Huge surprise from Scott.

Last week was hectic, to say the least. You probably figured that from the lack of posts during that time period. I meant to post but it seemed I never had time. Between lawn care, baseball practice, a kiddo's birthday party, dinner guests, and schedule changes at work due to classes; things got jammed up.

In the middle of all the confusion I found a bubble mailer sitting on the dining room table one day about mid-week. Mrs Spiff told me it came that day and asked what I was expecting. Nothing. No pending trades or recent purchases.

The return address indicated the mailer was from Scott over at Bob Walk the Plank. Inside were several cards and a note from Scott saying he thought I might like them. The pictured 2008 SPx Winning Materials Hank Blalock card was one of the cards in the mailer. It's numbered 122/150 and features a dark blue uniform piece. Also included in the mailer were a second game-used card and three certified Rangers autographs. Wow! Thought I might like them? Of course I do. It was an awesome surprise package and I appreciate it more than I can say.

Of course, I would be low on cool Pirates stuff right now. I've been pondering how to respond and haven't yet come up with anything that seems to be close to appropriate. One thing I can do is say a public and very heartfelt thank you to Scott. You really made my week man and I can't say thanks enough.

Yup, I missed it.

Today we have former Ranger Joaquin Arias and his autograph appearing on a 2008 SPx Young Star Signatures card. Why this card today? Well, it's seven years old this year.

You see, I'm bad about remembering important information. If I don't write it down, I won't remember it. Dates are really bad. Can't remember my kids birth dates, extended family birthdays or anniversaries, and very few other important dates. I even forgot one personally important anniversary last week. No, not my wedding anniversary, that's safely written down on multiple calenders. I missed TRC's anniversary.

Seven years ago, on January 15, 2008, I made the first post on Texas Rangers Cards. Since then I've had a great time meeting other bloggers and card collectors, sharing why I enjoy collecting and hearing why you do as well, and even interviewing (by email) a former player (minor league). Posts have ranged from personal stories to well-known accounts from Rangers history. I've written about career minor-leaguers, little-leaguers, MLB superstars, fallen heroes, villains, heroes, common players, and even a murderer. I've gotten a few bucks from sponsors, some free clothing in exchange for an ad, and a free copy of Strat-O-Matic. That got me hooked on that great game and gave me, my dad, and Spiff Jr hours of time together. I've also picked up some great memories, lots of knowledge of baseball and the Rangers, and great cards from other collectors.

I put out 270 posts that first year, probably only one or two worth reading. The only one or two posts worth reading became a yearly occurrence. The number of yearly posts has not held that steady. 2010 was the high-water mark so far as I posted 300 times while the Rangers were en route to their first ever World Series appearance. 2013's 135 posts were the lowest so far as I struggled with a new job and re-locating the family across two state lines. 2014 was the highest number of posts in three years as things finally evened out. Hopefully I can keep the train on track this year and the posts coming at least that often.

I appreciate the readers (some of whom are friends I have never met in person) who stuck out the lean times and the terrible writing over the past seven years. I am equally grateful for anyone who joined up along the way and stayed for the ride. I always enjoy comments and feedback if you care to let me know what you like or dislike. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for future posts or series. Can't promise I'll use it right away but I rarely turn down a suggestion. Thanks for sticking around, commenting, trading, and just enjoying the Rangers and their baseball cards with me.

Texas come-back.

OK, this 2001 SPx Winning Materials card of Ivan Rodriguez has nothing to do with last night's win. It's Thursday though, time for a game-used or autograph card and I'm running short on both for the current roster. If you're interested in helping me out in this area let me know. I have a few game-used and autos for trade of various players and still quite a few for Pudge's non-Ranger years.

On to last night's game. Game two of a home series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Game one ended the Rangers win streak and new Ranger Matt Garza took the hill to try and start a new run. Things didn't go well for Garza and he left the game midway through the sixth inning trailing 4-2. I figured Oakland had an excellent chance to move back into a tie for first place since the Texas offense was struggling with Milwaukee rookie Tyler Thornburg.

Thornburg left the game after the sixth inning and things took a turn for the better once the Brewer bullpen took over. Texas managed to put together a three run rally in the seventh. The Ranger bullpen was great and Joe Nathan picked up his 36 save. Final: 5-4 Rangers.

Couple of items of note. Leonys Martin gunned down two runners at third base when they tried to run on him. That gives Martin 10 outfield assists on the season and moves him into the category of an outfielder you want to hesitate to run on. Speaking of running, Texas kept the running game going with two more stolen bases, one by Craig Gentry and one by Alex Rios. Good to see Gentry still running and Rios swipe a bag. The more speed in the lineup the more pressure on the opposing pitching and defense.

