Another Random Auto.

Since the Rangers lost again last night I decided to go with another random Rangers autograph from the autograph box.

Doc Medich appears today on a signed 1982 Fleer card that I picked up as part of a signed lot off Ebay. I think his expression fits the thoughts of most Rangers fans after the past couple of days losses in Baltimore.

Hopefully the boys can get their act together tonight. It would be a very bad thing to leave Baltimore without a single win. If they can't get things figured out, it will be a very long road trip.

Good news, Bad news.

Yesterday was a good news, bad news type of day for the Rangers.

On the good news side, Cole Hamels dominated the Reds en route to another Texas win. Hamels struck out eight over six innings while giving up just one run. Jake Diekman had an unusual outing and coughed up three runs but otherwise the bullpen was great once again.

The offense picked Diekman up with Ian Desmond and Shin-Soo Choo homering as the bats put up six runs. Final: Texas - 6, Cincy - 4. Since this was a two game series and the Reds took game one, I am not sure if this counts as a series win or loss. Either way a win is always good news.

On the bad news side of the ledger, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis joined Yu Darvish on the Disabled List. Anytime a club has three starters on the DL there is cause for concern. Dutch got put on the shelf with left shoulder inflammation. He is slated to be out at least two weeks but it could be longer. Hopefully in the mean time he can get things figured out. The team has recalled Luke Jackson from Triple A to fill the hole on the pitching staff.

Colby Lewis, shown here on a signed 2002 Fleer card, is an altogether different matter. Not only was Colby having a great year, he won't be back in action for at least two months. Lewis left his last start early and an exam revealed he had a strained lat muscle in his right shoulder. Having Colby down will definitely hurt the Rangers.

A.J. Griffin is due to make his return from the DL on Saturday and Nick Martinez and Martin Perez will have to step up with Lewis and Holland gone. Hopefully they can bridge the gap until Darvish returns from the DL. If they can then perhaps the club can avoid dealing some of their prospects for a starter to keep them in the race.

Powering up!

Today we have former Ranger Hank Blalock featured on card ST-HB of the 2005 Fleer Showcase Swingtime set. The card includes a piece of one of Hank's jerseys and is numbered 56/610. Other than picturing a power hitter, it has little to do with today's post. That's what happens when I'm about out of game-used or autographed cards of the current roster.

Last night the Rangers played game three of four in Oakland. The A's are always tough at home and since Sonny Gray was on the mound I figured it was going to be a rough night for Texas. It was for most of the game.

Opposing Gray was the recently unpredictable Derek Holland. Dutch is becoming more and more like the Mother Goose rhymes girl with a curl in the middle of her forehead. When she was good she was very very good; but when she was bad she was horrid. Holland was good through two, allowing no A's runs. However, he fell apart in the third as the A's put up three. Two more Oakland runs in the fourth convinced Jeff Banister to pull the plug before it got worse. Five runs, four earned, in 3.2 innings counts as horrid. In came the bullpen. That's been a portent of doom for Texas this year, but not last night. Martin Perez hurled 2.1 scoreless innings. Matt Bush, Jake Diekman, and Sam Dyson all followed with a scoreless inning each.

Meantime the Rangers offense took on the task of coming back from a 5-0 hole with Sonny Gray still on the hill. Sonny kept the Texas bats quiet until the sixth inning when a five run outburst drove him from the game. Interestingly, the Rangers scored those five runs on just twenty pitches. Part of the comeback consisted of home runs by Rougned Odor and Robinson Chirinos. Robinson's was a solo shot while Rougie's was a two-run blast. The uprising tied the game.

In the seventh inning Chirinos hit his second home run of the game to give the Rangers a 6-5 lead, the first lead they had all night. Not to be outdone, Odor hammered his second shot of the game in the eighth to take the tally to 7-5. That's where it sat when the Rangers recorded the 27th out to end the game and take the win.

All in all it was a wild night. Nothing like a pitching melt down and a dramatic comeback against to make for a good night in the end. While Holland is concerning, it was very nice to see the bullpen manage 5.1 innings of scoreless ball. It is also great to see Odor and Chirinos powering up. Now to get the rest of the offense on board this afternoon to back Colby Lewis as he finishes out the series.

Looking for a win.

Two losses in a row to the despised Blue Jays. Ouch! Hopefully the boys can get it together and take the series finale tonight. That would at least give them a split with Toronto. A split wouldn't be the best but at least it keeps the Jays from chattering.

