The Greatest Gift.

Here's my usual Christmas post. I hope we all keep our focus this day.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Amid all the wrappings and trappings of our modern-day Christmas each of us should remember to do as Mary. Keep in mind and ponder the greatest gift that mankind has ever received, reconciliation with God. Merry Christmas.

Remember.

Don't ever forget them. Those who gave their lives for the freedoms we still at least partially enjoy.

The Greatest Gift.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Amid all the wrappings and trappings of our modern-day Christmas each of us should remember to do as Mary. Keep in mind and ponder the greatest gift that mankind has ever received, reconciliation with God. Merry Christmas.

Best Seasons: Jim Kern - 1979.

Day off yesterday and a late game in Anaheim tonight. That means it's time to move on down the list of T.R. Sullivan's 50 Best Seasons in franchise history.

Jim Kern is entry number 23 on the list with his 1979 performance. He appears here on card 3-RAN of the 1986 TCMA All Time Rangers set. Not sure why a set issued in 1986 uses such a badly done airbrush job when there are plenty of photos of Kern in a Rangers uniform.

Texas acquired The Amazing Emu from Cleveland on October 3, 1978. The return was immediate from the quirky reliever. Coming out of the bullpen in 71 games that year, Jim pitched 143 innings. That was just six innings shy of the Rangers third starter, Doc Medich. Kern converted 29 of his appearances into saves and won 13 games as well. He lost just five games. Jim struck out 136 opposing batters while walking 62. At the end of the season his ERA stood at 1.57.

Pretty amazing season. A performance like that is unlikely to be seen again anytime soon. With the strict limits that most teams observe on overworking their bullpens such use is rare. To see a pitcher used that hard be that effective is even more rare.

Remember.

Don't forget any of them. No matter the time period.

End of the Pudge era.

Well, I just finished watching the last part of Ivan Rodriguez's retirement press conference from the Ballpark in Arlington. Thanks to MLB.com I missed the first part.

So Pudge, seen here on card 140 of the 1998 Dugout Axcess set, is retired. Seems hard to believe. After all, it was just a few short years ago that my Grandfather and I were discussing this new kid that Texas had just called up in 1991. Reminded him of Jim Sundberg behind the plate, that's what Pop said. My Dad doubted. Sunny was good, very good. There was no way this kid could be that good. Then we saw him play.

He was that good. Every bit that good. Snap throws to first to catch a sleeping runner. Caught the great Rickey Henderson stealing by five feet. Pick offs on third. 13 Gold Gloves (10 as a Ranger). He was every bit that good behind the plate.

Ivan's glove was what got him noticed and kept him on the team. His bat came along later, after he had been in the Majors for two or three years. Then it came. Seven Silver Slugger awards (six as a Ranger). 311 career home runs. 572 career doubles.

Of course the steroids and performance-enhancing drug issues stained I-Rod with the rest of the ballplayers of his era. That caused pain and disappointment. Ivan's vague "Only God knows." answer to the obvious questions only caused more. That ended the player collection but not my firm belief that with or without any type of PED's, Pudge was something special.

14 All-Star games (10 as a Ranger) and the 1999 MVP award showed how special a lot of folks thought he was. My willingness to forgive baseball after 1994 showed how much I thought of him. More that any other player on the field at the time, Rodriguez pulled me back to the sport.

And now it's over. 21 years and 2,543 Major League games. Ivan Rodriguez is done crouching behind the plate and gunning runners down. Two questions yet remain. Will Pudge make the Hall of Fame? Will we see another catcher as good as he was any time soon?

Christmas gift.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Amid all the wrappings and trappings of our modern-day Christmas each of us should remember to do as Mary. Keep in mind and ponder the greatest gift that mankind has ever received, reconciliation with God. Merry Christmas.

In Memoriam.

Thank you.

( I know this is a repeat of last year's post but I really couldn't think of anything to add.)

Fulfillment.

Isaiah 7:14 ...Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
1:23 'Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanuel,' which being interpreted is, God with us.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

While we all hope that others enjoy the gifts we give them this day it is important to remember that the One who fulfilled the words of the prophet is the only gift that truly fulfills us today.

High points.

Ok, so a couple of days ago I posted about some of the things on the Rangers that have been bothering and concerning me lately. Of course there is the other side of the coin. Some great things are going on as well.

David Murphy signed and returned this card to me through the mail last season. This season he has been a joy to watch play. The guy that many saw as a fourth or maybe fifth outfielder has really stepped up. His bat has been on fire during Nelson Cruz's trips to the Disabled List. That and his nice defense are putting Ron Washington in a rough spot of having too many great outfielders. Murph has been a go to guy for the team this year.

C.J. Wilson. Coming off a rough year last year with an injury that bounced him out of the closer role. Dominant as a starter this year. 14-5 with a 2.88 ERA. Ace stuff there. Can't say too much good stuff about him.