Meanwhile the Astros pulled off a second consecutive win in Oakland, this one in extra innings. That gives Texas a two game cushion in the American League West. Things are looking good for the Rangers. Hopefully they can keep rolling during the final quarter of the season and stay on top of the A's.

ga2001 SPX Winning Materials dual #IR1

2001 SPX Winning Materials dual #IR1

End of the line.

Today marks the end of an era. One of the best catchers to ever play the game has announced his retirement. After 21 seasons in the Major Leagues, Ivan Rodriguez is hanging up the spikes and mask.

Pudge, shown here on card IR of the 2001 SP Game-Used Edition Authentic Fabric set, broke into the Majors with Texas in 1991. For 12 seasons he thrilled Rangers fans with his bat and defense. The cannon arm snuffed out runners about as fast as they could get on base.

Following the 2002 season Texas was foolish enough let Ivan walk. Florida signed him and he helped lead the team to a World Series title in 2003. On to Detroit in 2004 where he played for almost five seasons before being traded to the Yankees. The 2009 season saw I-Rod starting the season with Houston and then making a triumphant homecoming with the Rangers at the trading deadline. Two seasons with the Washington Nationals finished off the run.

I am a little torn to see Pudge retire. Several years ago I would have figured he was a lock for the Hall of Fame. Now I am not sure. His inability to conclusively deny steroid use could block any bid he might make for a plaque. That would be a tragedy. Aside from Bench, Ivan is easily the best catcher to play the game in recent history. For him to allow the specter of steroid use to loom over his career truly makes no sense.

Calling in sick.

So when I finally got out of bed this afternoon I had a 102 degree fever. Needless to say I am not feeling the best.

Because of that I will leave you with this 2000 SPx Winning Materials #IR-RP card for today. The card features both Ivan Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro along with pieces of game-used baseballs.

Running behind.

Had a tremendously busy day yesterday. Pretty busy day today. Back to tremendously busy tomorrow. The posting should be back to normal on Saturday.

To tide you over until I can get caught up in life I leave you with this 2001 SP Game Bat Edition Piece of the Game card of Ivan Rodriguez. The card features a bit of Pudge's bat and is actually pretty nice looking with no foil in sight.

96!

The Rangers 3-1 victory last night over the Angels finalized their season record at 96-66. Starter Matt Harrision turned in an acceptable performance and Mike Naopli knocked in all three Rangers runs.

The win also moved the team past Ivan Rodriguez, shown here on his 2001 SP Piece of the Action card, and the rest of the 1999 squad. The 2011 club now stands alone as the having the most wins in franchise history. That leaves the 1999 team in second and the 1977 squad in third. Very nice achievement.

In addition to a franchise record, the win last night also gave the Rangers home field advantage for the American League Divisional Series. That will start tomorrow at 1600 in Arlington. The red hot Tampa Bay Devil Rays will be coming in fresh off their upset of the Yankees last night. Both teams are hot and both are hungry. This will be an interesting series. Hope to see a repeat of last year.

Brilliant and not quite enough.

So C.J. Wilson started last night against the Devil Rays in Tampa Bay. Typical of C.J. as of late, he was good. Real good. In fact, this may have been one of the better games of his career. For the first time in his pro career he tossed a complete game shutout. I was a little surprised to hear that. Apparently he had never even thrown one in the minors. Ian Kinsler and David Murphy backed him up with home runs while the rest of the Ranger bats looked good. Final: Rangers 8, Devil Rays 0.

I seem to be running low on C.J. Wilson cards. Guess that's what happens when the guy throws a gem every time he pitches. In light of that I will give today's card to Ian Kinsler. Ian appears on card number AS-25 of the 2007 SP Authentic Speed set. Got to give Kinsler the nod due to his offensive performances in the past two games. In addition to his home run last night he also homered twice this afternoon. That was enough to get the Rangers back into the game in spite of Derek Holland's struggles. Not enough to win it though as Mark Lowe surrendered a walk-off home run in the tenth inning. Final: Devil Rays 5, Rangers 4.

Once again Texas has been up and down over the past couple of days. Starting to feel like a yo-yo here.

Michael's first helps team back to first.

So the Rangers are finally back in sole possession of first place in the American League West. Not only that but I got to hear the game today thanks to it being a day game on the west coast.

Colby Lewis took the mound against the A's in Oakland following the loss there last night. Texas really needed to win this one to break up the developing losing streak. Lewis needed a good showing since he had gotten roughed up in his last couple of starts.

Well, maybe it was being close to home but Colby found his groove. Even though he didn't have his best stuff he managed to hold Oakland to just two runs through eight innings.