With ongoing computer issues and no wins to talk about, I decided to go with a random game-used card for today. Thinking maybe this 2001 Fleer Platinum Clubhouse Collection card of former Ranger great Ivan Rodriguez might bring the team luck. At least it won't hurt. Looking forward to the guys getting the ball rolling again so I will have something more to post on.

New catcher checks in.

Well, after a great start to the Rangers 2016 season, the team seems to have stumbled a bit. The bullpen blew games on Tuesday and last night to drop to club to 1-2 on the infant season. While the guys in the pen were doing their part to lose, there were some positive points.

Yesterday new Rangers backstop Bryan Holaday made his debut. Acquired only a few days back from Detroit, Holaday had spent his time trying to get up to speed on the Rangers pitching staff and playbook. Apparently he was able to do so as he worked well with starter Colby Lewis. Bryan also threw out two base runners attempting to steal on him. Overall a nice intro for Holaday.

Not surprisingly, I don't have any cards of Bryan Holaday in a Rangers uniform. Former Ranger Ivan Rodriguez is going to stand in for him on this 2002 Fleer Flair Power Tools card that features a piece of one of Pudge's bats. Not that Holaday is to the caliber of Pudge, but the Rangers could use all the luck they can get right now.

Another bright spot in yesterday's game was Prince Fielder. He hammered a two run homer for his first long ball of the season. That's a good sign since Prince had average but didn't seem to have much power the first few weeks of last season. Of course, the Mariners hit nine home runs during the three game series so Fielder was definitely out-gunned.

At least the series is over. Time to move on to Anaheim for a series with the Angels. It would be good to see the guys put the opening series loss behind them and take the Angels.

Interview with Billy Sample.

I recently sent out an autograph request to former Rangers outfielder Billy Sample, shown here on card 577 of the 1983 Fleer set. Sample was drafted by Texas in 1973 but didn't sign until being drafted again in 1976. He played for the Rangers from 1978 through 1984. Sample played with the Yankees in 1985 and the Braves in 1986. Since retirement as a player he has worked as a broadcaster, written a movie, and is working on a book.

For some reason I decided to take a chance and ask Mr. Sample for an interview. I received an email from him agreeing to answer some questions. I sent him a list of questions and he was gracious enough to answer them. Here are the questions and answers.

1. What are your memories of the day the Rangers drafted you in 1976?

The more memorable draft day was 1973, it was the year that David Clyde was the first pick in the draft.  Some high school athlete buddies and I were in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina celebrating graduation.  There was Carey Casey (football), Charlie Morgan (basketball), Steve Hammond, Wally Hare and Dave Nave (baseball) and yours truly, (football, baseball, basketball, drama-two plays my junior year, debate J.V., my freshman year, and overall Most Versatile in the class) As impressive as that sounds, at our fortieth class reunion a couple of year ago, Charlie was relentlessly teasing me about my ability to steal the ball from the opposing guard only to blow the layup.  I was the point guard averaging five points per game, he was the shooting guard going to college on scholarship averaging twenty-four points per, thus I had to accept the teasing abuse.  If I drove the lane and you fouled me, you only helped improve my shot.  Anyway, the late, great Rangers' scout, Joe Branzell, tracked me down a couple of days after the draft, (remember there was no MLB.com or MLB Network) I picked up the phone in the hotel room.  "Bill, this is Joe Branzell of the Texas Rangers, we've drafted you in the 28th round."  Now, I knew I wasn't going in the first round, I thought someone in the teens, at least that's what the other scouts were telling me, but the 28th round?  I didn't know they had that many rounds.  Joe could hear my disappointment over the phone and soothed my hurts feelings by saying, "Well Bill, twenty-three other teams passed over you twenty-seven times!"  As if to say, don't blame us for drafting you.  I'm sure that wasn't the first time Joe used that line;  it was funnier in reflection than at the time, but I don't think Joe really expected or wanted me to sign.  I went to Madison College, later, James Madison University under coach Brad Babcock, whose three year old son, Whit, has grown up to be the athletic director at Virginia Tech.  After honing my skills in the Shenandoah Valley League collegiate summer league, I left college after my junior year when Joe drafted me again, this time in the 10th round, and I knew beforehand I would sign regardless of the round and made my way to the Rangers' rookie league in Sarasota, Florida, coached by Assistant Farm Director, Joe Klein. 

