Was it really him?

Today's card is number 998 in the 1989 ProCards set. If you read this blog at all often you may be asking yourself why I am once again posting a card of Joe Wardlow. Why post a second card within one month of a guy who never made it to the majors? Well, there is a reason.

Eleven days after my post on Joe's 1990 Best card, a comment appeared. Left by an anonymous writer, the comment answered some of the questions I had about Wardlow's career. The visitor ended his remarks by stating that he was Joe Wardlow and wanting to know how to purchase the card I had posted.

Needless to say I was pretty thrilled. I would have never imagined one of the subjects of my posts responding. I immediately dug through my Ranger doubles and unearthed a second 1990 Best Joe Wardlow card. I then responded to the comment.

Here we are another eleven days later and there has been no response. Kind of leads me to repeat the title of my previous Joe Wardlow post, what ever happened to that guy? So, was it really Joe Wardlow who replied to my original post or just a practical joker pulling my leg? What do you think?

Odds and ends.

Today's card is number SR-GK from the 2002 Upper Deck Retro Star Rookies set. It features a game used jersey swatch of Gabe Kapler's. Yes, I know, another day late game-used post. I'll try and get back on track next week. Kapler is listed as a Texas Ranger and the Rangers logo is on the card. The swatch is from a Tigers uniform though, at least that's what the card says.

Texas lost last night to the Angels. Not surprising. What may be a new thing is that the starter only gave up two runs over six innings and was winning the game until the bullpen took over and blew it. Something wrong though about Brandon McCarthy still looking for his first win of the season.

If you look on The Bench you will see that they are running various card collection contests. These are face-offs of different collections and/or cards with the members voting on which ones they think should receive top honors. I am entered in a several categories but am really hoping to at least show in the Player Collector and Team Collector categories. If you get the time pop in and see how Spiff's entries are doing. If you're a member of the site I would appreciate your vote if you can give it honestly. At the least, you should find the contests entertaining.

Sweet sweep!

The Rangers made history last night. No, not just because it was their first three game sweep of the season. For the first time ever the Rangers swept the Royals in Kansas City. Who would have guessed that in 36 years they hadn't managed one single sweep at Kaufman?

The last two games of the series were pitchers duels. Both nights the Rangers managed to win on runs scored as a result of Royal errors. That means being awake and taking advantage of the situation. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, seen here on card number 183 of the 2008 Goudey set, was awake when Royals pitcher Brian Bannister dropped what appeared to be an easy popup. Salty was running on contact with two outs. When the ball hit the ground he just kept moving and managed to score from second.

Nice to see heads up play. Also nice to see the third quality outing in a row for a Rangers starter. The only thing that bugs me is that it is August and the ship is sunk. Why can't the guys play this way in April and make August mean something? Still though, at least they aren't just coasting into the end of the season and that is commendable.

That makes two!

Two straight complete game wins for Kevin Millwood that is. Here is Millwood on his 2006 Topps card, number 485.

After beating Tampa Bay 9-1 in his last start Kevin came back last night and beat Kansas City 2-1 in nine innings. Coming on the heels of Scott Feldman's seven inning run the night before, this start should have given the bullpen some time to catch their breath.

It is nice to see pitching like this from a Rangers starter. That's what the team needs if they are to be a serious contender at some point. It's just too bad that Millwood had some problems earlier in the year and couldn't throw this way the entire season. Perhaps if the starting staff ends this season on a high note and gets shored up some during the off-season we will still be talking October in August of next year.

Rangers in town.

Well, we made it to Kansas City and back last night and saw the Rangers take out the Royals. Had a good time overall. Spiff Jr. was also observing his birthday (not the reason for the trip, just coincided) and declared it worth missing birthday cake.

A week ago last Sunday Spiff Jr. and I took in a game in Arlington. He was given this oversize Josh Hamilton card as part of a Jr. Rangers promotion. We took it along with us to KC and sure enough, Josh was signing. The little man handed it over (getting a small Sharpie mark on it in the process) and Hamilton signed it. Not a bad score for a four-year old. I also got a 2008 Upper Deck card signed but the signature got smudged. Not sure if Hamilton or I did that as he was handing it back to me.

Going to two games fairly closely allowed me the opportunity to compare The Ballpark in Arlington to Kaufman Stadium. Interesting comparison. Both ballparks are undergoing renovation. Texas in the parking lots and KC on the stadium itself. Both teams are out of contention.

Parking was easier in Texas. Not as many parking lot attendants but less confusing. Texas had more numerous fans. Even with a bigger park and 360 degree seating, Arlington seemed to be more filled with fans. Kaufman had a few spots of density but overall was pretty sparse. More security and cops at KC.

Parking was cheaper in KC. As we walked in we had to have our bags checked. No soda we were told. I had called on Saturday night and spoken to a Royals operator who assured me repeatedly that pop was ok to bring in. The security personnel agreed that a lot of people had been saying that they had been told that. Mrs. Spiff ran the drinks back to the car. In Texas the security folks just look at your Dr. Pepper and tell you to have a nice game.

As we entered the stadium I noticed the smell, not a good one. Not sure what it was but it wasn't good. Never encountered that in Texas. Access to the players for any autograph seekers is great in both parks.

I have thought several times that Texas should add a second video board to ensure that everyone in the park can see at least one board. KC has a huge "megatron" that the entire park can see. It is almost too big. The sound is definitely too loud. I have had to yell to be heard in Texas over the other fans but never over the PA.

I had several other observations but this post is already way longer than normal. I'll sum up by saying that both parks are enjoyable but Texas manages to win overall on several fronts.

Book 1, Page 7

Hooray! It's Monday again! I know Monday isn't a big deal for most folks but it is my day off. Especially nice after working the weekend. Today the family and I are headed over to Kansas City to watch as Texas starts off a three game visit.

Also got Ivan on Monday to keep the day upbeat. Here we go with page seven from the first binder. Today's cards are:
1992 Topps McDonalds #41
1992 Topps Micro #78
1992 Triple Play #51
1992 Ultra #139
1992 Upper Deck #245
1992 Upper Deck FanFest #2
Empty pocket
1992 Upper Deck Gold Hologram #245
Empty pocket

Got the two spots left for the 1992 Upper Deck FanFest Gold #2 and the 1992-00 Sports Illustrated for Kids #518. Give me a shout if you know the location of either of these cards.

Of these seven cards I like the 1992 Upper Deck the best. Nice shot of Pudge in the Tools of Ignorance. Since he made his name as much with his defense as his bat it is always nice to see shots of him in his gear.

2005 Upper Deck First Pitch - Loe

Texas lost again last night. That drops them down to 63-66 for the year. They really need to go on a winning streak to get to end the year at .500.

A recent bright spot has been Kameron Loe. Loe is seen here on card number 309 of the 2005 Upper Deck First Pitch set. Kam came into the game last night and went 4 1/3 innings without giving up a run. That gave Texas the chance to climb back into the game and give winning a go.

Since being called up on August 16th, Loe has hurled 9 1/3 shutout innings. Not bad, not bad at all. Now we just need the starters to give him and the rest of the bullpen a break occasionally so they can keep pitching that way.