Of course those two runs would be enough to sink him if the offense hadn't come through. They did though and in a big way. Michael Young, seen here on card number 21 of the 2004 SPx set, hammered his first home run of the season. The two run shot put Texas up 3-1. Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli both launched in the fifth inning to set the lead at 7-2. In the eighth and ninth innings the guys managed to add four more runs. Final score: 11-2 Texas.

Nice way to play against a division opponent. No errors, good pitching, and hot bats.

On the ballot.

Juan Gonzalez and a piece of his jersey appear on today's card, a 2002 SP Authentic Game Jersey #J-JGo. SP chose a rather embarrassing picture as it looks like Juan has just swung and missed.

So, Juan Gonzalez and Rafael Palmeiro are both on this year's Hall of Fame ballot. Both spent considerable time with the Rangers. Raffy was in Texas for ten seasons out of 20. Gonzo was there for 13 of his 17 seasons.

Gonzalez ended his career with a .295 batting average and a .343 on base percentage. He hit 434 home runs, 388 doubles, and had 1,404 RBI. He also won six Silver Slugger awards and two American League MVP awards. He was selected to three All-Star games. He led the American League in slugging percentage once, doubles once, home runs twice, and RBI once.

Palmeiro compiled a career .288 batting average and a .371 on base percentage. He hit 569 home runs, 585 doubles, and had 1,835 RBI. He also won two Silver Slugger awards and three Gold Gloves. He was selected to four All-Star games. He led the league in hits once, doubles once, and singles once.

Raffy also lied to congress about his steroid use as proven by a failed test. Gonzalez has been mentioned as a possible user but there has never been any proof.

So, what is your opinion? Should either or both of these guys get into The Hall? If you had a vote would you check their name? Why? Why not?

Pratt's printing.

Today's random autograph card comes from the 2002 SPx Prospects set and is number 142 in the set. The card features Andy Pratt and one of his autographs.

When I first got this card in a lot I wondered who Andy Pratt was. That was as far as I got until today when I decided that I had better look him up on Baseball-reference.com.

The first thing that caught my attention was that Andy never played for the Rangers. He was selected in the ninth round of the 1998 draft. He signed shortly thereafter. In the same year he played with the Gulf Coast Rangers in the Rookie League. 1999 was A ball and in 2000 he moved up to Double A. His entire 2001 season was spent at Double A Tulsa.

In April of 2002 the Rangers traded Andy to the Braves for Ben Kozlowski. He finally made his debut with Atlanta in September of that year for one game. In 2004 he showed up four times for the Cubs. Those five games were the extent of Andy's MLB career. Not very many but probably five more than most of us.

Cesar's sig.

Last night was ugly. The Tigers manhandled Scott Feldman. Scooter suffered his worst start of the season as he went only 2.1 innings and gave up six earned runs. The bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding either. The final score was 13-5 Detroit. Ouch!

The trading deadline is also looming. Lots of teams are still in contention and looking to make a deal. There are rumors but Jon Daniels is saying that he isn't sure he can swing a deal for the Rangers.

Cesar King is one player who probably wished for a trade when he was in the Rangers' farm system. King, seen here on card #CK1 of the 1999 SP Signature Edition set, played minor league ball for Texas from 1996 to 2000. That was right in the middle of Ivan Rodriguez's heyday. Effectively blocked by Pudge, King never saw the Bigs. He eventually got away from Pudge's shadow and played a few years for Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Cincinnati. By then it was too late though, his best seasons were behind him. Just as he got the chance to make the big leap, his offense and defense dipped. By age 24 he was done.

Royce's writing.

Ok, so we'll move on past Ian Kinsler and his failure to make the All-Star team. At least Nelson Cruz made it and turned in a respectable Home Run Derby performance. Hopefully that won't throw his swing off.

With not much else going on today in baseball I decided to take a look in the auto and game-used box. This 1999 SP Signature Edition card of Royce Clayton is what I came up with for today's card.

I like this SP set. The background colors match the uniforms and there is a nice space beside the player's picture for the autograph. At the same time the player's picture is a nice size as well. The autograph actually being on-card is icing on the cake. At first I couldn't quite tell what is going on in the picture. I finally settled on Royce preparing to flip his bat towards the dugout after taking a walk. That seems better than him looking back at the umpire in disbelief after being called out on strikes.

Hopefully this card is a good sign for the rest of the season. Royce played on two of Texas' three post-season teams in two and a partial seasons with the team. In his time with the Rangers he played in 333 games and turned in a .267 batting average. I really don't remember Royce in a Ranger's uniform since that was during my time away from the game and collecting. I do remember when he came up with the Giants and was big news.