2. What are your memories of your call-up from the minors and your Major League debut in 1978?

I actually detail some of this in a YouTube clip, about my first hit, and I'm also writing about it in my book that should be finished early in the 2016 baseball season.  I submitted a manuscript to a publisher of a large publishing house about twenty-five years ago.  The publisher said it was good, but the person he answered to said that I didn't have enough name recognition ... whatever ... nowadays it is much easier to publish or self publish and I think my brand is large enough that it will be worth my while, and I do like to express through the written word.  Well, let me leave you with this little tease, we (Danny Darwin, Pat Putnam, Nelson Norman, LaRue Washington, Greg Mahlberg and I)  left Triple-A Tucson in the wee hours of the morning, had a stop in Phoenix, flew to Chicago, changed planes and got to Milwaukee just in time for the last part of the pre-game workout.  I walked into the clubhouse and the lineup card for the Rangers, five games out of first place, had me leading off.  Playing immediately didn't bother me, except it had me playing second base.  I hadn't played second base in a year and a half, and didn't play it well then.  Additionally, I didn't even have an infielders glove. 

Here's the link to the YouTube clip Mr. Sample referenced. 

3. The Rangers (and others) compared you to Rod Carew when you were a young player. Were you aware of the comparisons? If so, how did they effect your development and the way you view(ed) your career?

Well, the problem was, Dan O'Brien Sr., said those overly flattering remarks about my ability, but Dan was squeezed out of the Rangers' G.M. job and headed towards the Seattle Mariners;  former player, Eddie Robinson, the G.M. negotiating my first contract, was not moved monetarily by the comparison, since he was not the author of it.  I played against Rodney for most of my career and have seen him from time to time afterwards, and I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned the comparison, for fear that he would have to stifle a guffaw laugh in my face. 

4. With baseball being so much of a mental game, did your psychology major in college help you in any way during your playing career?  

I wish. Honestly, I wasn't a very good Psychology student.  Now, in old age, I can think of five other subject in which I should have majored, although the aforementioned Joe Klein, felt that I could become a good baseball manager because of my psychology background.  I did return to school and got my B.S., which are not only my initials, but, well, you know what B.S. also indicates.  

5. You broke your left wrist in 1981 and strained it in 1982. Do you feel those two injuries coming so close together shortened or effected your playing career?  

Well, I had a 19 game hitting streak that lasted 115 days in 1981.  Had a 11 game streak, broke my wrist making a diving catch of a U.L. Washington live drive in Arlington.  The light stanchions at the old stadium were so low, that by the time you fought the line drives out of the lights, the ball was closer to the ground than in normal parks, and I caught the liner low and secured it by rolling on my wrist.  I went on the disabled list for the month of May, came back and hit in seven more games leading up to the labor impasse over Free Agent compensation, which lasted fifty more days and I got a single my first at bat back from the strike.  I later re-broke the wrist and played with it broken, the ulna styloid bone, for roughly five weeks until the end of the season without telling anyone associated with the team.  And my declining batting average brought into question the competence of that decision. 

6. Who was your most memorable teammate(s)?  

I had 195 of them and almost all were memorable in some form or fashion.  I do remember waiting at times for Oscar Gamble to come into the clubhouse in the few months he was a Ranger in 1979, as there was something kinetically enjoyable about his personality.  "Alright, okay, this is it, the big one!"  And he'd finish it with a cackle ... a lively personality and a talented, clutch performer, and how the Rangers lost him during the middle of a pennant run still pains me too much to talk about.  I'd have to pay for more shrink hours ... add to that how they Rangers traded away Dave Righetti and Ron Darling and I will be ready for the Looney Tunes 

7. Which manager did you most enjoy playing for?  

Well, I think it would have been Billy Hunter had he lasted through the 1978 season.  I had eight managers in a little over eight years.  Don Zimmer told it to me about as straight as it could be told.  It wasn't always what I wanted to hear, but I respected him as almost all of the baseball world respected his personality and love of the game.  Plus, the old Brooklyn Dodger was crazier than the players.  