Josh Hamilton has bounced back from an off season last year and has so far avoided the injury bug. His knee is a concern but his bat is not. Leads the league in batting average at .361 and hits at 181. He is also in the top five in home runs, slugging percentage, and on base percentage. Throw in his speed (8 stolen bases v. one caught stealing) and defense and the talk of league MVP becomes understandable.

Tommy Hunter. Didn't even start the season with the team. Now he's in the starting rotation with a 12-2 record. That equates to a league-leading .857 winning percentage. His 3.64 ERA isn't lights out but it keeps the team in the game. That helps explain the win-lose record.

Nelson Cruz. Despite two trips to the DL and only 80 games Nellie has proved that he has a big bat this year. His .313 batting average includes 16 home runs and 22 doubles. He's also stolen 15 bases and only been caught four times.

Neftali Feliz. Young rookie who grabbed the closer job after Frank Francisco's early season struggles. Neffy has finished a league-leading 49 games and is currently sitting on 34 saves. Nice to have a closer who closes. That and the 59 strikeouts in 58 innings is fun to watch.

Of course this list isn't complete. One can't overlook Elvis Andrus, Darren O'Day, Vladimir Guerrero, Alexi Ogando, and quite a few more. It's been a fun ride in 2010. Here's to hoping the guys can keep it going.

In Memoriam.

Thank you.

Battle royal.

Going to see the Rangers take on the Royals tomorrow. Section 244 if you're in the house and want to say hey. A sign saying "Hey Spiff!" would work.

Juan Gonzalez isn't an active player anymore but this 2005 Prestige Changing Stripes card of him features both the Rangers and the Royals. Going to have to give the Royals the uniform nod here. I'm a terrible sucker for vest uniforms. So, what's your favorite style baseball uniform? If your team called on you to design the uniforms what would it be?

Do like the positioning of the teams on this card. Here's to the Rangers coming out on top in tomorrow's showdown as well.

Cookies and the results...

Decided to post card number 28 in the 1990 Mother's Cookies Rangers team set. I have to admit that I like the Mother's Cookies sets and was very sad to see them go. The cards all look like this and I have always been partial to such designs. The corners are actually rounded on these sets, much like the MLB Showdown cards. This particular card doubles as both the set checklist and the clubhouse staff card.

Didn't really have any other card that seemed appropriate to post with Josh Hamilton and I both headed to the dentist today. Not sure that this one is appropriate but at least it has trainers and and a strength and conditioning coach on it. Kind of like the dentist I suppose, getting one's teeth strengthened and conditioned. Don't really like going to the dentist but it sounds like Hamilton had a worse time of it than I did. At least my face is starting to feel normal again. Hopefully his is as well.

Franco in from Florida.

Got a nice stack of cards today from reader Rob in Florida. Rob had contacted me a short time back to tell me that he could hit several cards off my wantlist. We agreed to a trade and Rob delivered.

The cards arrived in record time and did knock off several wants. In fact, at least two team sets were completed thanks to Rob's generosity. One set was the 1993 Triple Play set. The last card I needed was number 148, Julio Franco. As you can see, that card was included in the package.

Thanks a bunch Rob. Hopefully the cards I sent in return will fill a few of your wants as well. For everyone else; if Rob contacts you wanting to work a trade you would be well advised to agree. A first class Floridian to be sure.

Last minute jitters?

Down to just a few hours over eight days left until Spring Training kicks off. Ian Kinsler and Scott Feldman say they are looking forward to it. I know there are a lot of fans out there who can't wait and the teams are starting to try to gin up the support. I'm guessing that Hank Blalock, seen here on card number 55 of the 2005 Skybox Autographics set, isn't quite as excited as some.

Hank had a rough season last year. His average, on base percentage, and slugging percentages all dropped. His strikeout total more than doubled. The bright spot was that he played in as many games last season as in 2007 and 2008 combined. The downside was that only one of those games was at third base.

Blalock's shoulder is shot and he is now a first baseman/DH. He's still learning how to play first well so that makes those offensive numbers all the more troublesome. Even more so since Hank's a free agent this off-season. A lonely free agent apparently.

After eight seasons the Rangers have decided that Blalock is not an option. They have a decent infield and need right-handed bats to face the lefty pitching in the division. Hank takes his cuts from the left side of the plate.

I've been keeping an ear to the ground and haven't heard of any teams talking to The Hammer. Sure, there's always a few late signings just before Spring Training and even a few after things get started. The lack of interest isn't a good sign though. It's gonna be a short spring this year and time is short. One wonders if Hank is concerned that eight seasons may be all there is for him.

Seasonal lights.

Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.
3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
1:8 He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

As we turn on the Christmas lights this evening and prepare to celebrate, let us not forget the Light. The One, whose coming John and Isaiah heralded and who gives us the ability to see the way in this dark world. Merry Christmas.

Phils, Yanks push opponents to edge.

Sorry about the lack of posts. Had house guests the past couple of days and so time got short.

Since I last posted the Phillies and Yankees have taken commanding 3-1 leads in their respective series. The Phils are trying tonight to finish off the Dodgers. Currently they are in the bottom of the fourth inning and leading the Dodgers 4-2.

The Yankees try to finish off the Angels tomorrow. Thus far on of the Angels' biggest problems has been Alex Rodriguez's bat. The Halos have to stop Alex, seen here on card number 1 of the 2001 Absolute Memorabilia set. If he can keep bombing Anaheim pitching the series may end tomorrow.

Rangers go for sweep against Boston.

Quick post tonight. Trying to get ready to be off to see two Rangers/Royals games this weekend. That will probably put a hold on any further posts until Monday.

In spite of being hammered by the flu. the Rangers haven't slowed down. They are currently leading the Red Sox 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning and have already knocked Clay Buchholz out of the game.

David Murphy, shown here on card number 188 of the 2008 Goudey set, has done his part to keep the train moving. He is currently sitting on 2-for-3 in the game with a run scored and a stolen base.

Speaking of stolen bases, so far the guys are robbing Jason Veritek blind. They have five steals in the game. Unreal. Hopefully the last few innings go as well as the first part of the game has.

Celebrate the 4th!

John Adams was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, second President of the United States, and filled numerous other roles of service to the country from before the Revolution to his death. He died on July 4, 1826.

Adams was a prolific writer and speaker. His thoughts may apply to us even today. He seemed to know what his job was: "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."

Adams had a warning for future generations though: "Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people."

What general knowledge? Well, he seemed to have two things in mind: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Additionally: "Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom." Sound advice.

John Adams wasn't so busy that he couldn't cut loose on occasion. He wrote to his wife what he envisioned Independence Day celebrations to be like. He said, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Something tells me that President John Adams wouldn't have thought it amiss to observe the day with fireworks, cookouts, and baseball. He might have even wanted to sit in the bleachers with a hotdog. After all, "As much as I converse with Sages and Heroes, they have very little of my Love or Admiration." Sounds like he would have been much more comfortable out in the seats rather than a climate controlled suite.

Heartache.

Decided to change format a little today and only post one Pudge card. Today we see Ivan on his 1996 Circa card, number 92.

I always liked these cards, even though they never really caught on. Probably it was the small blurbs about each player that appeared on the front on the cards. This one has a quote from Sports Illustrated saying the Rodriguez had the "best arm in baseball."

That statement is true. That's what caught my attention and drew me into collecting Ivan. His defense. His bat was pretty impressive and the speed was unusual for a catcher but it was his glove that seemed to gleam. Like a beacon it helped draw me back to following the game after the strikes of the mid-90's. Pudge was good, very good behind the plate.

When the steroids scandals started breaking I was horrified as one icon after another fell. I felt somewhat worried that perhaps Ivan might be among the guilty. There was no proof though. A mention in a book written by a bitter celebrity boxer didn't count as proof in my mind. The Mitchell report came out with no mention of Pudge. I was elated. Perhaps he had been clean. Maybe the man who gunned down Rickey Henderson with room to spare did it naturally. I relaxed a bit.

Then came the Alex Rodriguez tremor. Following that, AP did an interview with Pudge. Ivan, eager to sign with a team for 2009, answered every question. All except for one. The reporter asked him if his name was on the list with Alex's. He answered "Only God knows." What? Why no denial? Maybe because he just didn't want to seem guilty. Perhaps because he did fail. God isn't the only one who knows, so does Pudge.

Now I am at a crossroads. I don't condone cheating. I teach my son that cheating is wrong and that honesty is the only way. I just saw a co-worker lose a job that pays much less than Ivan's, for doing both. I currently have 1,447 different Rodriguez cards along with numerous figurines, posters, magazine covers, a book cover, and assorted other paraphernalia. The collection has taken much time, money, and effort to compile. My four year old son likes to wear his hat backwards "to be like Pudge."

I feel like Ivan looks on today's card. I just popped out to end the game with the bases loaded. I can't back up but I hesitate to continue to promote a possible cheater by my actions. With a heavy heart I am suspending my pursuit of Ivan Rodriguez cards. This is a suspension, not a complete abandonment. I will continue to keep lists and will trade for those I need that are offered. I will not buy any more unless I need them for my Rangers team sets. I'll leave it at that until one of two things happen; either Ivan clearly and convincingly denies PED use or I see proof that he used. One will free me up to continue my collection, the other will force me to make a hard decision.

Come on Pudge, help a guy out here. Did you use any sort of performance enhancing drugs?