximately 16 inches in the section to prevent a repeat of the event.  But sadly the club didn’t do a total overhaul of the stadium which could have prevented the tragic event that happened at the ballpark on Thursday evening.

During the second inning a foul ball caromed off the wall and near left fielder Josh Hamilton.  Hamilton, doing what players often do, threw the ball into the stands where the fan lost his balance while reaching across the railing to corral the souvenir.  He fell 20 feet head first onto the concrete just behind the out of town scoreboard as his son looked on. 

I am not writing to say that this is the fault of the Rangers or the fan—blame is not important here because accidents happen.  You’re more likely to get hit by car crossing the street to enter the stadium or trip down the stairs walking to your seat than to fall over a railing.  What I am saying, and I’m saying this quietly is this should be a lesson for all stadiums in every city throughout the country if not the world—fan safety has to become a priority, period.

I am speaking from my own experience at the ballpark.  I have sat in the upper deck and have slipped, tripped and watched others do the same.  I have seen foul balls rocket off the ends of bats and peg unsuspecting fans in the face.  And I believe all of this can be avoided.

Ever since I have been going to the stadium, I have wondered about the safety of the patrons in it.  I have always thought the bleachers were too steep and the railings were not high enough.  I cringe when people take souvenir photos while leaning against rails that are barely taller than the average five-year-old because I always feel there is a chance someone will tumble over.  

   I have been fortunate enough to have tickets near or around home plate but I always dread sitting there.  The crack of the bat coupled with the instance one is not looking could result in a serious injury that I have witnessed far too often.  The screen does not extend far enough in my opinion and many fans are left defenseless.

I’m not asking for the clubs, the Rangers in particular, to make drastic changes.  I just want them to avoid making small ones only after every tragic event.  The park should be a place you can take your family and not worry about the getting hurt or watching someone get hurt.  It should and will continue to be a fun place for all; it may just take some time to get past the death of this young father.

In the coming days, I expect the club to do something to remember the memory of a young father who lost his life enjoying a game with his son.  The greatest honor they can give this fan is to protect the thousands of others who choose to spend a day at the park with their children so we don’t have to witness this again.