8. Were any of the characters in your movie, Reunion108, based on players you knew?  

Hmm, well, most of the stories portrayed in Reunion 108 are composites from my major and minor league days, and some of the roughly fifteen flashback scenes were personal stories, as in Billy Sample lived those stories.  I believe some author said that the 1980 Rangers team was the second best character team of all time.  Who was number one, the Cardinals Gas House Gang?  Anyway, the Rangers and Yankees gave me good fodder for an irreverent baseball clubhouse comedy.  If I had to base my stories on the Braves' clubhouse, I doubt I could have had an award winning screenplay (Hoboken Film Festival 2011)  The personalities were night and day apart.  

9. What is the most unusual piece of memorabilia you have ever been asked to sign?

I never got the real sexy places to sign, like on some woman's body.  Someone asked me to sign a football once and I don't think they mistook me for Tony Dorsett

10. How has the game changed (if it has) since you played?

I hate to sound like an old-timer, even though I am, but the remuneration has changed drastically.  My first salary was $21,000, during the double-digit inflation days of the late 1970s, took me three years before I made enough money that I didn't have to find a means of income in the off-season.  Currently, the minimum salary in over $500,000 a year, even if you're taking home only $395,000 after taxes, a living from that can be made.  Stating the after taxes amount of compensation is a lesson I learned from the late Rangers team dentist, Dr. Carl Rainone, who died in a plane crash.  While he was repairing my mouth after losing half of a couple of teeth in a collision on the field, he said in the tone of a person who had investment savvy, "You can't spend gross!"  Thus, I've dealt with net only since then.  Also, in almost all sports, there is a greater correlation between offense and revenue, thus, if you are trying to get the kids' discretionary income dollars, a 10-8 game in a small Cincinnati ballpark with five homers, is more attractive than a pitcher's duel in Los Angeles, and the rules will favor more offense.  In my day, if the two hitters in front of me homered, chances are, the first pitch to me might be around the neck, nowadays, in the same scenario, the pitcher could get immediately ejected.  Offense (and revenues) protected.  

Some great answers in there. I will definitely have to give Mr. Sample's book a read when it comes out, seems it will be very interesting. Hope everyone else enjoyed the answers as much as I did. Let me know what you think. Many thanks to Mr. Sample for taking of his time to answer my questions.

HOF musings.

Well, the Hall of Fame ballot results came out yesterday and there are sure to be some critics. Ken Griffey Jr set an all time vote record with only three voters leaving him off their ballots. Mike Piazza also made the cut. Just missing were Jeff Bagwell, Trevor Hoffman, and Tim Raines.

Of course, there will be much discussion about the exclusion of Raines, Bagwell, and Hoffman. The only one I really have heartburn about being left out is Bagwell. I wouldn't consider either of the other two unworthy though.

Things should get interesting next year. Bagwell, Hoffman, and Raines will still be at the threshold. Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez, and Ivan Rodriguez will headline the first-timers on the ballot. Potentially six inductees. I doubt Ramirez makes it with the way his career ended under PED suspension. Hoffman will have to go from fifth place this year to get over the mark and HOF voters take time to warm up to most relief pitchers. Bagwell and Raines stand an excellent chance. The issue with Guerrero will be if his extended stay at DH hurts him. That leaves Pudge, shown here on a 2002 Ex Essentials card bearing a piece of one of his cleats.

Rodriguez has never been conclusively linked to PED usage but played in the era and was on the same team with distributor Jose Canseco. Of course, Mike Piazza also played during the same era and his election casts a new light on I-Rod. Like Pudge, Piazza was suspected of PED use by some but was never conclusively linked or named in any investigations. On the field there is no doubt he was never the player Rodriguez was. Offensively he was better but that was it. I-Rod ran circles around him in every other area and stayed pretty close at the plate as well. That seems to bode well for Pudge come voting time next winter. Perhaps we will see another Rangers cap in the Hall in the near future.

Rangers done and out.

Well, the Rangers post season run is over after their League Division Series game five loss to the Blue Jays last night.

I really didn't expect Texas to win the series but the two wins to start things off gave me a sense that there was a possibility they could do it. Then came two losses at home and the final loss in Toronto. That was a sudden stop and the way the team gave away game five with four unearned Toronto runs just added to the pain.

It's done though and there's no point in saying it should have turned out different. The team is still fairly young and, if everyone stays healthy, they look to have a good group next season. This season wasn't supposed to be a contending season and just the appearance in the LDS was a bonus. That thought and this 2002 Fleer Authentix game used card of Ivan Rodriguez should help cheer Rangers fans up. I don't know about you, but I'm still in. No renouncing the team as a co-worker of mine did. I have 32 years of following the club and can't see taking up another team. With that many next years in the past, one more isn't going to kill me.

Silence.

For me it always seems the days after the end of the World Series are filled with deafening silence. The season is officially over and the long winter stretches out before us like an endless plain. In some ways it's a relief when the Rangers struggle, next year is that much closer. In other ways it's like taking the first step away from base camp on a thousand mile trek across the silent tundra. The sound of the 2014 season is fading already and 2015 is still so far away. I miss baseball already.

To the Royals fans out there: I'm sorry, truly I am. I was pulling for the boys in blue up until the final out of Game 7. It won't help the disappointment but they played well. Seven games and a one run loss in the final game are nothing to sneeze at. The team looks solid and should be a contender over the next couple of years. Just remember, there's 28 other teams out there that would trade places with the Royals today in a heartbeat.

The off-season for the Rangers is moving slowly along. They promoted Steve Buechele, shown here on a signed 1990 Fleer card, to bench coach. Bu replaces the departed Tim Bogar and has to be viewed as a possible managerial candidate for the Rangers, or someone else, in the future. Can't say how great it is to see Steve succeeding in his post-playing career.

Texas also made an opening offer to Colby Lewis. That's a good thing I think. No need to leave Colby hanging any longer than need be. He wants to stay in Texas and the Rangers need starting pitching. Lewis is not an ace but he is an established Major League pitcher who knows how to win and can eat innings. He can also mentor a young staff and help steady a team in contention. Those things could come in real handy in 2015. Lewis has said he does not want to draw out contract talks. That could mean a relatively short negotiation.

Lewis goes nine, offense explodes in Seattle.

Colby Lewis, shown here on a signed 2004 Fleer Tradition card, started a rare rubber game against the Seattle Mariners yesterday. It's not been often this season that the Rangers have been set to leave an opposing city with a series tied. To be honest, I didn't figure they really stood a chance of winning yesterday. Most of the starting lineup are unknowns and Adrian Beltre is a big stick standing alone. I probably wasn't the only one wondering where the offense for a possible win would come from.

To my utter shock, the Rangers trounced Seattle 12-4. Lewis turned in a complete game and every player in the lineup scored at least once. Only Michael Choice didn't get a hit. Rougned Odor and Leonys Martin both went deep. Odor's shot was a grand slam. That makes him the youngest player in Rangers history to hit a grand slam.

Nice to see the offense finally show up and Colby get his second complete game. The series win on the road is a bright spot amid this dim season as well. The Rangers record now stands at 52-80 and their magic number at 11. No, they won't be going to the playoffs but if they want to avoid 100 losses this season they have to win 11 more games.

Best Seasons: Dave Hostetler - 1982.

Well, the Rangers made six roster cuts this morning as they start to thin the numbers leading up to the season. Among those leaving the Big League camp are Wilmer Font and Rougned Odor. Ron Washington also says the closer race is still wide open. Tanner Scheppers is still in the running for a starting job and Neftali Feliz and Joaquin Soria are not yet fully back from their Tommy John surgeries. Going to be interesting.

Going to take the opportunity to move along in T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers History. Almost to the end of the list. Have Dave Hostetler, shown here on card number 569 of the 1983 Fleer set, coming in at number 49 for his 1982 season.

By 1982 the Rangers were clearly in decline and there seemed to be little being done about it. In came rookie Dave Hostetler. Dave had a cup of coffee with the Expos in 1981 but 1982 was his rookie season and he arrived with gusto. In 113 games Hoss got 466 plate appearances. He batted just .232 but his 42 walks helped bring his on-base percentage up to an even .300. What was impressive though was his team leading .433 slugging percentage. That came from his 12 doubles, three triples, and team best 22 home runs. He scored 53 runs while picking up 67 RBI.

Hostetler's power would dry up over the next couple of years but for one season he brought some excitement back to Arlington. Rangers fans weren't the only ones to take notice as Dave received some consideration for Rookie of the Year.

Best Seasons: Jose Canseco - 1994.

So the Rangers first Spring Training game of 2014 went well yesterday. Prince Fielder hit a home run as advertised. Yu Darvish tossed a couple of scoreless innings. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come in the regular season.

Time to take a look at number 46 on T.R. Sullivan list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers History. Juicer Jose Canseco, seen here on card 304 of the 1994 Fleer set, gets the nod with his 1994 season.

Following his infamous pitching injury in 1993, Canseco came into the 1994 season on a tear. He was carrying a .282 batting average and a .386 on-base percentage through the 111 games he appeared in. He had 19 doubles, two triples, and 31 home runs. Those all contributed towards his 90 RBI and 88 runs scored.

Unfortunately for Canseco, the players strike ended the 1994 season early. He was unable to put up a full season of numbers. If he had been able to play the season out, it is likely 1994 would have been one of the best years of Jose's career. As it was he had to settle for numbers that most players would be happy with for a full season and some MVP consideration.

Best Seasons: Danny Darwin - 1980.

Not much to report from Spring Training other than Matt Harrison is back in camp and ready to get going. Seems like a good time to move along on T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers History.

Danny Darwin, shown here on card number 632 of the 1982 Fleer set, comes in at number 45 on the list for his 1980 season.

Darwin was in his second full season with Texas in 1980 and was primarily a reliever. He did make two starts but the rest of his 53 appearances were out of the bullpen. He finished 35 games but got only eight saves.

In the 109.2 innings Danny pitched he compiled a 2.63 ERA and a 13.4 record. That's a little surprising considering his 1.350 WHIP. Although he did walk 50 he probably got away with a little more due to the 104 strikeouts he recorded.

Texas-born Danny Darwin's 1980 season was a story of homegrown talent making good.

Best Seasons: Alfonso Soriano - 2005.

Number 40 on T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers history is Alfonso Soriano's 2005 season. Soriano is shown here on card PT-AS of the 2004 Flair Power Tools set. The card is numbered on the back 47/175. About the only thing I don't like about this card is the jersey piece. Sure looks like a Yankee pinstripe to me.

Soriano made 682 plate appearances for the Rangers in 2005. He compiled a .269 batting average and a .309 on-base percentage. Those aren't very impressive numbers. What gets Alfonso on the list is his 102 runs scored, 104 RBI, 36 home runs, and 30 stolen bases. He also managed to sneak 43 doubles into the mix. Soriano may have got on base less than a third of the time but when he did he caused havoc with the defense. Good thing too since his sub-par defense probably cost the Rangers a few runs.

Soriano got an All-Star trip and a Silver Slugger Award to recognize his achievements in 2005. He is also the only Rangers player to ever go 100-100 and 30-30 in the same season.

Minor league moves.

Getting closer to the final push before Spring Training. Rangers pitchers and catchers report on February 17th and the rest of the team on February 20th. Most of the rest of the clubs are scheduled for about the same time except for the Diamondbacks and Dodgers who are about ten days ahead of everyone else.

With the season fast approaching, the Rangers announced their minor league staffs yesterday. With the promotion of Triple A manager Bobby Jones to the position of assistant hitting coach with the big club there was a hole to fill.

Former Ranger Steve Buechele, shown here on card 558 of the 1986 Fleer set, is set to manage at Triple A Round Rock. That's a move up for Boo after the last four seasons at Double A and a season at Single A before that. So far he's had success and has a winning record. Always have liked Buechele and it's good to see him doing well.

Taking over at Double A is Jason Wood who managed at Single A last season. He'll be replaced by Joe Mikulik. Mikulik was a roving outfield instructor in the Rangers farm system last year and has about 13 years experience as a coach and manager in the Rockies system.

Wish all three of these guys the best of luck in their new positions. Hopefully they can keep the pipeline of young talent flowing into Arlington.

Best Seasons: Buddy Bell - 1979.

Working our way rapidly through T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers history now that the winter has quieted down for Texas.

Coming in at number 34 is Buddy Bell, shown here on card number 1 of the 1985 Fleer Limited Edition set. Bell makes the list on the strength of his 1979 season.

In his first season with Texas, Buddy played in a league-leading and career high 162 games. That gave him a career high 720 plate appearances. He took advantage and posted a .299 batting average and a .327 on-base percentage. Neither were career bests but his 200 hits were. So were his 42 doubles, 89 runs scored, and 101 RBI. His 18 home runs were within two of a career high.

In the field Bell had a significantly higher range factor than other third basemen. He committed just 15 errors in 495 chances over 1210.2 innings. That gave him a .970 fielding percentage, that was 16 points higher than the league average at third.

Bell had amazed in his first season for Texas. He earned a Gold Glove and MVP consideration. He also started to build his reputation as possibly the best defensive player outside of catcher to ever suit up for Texas.

Trading time.

A week ago I posted my then-updated game-used and autographs trade list. I was looking for some trades to help build my Rangers collection and fill the off-season.

Reader Brandon came through for me with an immediate contact looking to work a deal. After some negotiating we reached an agreement. Out went the cards Brandon wanted and off the list they came. Then came the wait. I'm always a little leery trading with folks I've never done deals with before but Brandon proved those concerns pointless. He delivered his end with promptness and just as described.

One of the cards I received from Brandon was this 2003 Ex Behind the Numbers game-used card of Hank Blalock. It's hard to see in the scan but the card features a swatch of Hank's jersey through a cutout in the shape of the number nine. The card is also numbered 125/199.

Thanks much to Brandon for helping work a trade. It's been a long time since I was trading regularly and it feels good to get a deal done. If Brandon ever contacts you looking to make a trade you would be well advised to take him up on his offer.

Best Seasons: Jeff Russell - 1989.

Time for number 28 on T.R. Sullivan's Top 50 Seasons in Rangers history. Today we take a look at Jeff Russell's 1989 effort.

Russell, shown here on a signed 1988 Fleer card, had been named to the All-Star game in 1988 while in the Rangers starting rotation. In 1989 he was moved to the back end of the bullpen and became the team's closer.

In 72.2 innings over 71 appearances Jeff compiled a 1.98 ERA and a 0.950 WHIP. Both were best on the team that year. He led the league in games finished with 66 and in saves with 38.

After bouncing back and forth from the rotation to the bullpen it looked like Jeff Russell had found a role that suited him. He was named to the All-Star team as a closer just a year after making the team as a starter. He also received some consideration for the Cy Young award.

Best Seasons: Bobby Witt - 1990.

With yesterday an off day it seems like as good a time as any to look at number 27 on T.R. Sullivan's list of the Top 50 Seasons in Rangers history.

Bobby Witt, shown here on card number 44 of the 1987 Fleer Baseball's Exciting Stars set, was the Rangers first round draft pick in the 1985 draft and the third pick overall. The franchise had high hopes for him to be a power starter.

In 1990, after several less than impressive seasons, it looked as if Witt might have finally arrived. He started 32 games, completed seven of them, and won 17. All those numbers were team bests.

In his 33 appearances Witt pitched a staff high 222.0 innings while striking out 221, second only to Nolan Ryan. He posted a career best and best in the rotation 3.36 ERA and a 1.383 WHIP, second best in his career. Of course, he still walked 110 batters but control problems were common with Witt by this time.

Riding Witt's performance along with strong seasons turned in by Ryan and Kevin Brown, the Rangers finished the season in third place in the American League West (remembering there were only two divisions in each league at the time).

It seemed like Bobby was finally all the Rangers were hoping for. Unfortunately, he would tear his rotator cuff the following season and never again approach his 1990 numbers.

Second half questions.

Saw part of the All-Star game Tuesday and actually thought it wasn't a bad game. At least what I saw. Glad the American League won even though I doubt the Rangers have the horses to take advantage of the win.

Nellie Cruz made it into the game but didn't make any standout plays. Joe Nathan got the save. I don't have a signed card of Joe, in fact I have no Rangers cards of him. You'll have to make do with this signed 1984 Fleer card of former Ranger All-Star Charlie Hough.

Going to be an intriguing second half of the season in Texas. The case of the A's continues. Anyone's guess how that dog fight will come out.

Manny Ramirez continues to be Manny with the Round Rock Express. Nolan Ryan says Manny might be an option but other sources say there are no current plans for a call-up. Not sure I like the idea of Manny in Arlington.

There may be no need for Manny if the players returning from the Disabled List can hit the ground running. Lance Berkman and Jeff Baker could combine to block him. The pitching needs to come back strong as well. Chance the second half rotation looks better than the first half.

Of course a big question will be if Texas is a buyer, seller, or sits out the trade deadline frenzy. There's already rumors of a possible trade for Matt Garza. Not sure what to think of that. If the team was close to a World Series appearance it might be worth it. Not sure how close they are though. Hate to see the future go for a first-round playoff appearance.